Forms W-8BEN and W-9: Which to Use, When, and Why Many Get It Wrong

It is crucial to understand the differences between Form W-8BEN and Form W-9 when receiving payments from U.S. sources. This is especially so if the taxpayer operates, invests, or maintains financial accounts overseas. Many taxpayers get this wrong, often to their detriment. This article provides the guidance needed to understand which form is required and … Continue reading Forms W-8BEN and W-9: Which to Use, When, and Why Many Get It Wrong →

U.S. Tax Rules: IRAs After Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card

Imagine over the years that you’ve built a nest egg in a U.S. Individual Retirement Account, Roth IRA, or Simplified Employee Pension IRA. This is a common scenario for many U.S. citizens and green card holders while working in the United States. In a scenario that is becoming increasingly more common, imagine that after years … Continue reading U.S. Tax Rules: IRAs After Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card →

Foreign Partnerships with a US Partner? Some Planning Ideas

An earlier blog post explained how easy it is for the foreign person to fall into some nasty US tax traps when entering a foreign partnership with a US person. Even if that foreigner never sets foot in America and works solely from the foreign location, he can end up paying US taxes. In addition, … Continue reading Foreign Partnerships with a US Partner? Some Planning Ideas →

Foreign Loans & Mortgages – Foreigners Residing in US / Expats Returning to US…. Surprise! US Withholding Tax Required on Interest Payments?

Many Americans living abroad purchase properties in their foreign country of residence. They often accomplish this with financing from a financial institution located in the country where the property was purchased. Later, they may return to the US and continue holding the property and meeting their mortgage payments. Similarly, many non-US citizens purchase properties with … Continue reading Foreign Loans & Mortgages – Foreigners Residing in US / Expats Returning to US…. Surprise! US Withholding Tax Required on Interest Payments? →

“US Source” Income – What Is It? Why Should I Care?

As many of my readers may know, there is a 30% withholding tax imposed on certain payments to foreign persons (whether individuals or entities) by US-payors. The 30% rate may be reduced or eliminated if a relevant treaty can apply. Withholding is required only for particular types of income provided the income has not been … Continue reading “US Source” Income – What Is It? Why Should I Care? →