Did you know offshore real estate ownership carries IRS reporting requirements? If you are a US taxpayer or US resident you need to be aware of the IRS reporting requirements associated with the ownership of foreign real estate. There are many ways you may hold title to the offshore real...
Investment in a Foreign Trust Creates Complex Reporting Requirements
The IRS has clearly identified legitimate reasons why "US Persons" would establish or maintain ownership in a foreign trust. However, there are significant and complex tax reporting requirements associated with US taxpayers who are beneficiaries with an investment in a foreign trust. There are specific transactional reporting requirements for those...
The Challenges of Offshore Investment Accounts
US taxpayers must be aware of the challenges of offshore investment accounts as they relate to tax liability and the ramifications of FATCA and compliance with IRS FBAR reporting. The greatest risk to US taxpayers with offshore investment accounts may be the complex accounting and legal distinctions regarding foreign investments...
IRS Form 5471 Carries Heavy Penalties and Consequences
If you have any ownership position in an offshore or foreign corporation it is important to understand your reporting responsibilities to the IRS. If you own 10% or more of any foreign corporation's voting authority, you are required to accurately and transparently complete IRS Form 5471 and attach it to your federal return...
Foreign Nationals Should Beware of PFICs
Many foreign nationals live and work in the US. For those who are permanent residents or have received their green card or other qualifying visa, it is important to understand your requirements as a US taxpayer and the impact your foreign investments may have upon the taxes you will owe...
What is a PFIC and How Do Offshore Investments Lead to Higher Taxation?
What is a PFIC and how could your offshore investments actually lead to a higher taxation rate on earned income? A Passive Foreign Investment Company or PFIC is classified by the IRS in two ways: 75% or more of the income from the foreign corporation is classified as "passive income,"...
36 US Taxpayers Exposed for Tax Fraud by Panama Papers
A new batch of data in the "Panama Papers" was released this morning by the International Consortium of Journalists - the group of international journalists who is managing the editing and release of 11.5 million documents collectively known as the Panama Papers. 36 US taxpayers were among those exposed for...
IRS Lists Hiding Income and Assets in Offshore Accounts in its “Dirty Dozen” Scam Targets
The IRS has listed hiding income and assets in offshore accounts in its "Dirty Dozen" annual scam target list. This is yet another signal to US taxpayers who have not yet come into compliance with the IRS and FBAR reporting reporting requirements relating to their offshore financial activities. The IRS...