IRS “Direct File” Will Become a Permanent Option – But Not for Americans Overseas

The IRS announced on Thursday May 30, it will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns starting in the 2025 tax season. Taxpayers who can fit within the Direct File eligibility parameters will be able to file their federal tax return for free, directly with the IRS! No middleman, no TurboTax, … Continue reading IRS “Direct File” Will Become a Permanent Option – But Not for Americans Overseas →

Foreign Spouse? Vexing U.S. Tax Issues For The American Half

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes May 20, 2024 – link here. Follow me on Forbes - it's free and your gateway for easy to understand US international tax coverage. I’ve got 40 years of tax experience and am very careful with my blog posts to ensure accurate information is being provided. Just … Continue reading Foreign Spouse? Vexing U.S. Tax Issues For The American Half →

No U.S. Tax Honeymoon When Americans Marry Non-U.S. Citizens

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes May 11, 2024 – link here. It provides some important tax tips for those in a US/non-US citizen mixed marriage! Follow me on Forbes for easy to understand US international tax coverage. I’d loved to be your “go-to” person when it comes to US tax issues impacting Americans … Continue reading No U.S. Tax Honeymoon When Americans Marry Non-U.S. Citizens →

Moving Overseas? 6 U.S. Tax Tips For Expats And Digital Nomads

Imagine the freedom of working from anywhere in the world, with just an internet connection and a trusty laptop. For many Americans, this dream is becoming a reality as the allure of lower taxes, improved quality of life, and better weather beckons. Before embarking on a global adventure, it's essential to understand the intricate U.S. … Continue reading Moving Overseas? 6 U.S. Tax Tips For Expats And Digital Nomads →

Another Breaking! Farhy Overruled – A Big Loss for Overseas Americans

I have written earlier on the case of Farhy v. Commissioner. There the Tax Court held that the IRS does not have the authority to assess and collect penalties asserted under Internal Revenue Code Section 6038(b). In the Farhy case, the assessed penalties were imposed for failure to file Form 5471, the IRS form required … Continue reading Another Breaking! Farhy Overruled – A Big Loss for Overseas Americans →

Death Of The American Abroad: Untangling U.S. Tax Across Borders

Many of my readers know I am now a contributor writing on Forbes. My coverage area is US international tax law for overseas Americans and foreigners. My article is copied below. It first appeared on Forbes April 22, 2024 here. In our global society, more and more Americans are living and working overseas. This inevitably … Continue reading Death Of The American Abroad: Untangling U.S. Tax Across Borders →

Insights For Foreigners: Navigating The U.S. Tax Maze Before Residency

As some of my readers know, I am now a contributor writing on Forbes. My coverage area is US international tax law for overseas Americans and foreigners. My article is copied below. It first appeared on Forbes April 14, 2024 here. Don't miss out on my informative and easy-to-understand US tax content - Follow me … Continue reading Insights For Foreigners: Navigating The U.S. Tax Maze Before Residency →

Taxpayer Wins Again on 5471 Penalty – IRS Cannot Assess

In a holding by the US Tax Court on April 8, 2024, the case of Raju J. Mukhi v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue brought into sharp focus the principle of stare decisis and its implications for tax law. The Tax Court rejected the IRS’ assessment of penalties under Section 6038(b), for failure to file Form … Continue reading Taxpayer Wins Again on 5471 Penalty – IRS Cannot Assess →

To Amend or Not to Amend – That is the Question

Discovered an error in a prior year’s tax return? Everyone is busy preparing US tax returns for 2023. Taxpayers should note that thorough preparation of the current year’s tax return should include a review at least, of the return filed for the prior tax year. (Taxpayers using new return preparers should be wary if … Continue reading To Amend or Not to Amend – That is the Question →

Taxpayer Denied “Reasonable Cause” When Preparer Fails to e-file Returns

How difficult is it for a taxpayer to establish “reasonable cause” such that penalties for various tax mishaps can be forgiven or abated? It’s very difficult. The recent case of Wayne Lee v. United States, No. 22-10793 (11th Cir. 10/24/23) underscores the point and reminds taxpayers to get reliable tax advisors and return preparers. Going … Continue reading Taxpayer Denied “Reasonable Cause” When Preparer Fails to e-file Returns →