How does the IRS define willfulness in unreported or under-reported offshore income? What actions help determine whether a U.S. taxpayer's actions amount to "willful or non-willful" conduct? Why should U.S. taxpayers be concerned whether the IRS perceives their actions as willful? If you have accounts with any Foreign Financial Institutions...
You Sign Every Tax Return Under The Penalties of Perjury
Many Americans have not noticed the paragraph above their signature line on the 1040 and other IRS and state tax forms, which notifies the taxpayer that they signed their tax return "under the penalties of perjury" and that they had examined the return and underlying schedules. The "Sign Here" block...
What is an FBAR and What Foreign Financial Information Are You Required to Report?
What is an FBAR, and what information is a U.S. taxpayer required to report to the U.S. Government and the IRS? There are many questions about the requirements for U.S. taxpayers with foreign accounts, investments, and assets, as well as the exchange of financial information between the IRS and Foreign...
Are you Thinking of Moving to Another Country – A Few Things to Consider
Are you thinking of moving to another country? Over the past decade, a record number of U.S. citizens have decided to live and work abroad. There are many issues you may not have considered that will impact any decision to become a U.S. expatriate. The European Union, through its official...
When to Consider the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program
Are you wondering when a US taxpayer should consider the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program or VDP? Are you concerned about unreported or under-reported income, financial accounts, assets, investments, cryptocurrency or business assets or interests? What do you need to know about FATCA-based reporting to the IRS and how the agency...
The Tax Consequences of Offshore Mutual Funds for US Expats and Taxpayers
What are the tax consequences of offshore mutual funds for US expats and taxpayers? US expatriates have faced a substantial number of challenges over the past several years as a result of FATCA. It can be hard to simply open a bank account. Almost all Foreign Financial Institutions (FFIs) require...
Questions Regarding Offshore Accounts and FBAR Filing Requirements
Many US taxpayers still have questions regarding offshore accounts and FBAR filing requirements and compliance. Is there a genuine risk their activities (or lack of compliance) will come to light? The definition of a US taxpayer includes all US citizens, as well as those who work or live within the...
What Happens If You Don’t File an FBAR
It is common for a US taxpayer to ask “what happens if you don’t file an FBAR or a Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Assets with the IRS? Why do I have to worry about filing an FBAR in San Diego or anywhere in the US, and what happens...
ABCast Episode 9 – International Tax Planning
Our Firm's podcast ABCast is pleased to release Episode 9 - International Tax Planning which as an overview of many legal and tax issues associated with international business, investments, financial accounts and assets. International tax planning is essential to protect your assets while minimizing the impact of taxation. The reporting...