5 U.S. Estate Tax Surprises For Nonresident Alien Investors

Foreign investors can win big with United States investments.  While holding U.S. assets can be lucrative, the U.S. estate tax regime is complex and often misunderstood by nonresident alien investors. NRAs, those who are neither U.S. citizens nor residents for estate tax purposes, are often very surprised when they learn of the challenges imposed by the … Continue reading 5 U.S. Estate Tax Surprises For Nonresident Alien Investors

WEBINAR – Back By Popular Demand FBAR, FBAR, FBAR!

Learn all about FBAR and expand services to your clients with confidence.  Maybe even land Pope Leo XIV as a new client since his Holiness probably has to file FinCEN Form 114 for the Vatican Bank's accounts.  Understand your own compliance risks and what to do if you are not compliant.  This is the FBAR … Continue reading WEBINAR – Back By Popular Demand FBAR, FBAR, FBAR!

One Big Beautiful Revenge Tax: Hits Foreigners From “Unfair Tax” Jurisdictions

The U.S. House of Representatives just passed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” by a narrow margin, with the vote being 215 to 214.  Foreign persons (including foreign governments) considering inbound investments should pay close watch as this develops.  The OBBBA has many tax provisions, but one (Section 112029 of the OBBBA) would … Continue reading One Big Beautiful Revenge Tax: Hits Foreigners From “Unfair Tax” Jurisdictions

The Hendler Case: FBAR Penalties Survive Beyond Death

A recent decision reminds taxpayers and the tax compliance community of the importance of filing the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.  The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in United States v. Hendler, 23 Civ. 3280 (Sept. 17, 2024) has clarified the enduring nature of penalties tied to FBAR. … Continue reading The Hendler Case: FBAR Penalties Survive Beyond Death

Understanding Joint Ownership And Estate Tax: Deep Dive Into The Rules

When it comes to estate planning, how you hold property with others can have significant tax implications after you have passed on.  Internal Revenue Code Section 2040 governs how joint ownership of property with right of survivorship is treated for federal estate tax purposes.  The rules can catch even the most astute investors off guard. … Continue reading Understanding Joint Ownership And Estate Tax: Deep Dive Into The Rules

PODCAST! Crash Course Info! Renouncing US Citizenship / Relinquishing Green Card – Beware The Exit Tax and More

A very informative podcast - I would say it's a crash course on the US #expatriation regime including the recently issued final IRS regs on the Sec. 2801 transfer tax, lots of tax tips including gifting issues to get below USD 2 million threshold, what NOT TO DO if CBP wants you to sign I-407 … Continue reading PODCAST! Crash Course Info! Renouncing US Citizenship / Relinquishing Green Card – Beware The Exit Tax and More

Unfiled Tax Returns Can Lead To An IRS Action That Costs You Money

With tax filing season in full swing, it’s important to understand what might happen if you do not file a U.S. income tax return. The IRS can, and often will, file a “substitute” return for you and generally, it won’t be favorable. Taxpayers living and working abroad face greater risks with a SFR. The IRS … Continue reading Unfiled Tax Returns Can Lead To An IRS Action That Costs You Money

Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card: Harsh Tax On Social Security

A portion of an individual’s U.S. Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits may be subject to U.S. income tax, regardless if the individual is a U.S. or non-U.S. person.  Before delving into the details about tax on Social Security, it is helpful to understand the different nomenclature when it comes to certain benefits.  Social … Continue reading Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card: Harsh Tax On Social Security

40% Transfer Tax: IRS Final Say On Foreign Gifts, Bequests From “Covered Expatriates”

Seventeen years after Congress enacted IRC Section 2801, the IRS (finally) released final regulations implementing the law on January 10, 2025.  It’s been a long wait. The regulations clarify (to a certain extent) the tax implications for U.S. persons receiving certain gifts and bequests from former U.S. citizens and long-term resident green card holders. At its … Continue reading 40% Transfer Tax: IRS Final Say On Foreign Gifts, Bequests From “Covered Expatriates”

U.S. Estate Tax Treaties – Help For Foreigners But Not U.S. Citizens

Foreign investors with assets in the United States often encounter complex estate tax rules that can significantly impact taxation of their U.S. assets at death.  If the individual is a non-resident, non-citizen of the U.S. (NRNC), the U.S. estate tax applies only to assets situated or deemed to be situated within the U.S. (for example, … Continue reading U.S. Estate Tax Treaties – Help For Foreigners But Not U.S. Citizens