9 Tax To-Dos for the New Expat

Get your new life started on a firm footing.

Own Non-US Real Estate? The Rules are Exactly the Same (Except for how they’re Different)

Clear as mud? Good. Let’s first run through the easy stuff (the same stuff you can read anywhere else), and then we’ll get into the more complicated issues.

Moving Abroad? Time for a New US Tax Advisor

New expats and digital nomads often work with the same US tax advisor they’ve used for years. This article describes the trouble this can cause and how you can avoid it.

Getting Back on Track – Overview of IRS Amnesty Programs

The IRS imposes hefty penalties for failing to disclose offshore assets, but it also provides several amnesty programs to help you get back on track. This article discusses the hows and whys of each amnesty program.

How FATCA Applies to your Offshore Investment, Part 3

This article, the final in a three-part series, applies the FATCA rules discussed in the previous articles to non-U.S. trusts. This article discusses how non-U.S. trusts are treated for FATCA purposes and their options for FATCA compliance.

How FATCA Applies to your Offshore Investment, Part 2

The second part of this series applies the technical rules discussed in Part 1 to two offshore structures: a direct investment and an investment through an offshore corporation.

How FATCA Applies to your Offshore Investment, Part 1

If you have offshore investments, you have undoubtedly heard about FATCA. You may have questions about exactly how FATCA applies to your investment structure. This article series cuts through the FATCA hype and fear mongering to show exactly how FATCA will affect your offshore investment.

Own Stock of a Non-US Corporation? The IRS Wants to Know All About it

When you own stock of a non-US corporation, you’re required to file IRS Form 5471, which is one of the most complicated tax forms known to man (or woman). This article discusses all of the background information you need if you’re required to include an IRS Form 5471 in your return.

Have you Received a “Dear American” Letter from your Non-US Bank?

This articles discusses why non-US banks are sending letters to US accountholders and how to respond.

How to Reduce Tax by Moving Your Business Offshore

You can legally reduce your US tax bill by moving your business offshore, but only if you move yourself along with it. This article describes how you can significantly reduce your US tax liability by moving outside the US.

How to Structure your Non-US Business or Profession

Are you an expat or digital nomad with your own gig going on? This article describes how to wrap everything in the perfect legal structure for your situation so you pay as little US tax as possible.

Offshore Life Insurance – The Last Actual Tax Shelter

Believe it or not, there is still a structure on the books that is actually a sanctioned method to defer or eliminate U.S. tax. Offshore life insurance is the last actual tax shelter, but it is only for those with the physical and financial means to pursue it and a strong stomach to withstand the many complexities.

Expats: Beware the FBAR Dragnet

The FBAR’s shotgun approach catches not only tax dodgers but also ordinary expats who use foreign accounts to do ordinary things like pay living expenses in the local currency. This article discusses the FBAR filing requirement so you can determine if you’ve been caught in the FBAR dragnet.

Use Your US Retirement Assets to Invest in Non-US Real Estate

A “self-directed IRA” structure can allow you to access your US retirement assets for investment in non-US real estate. This article discusses how to form the structure and avoid making costly mistakes.

Reduce or Eliminate Your US Tax Bill with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion

The foreign earned income exclusion (the “FEIE”) is often the centerpiece of an expat’s tax strategy. However, there are some ins and outs here—the FEIE is not simply a “get out of US tax free” card.

Your Non-US Spouse Creates Tax Planning Opportunities

Marrying a non-US person opens up a unique world of tax planning opportunities. This article discusses how to leverage these opportunties to your best advantage.