Navigating the complexities of the federal oversight, investigations, reporting requirements and challenges of the IRS requires the specialized guidance of an offshore and IRS tax lawyer who understands that tax issues are rarely isolated. Federal tax law and associated issues are intertwined with international treaties, corporate governance, a different accounting...
How does the Automatic Extension of Time to File Your Tax Return with the IRS Work?
Should you request the automatic extension of time to file your tax return with the IRS? What is the specific process to obtain the extension, and what does a U.S. taxpayer need to know about this important right? The decision to file an extension is often mistaken for a lack...
Should You Amend An Error in a Previous IRS Tax Filing or Hope They Don’t Notice?
Should you amend an error in a previous IRS tax filing or just let it go and hope the agency doesn't notice? We are a few weeks from the annual deadline for most U.S. taxpayers to file tax returns, and it may surprise you to learn how often U.S. taxpayers...
Ignorance of FBAR Reporting and Worldwide Income Disclosure is No Excuse for a U.S. Taxpayer
Our offices have handled many cases of U.S. taxpayers, expatriates, and foreign nationals and spouses who live and work in the United States, with offshore accounts, assets, investments, business interests, or income. Many were not aware the U.S. taxes all income, worldwide. U.S. taxpayers are required by law to understand...
How to Deal with the IRS on Back Taxes
Are you concerned about how to deal with the IRS on back taxes? Have you received a communication from the IRS, such as a CP14 "Notice of Tax Due and Demand for Payment"? Take a breath, you have more options and time than your accelerating heartbeat would leave you to...
Are You a Foreign National Living and Working in California
Foreign nationals living and working in California—particularly in cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose (Silicon Valley)—are often surprised by how quickly U.S. tax obligations can apply. Whether you entered the United States on an H-1B visa, L-1 visa, O-1 visa, or another employment-based visa, it...
IRS is Considering Updates to the Voluntary Disclosure Practice
A request for public comment reveals the IRS is considering updates to the Voluntary Disclosure practice. The agency states its “commitment to improve its processes, and to further incentivize non-compliant taxpayers to come into compliance.” Key Takeaways Now That the IRS is Considering Updates to the Voluntary Disclosure Practice: The...
The IRS will Discover Your Offshore Financial and Digital Activities
As long as there have been taxes levied in the world, there have been those who try to work the system or evade taxes altogether. Unfortunately for many, the world has become a much smaller place for those who wish to underreport income or shelter their income and assets. The...
Why is a PFIC a Potentially Punitive Tax Consequence
What is a Passive Foreign Investment Company or PFIC, and why is a PFIC a potentially punitive tax consequence? Why is it important for any U.S. expatriate or U.S. taxpayer living or investing overseas to understand the concept of a PFIC and the implications these investments have on income tax...