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December 26, 2018

US Expatriate and Nonresident Estate Planning

If you are a expatriate and have assets in the USA or are a US nonresident with assets in the USA it can save you substantial legal expenses, time and taxes to do the proper estate planning.  If you have assets abroad outside of the USA it also is wise to plan for the disposition of those assets under the laws of the country where they are located.  Though some countries may recognize the US estate planning documents and techniques, many do not and best to plan for your foreign assets disposition upon your demise under the local law and using documents recognized under that foreign law,
What are the steps Involved in US estate planning?Identify your goals for creating an estate plan: Do you want to provide for your family, protect assets, prepare for incapacity, take control of your legacy, or do all of the above?
  1. List the asset you want to include in your plan: When making a plan, you need to consider all of the money and property you own either independently or jointly.
  2. Identify the risks to your assets and make plans to protect them: If you lose your wealth because of high nursing-home costs, because of creditor claims, or because you don't make a business succession plan, then you'll undermine your efforts to leave a legacy. You need to know what risks you face and mitigate them.
  3. Identify the loved ones you want to provide for and protect: There may be many people in your life whom you need to consider in your plan, including not a spouse, children, friends, and even pets. And your loved ones may all have different needs. For example, your minor children will need a guardian if you can't raise them to adulthood.
  4. Decide whether you want to make charitable contributions: You may want to make bequests in your will to a charity, or take other steps to give such as creating a foundation or a charitable remainder trust.
  5. Determine whether your potential heirs or beneficiaries have any special needs: In some cases, you'll need to take extra steps to ensure that an inheritance is transferred appropriately and used wisely.
  6. Determine whether you'll owe estate tax: The federal government and some states charge taxes on larger estates.
  7. Decide whether avoiding probate is one of your goals: In most cases, assets transfer through the probate process, which can be complicated and expensive. You may want to avoid this, and that will require different estate planning techniques.
  8. Think about what will happen if you become incapacitated: If an illness or injury leaves you temporarily or permanently incapacitated, you'll need to consider questions such as who will make decisions for you and what kinds of care you'll receive or reject. You'll also need to think about who will provide you with care and how you'll pay for it.
  9. Make sure you have the right insurance policies: If you don't have enough money to provide for dependent loved ones, you may need to obtain additional coverage, such as life insurance. 
  10. Determine what legal tools you'll need to use: You may need to use tools such as trusts, a power of attorney, advance directives, and a last will and testament to accomplish your goals, provide for loved ones, and prepare for incapacity. 
  11. Implement your plan: This could involve taking steps such as changing how property is owned, creating legal documents, or transferring assets into a trust. You should likely have a lawyer help with this step.

We can help. US estate taxes hit nonresidents  when their US assets exceed $60,000 whereas US estate taxes do not apply to US residents until their worldwide assets exceed $11,400,000 US.  Expensive and time consuming probate for assets located in most US states can happen when the assets are only worth approx $10,000 or more (this figure varies depending on the state where the asset is located). Contact us on skype at dondnelson or by email at ddnelson@gmail.com, As attorneys and CPAs we are uniquely qualified to cover all bases.

December 22, 2018

ARE YOU A WINNER OR LOSER UNDER THE NEW TAX LAW EFFECTIVE FOR 2018?

The winners under the new tax law are large corporations, the wealthy and in many situations small business owners.    As an expatriate there is now a new GILTI tax on your share of controlled foreign corporations, whether large or small.

The losers are those in high tax states (NY, California, Etc) and all taxpayers due to the skyrocketing deficit which increases by the minute due to high federal spending and not enough tax revenues to pay for it all.  READ MORE HERE FROM CBS NEWS

Need help?  email us at taxmeless@gmail.com. We know the tax law and how to help you.


December 20, 2018

Foreign Property Taxes and Interest on Foreign Real Estate ...Some Bad News

Foreign property (real estate) taxes aren't deductible on tax year 2018 through 2025 returns due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This rule applies to a personal residence or second property. In 2017 and prior years, foreign property taxes could be deducted.  Property tax deduction on foreign rental properties are subject to the same rules as your US rental property.


You can still deduct the mortgage interest on schedule A on foreign real  property that is your personal first or second home, assuming you meet the  limitations on interest deductions for personal residences and second homes

The maximum amount of taxes that can be deducted on Schedule A (for personal residences) plus state income taxes, vehicle license plates, sales tax, etc is limited to $10,000 per year for 2018 and beyond.

Keep in mind that to get any benefit from the deduction of medical expenses, state taxes, residence interest, and charitable deductions the total of all of those items must exceed the $24,000 standard deduction married couples get or $12,000 for those who file as single.  And remember you no longer get a personal exemption deduction for yourself, your spouse or your children.  That deduction is gone.

Need help with your tax return or planning for the future?  Email us at ddnelson@gmail.com. 

December 19, 2018

INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE TAXES IN COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD - FOR EXPATS

Need to know the income taxes, corporate taxes in the country you are living in or the country you plan to move to after you leave the USA to retire or work?   The links below will provide you with almost all the information you might need.

CORPORATE TAXES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

INDIVIDUAL TAXES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES 

If you need assistance with planning your US tax when abroad, preparing the necessary returns, and other IRS or state tax matters contact us at ddnelson@gmail.com.  we specialize in US expatriate, nonresident and international taxes.

December 11, 2018

2018 YEAR END TAX PLANNING LETTER AND NEW EXPAT TAX LAWS

There is still time left before the end of 2018 to take steps to save taxes under the new tax laws enacted last year. READ AND DOWNLOAD OUT 2018 TAX PLANNING LETTER HERE.

Kauffman Nelson LLP, CPAs is a firm of CPAs and Attorneys with 30 years experience in US expatriate, international and US nonresident taxation.  We prepare your 2018 tax  return and assist you with planning, problems, audits, and all other US tax matters. Email us at taxmeless@gmail.com 

DOWNLOAD OUR 2018 EXPAT TAX RETURN QUESTIONNAIRE AND SEND IT IN FOR A FEE QUOTE HERE. GET STARTED EARLY AND SAVE TIME AND MONEY.  It is in MS Word Format to make it easy to complete on your computer or tablet.


December 9, 2018

2018 RATES, Standard Deductions and More - See What will Happen to You

 IRS Announces 2019 Tax Rates, Standard Deduction Amounts And More. READ MORE
HERE FROM FORBES MAGAZINE.  Need year end planning, email us at taxmeless@gmail.com. Attorney and CPAs will be there to help you find the best strategy.

December 4, 2018

2018 Expat Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Housing Exclusion

 For 2018 the foreign earned income exclusion is $104,100. This applies to earned income from your work abroad and increases each year. Many IT, Tech, and Coding employees and self employed indivduals chose to live and work abroad to take advantage of his amazing tax break.

  If you live in a no tax or low tax country, you may not have to pay any tax on this much of your earned income if you are a bonafide resident of your home country or meet the physical presence test of  not going back to the US more than 35 days during any 12 month calendar or fiscal year period.  Read more about this exclusion and how to qualify and the additional deduction you can receive for your rental expenses and living expenses abroad (housing exclusion) in publication 54 READ IT HERE

Kauffman Nelson LLP CPAs have done tax return exclusively for US Expatriates and US Nonresidents for over 20 years.  We know the laws, and the recent changes implemented by the new tax laws enacted at the end of 2017.  Email us at taxmeless@gmail.com and visit our website at www.taxmeless.com for lots of useful tax information and tax savings.


December 3, 2018

New Tax Law - Get Your Divorce Now (before end of 2018) or later

If you finalize your divorce prior to the end of 2018, if you are the payer you can continue to deduction your alimony payment and your spouse must include those payments in is or her income for tax purposes.

HOWEVER, beginning in 2019 Alimony is no longer deductible to paying spouse and no longer taxable to receiving spouse. THEREFORE, depending on which side of the divorce you are on, you may want to hurry up and get it done now, or may want to delay until 2019.

BIG tax consequences.... see your divorce lawyer now!

Need help with your tax planning or returns?  Attorney and CPAs specializing in Expatriate, US International and US Nonresident taxation for 30 plus years.  Email us at ddnelson@gmail.com



December 2, 2018

New IRS Disclosure Procedures for Those With Undisclosed Foreign Assets and Unreported Foreign Income

The IRS ended the Voluntary Offshore Disclosure Program in September of 2018. This program was designed to allow those who  had  past unreported foreign income and unreported foreign assets to catch up with the IRS and reduce some penalties, and avoid the risk of criminal prosecution.

On November 20, 2018, the IRS announced new procedures which replaces the OSVDI and if chosen, could reduce many penalties and in many instances avoid criminal prosecution.  The link to the memo addressing this new procedure is below.

This program can be used by those who have much bigger hidden income and disclosure problems than could be address through the IRS streamlined program. If you decide to surface with the IRS using these new procedures best you use a tax attorney so your situation is kept confidential

READ THE NEW IRS RULES AND PROCEDURES HERE (download  IRS memo)

Contact Don Nelson, US International Tax Attorney with over 30 years experience at ddnelson@gmail.com if you wish to discuss your situation or learn more.  We have helped over a hundred clients with past unreported foreign assets and income catch up and resolve matters with the IRS.


December 1, 2018

DETERMINE IF YOU CONTRIBUTION WILL BE TO A RECOGNIZED CHARITY. BEFORE MAKING THE CONTRIBUTION

We all get asked to make contributions to recognized charities.  Often we have never heard of the
charity and sometimes if may not be one recognized by the IRS. Only charities which are recognized by the IRS will give you a charitable deduction on your tax return.  The IRS has a on line database which allows you to check out the name of all registered charities.   The link below will allow you to make certain your contribution is tax deductible and going for a good cause.

IRS DATABASE LISTING ALL RECOGNIZED NON PROFIT CHARITIES

Remember contributions to political parties, political organization and PACS are not deductible. Also with respect to foreign tax exempt charities the rules on whether or not the contribution can be deducted are complex and must be followed if you wish to get a deduction.  Those rules must be reviewed carefully to assure you contribution will produce a tax benefit.  See IRS publication 526

For 2018 and beyond you get a standard deduction on Schedule A of $24,000 if you file jointly or $12,000 if you file single. Therefore your taxes, medical expenses, charitable contributions, etc must exceed those amounts to give you any tax benefit.

Our firm offers mini consultations to help you resolve your tax problems, for planning and answer your tax questions. We are all US attorneys and CPAs. If you wish to have such a consultation email us at taxmeless@gmail.com.  Visit our website at www.taxmeless.com






November 27, 2018

NEW GILTI TAX ON CONTROLLED FOREIGN CORPORATIONS FOR 2018

If you own more than fifty percent of a foreign corporation holding real estate or operating a business
abroad, you now have to plan for the new GILTI tax (acronym)  IRC Section 951A resulting from the Tax Bill enacted in late 2017.   This tax applies to both large and small foreign corporations. In the past unless you had certain types of income, any net profits left in the corporation were not taxed on your personal return (or US corporate return if the foreign corporation is owned by your foreign corporation).  Now it is probable if there is a profit you will have to pay tax on the profits remaining at year end in your foreign corporation.

READ MORE ABOUT THE GILTI TAX  HERE IN AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE BY AN EXPERT - CPA  KYLE LODDER

Contact us at ddnelson@gmail.com if you want to plan for the tax, the impact of the tax, or avoiding it before the end of 2018.  Time is limited and after year end there is nothing you can do.

November 26, 2018

TAX LAW CHANGES FOR 2018 THAT MAY HELP OR HURT YOU AS AN EXPAT

What follow are a few of the obscure changes in the 2018 tax laws that may help or hurt you.

  • The standard itemized  deduction (Schedule A) for 2018 is $24,000 if you file married filing jointly and $12,000 if single. That means your medical expenses, taxes ( within the new lower allowable limit) interest, charitable contributions and misc deductions (many of these have been eliminated) must exceed that amount in order to give you any tax benefit.
  • The personal exemptions for you, your spouse, and your children have been eliminated.
  • You can no longer deduct the property taxes paid on foreign real estate used by you personally such as a second home or your primary residence located in a foreign country.
  • If you have a foreign residential rental, you can now depreciate it over 30 years rather than the previous 40 years.  Foreign commercial rentals are still depreciated over 40 years.
  • If you retirement age and required  to take withdrawals from your IRA, you can designated part or all of the mandatory withdrawal to a registered charity and that part of your withdrawal will not be taxed to you.  This may be of benefit since the new standard deduction at $24,000 may make it impossible to get any tax benefit from charitable contributions except for very large amounts.
Need help planning for 2018 taxes before year end or with other international, expatriate or nonresident tax matters (including catching up) email us at ddnelson@gmail.com or visit our website at www.taxmeless.com 

November 1, 2018

SMART TAX MOVES TO MAKE NOW -NEW TAX LAWS CHANGES RULES FOR 2018

The new 2018 tax rules have changed some of the rules for year end tax planning. 

Some of these rules might apply to expatriates and nonresidents.  The foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credit rules do remain the same as the past.  However if you own a foreign corporation the new GILTI tax may apply and force you to pay tax on undistributed income from your foreign corporation. 

Read more about some year end tax planning  suggestions from AARP HERE

If you need help or have questions and you are a US expatriate, nonresident  or owner of foreign assets we can help. Email us at ddnelson@gmail.com or visit our website at www.taxmeless.com   We have been assisting expatriates and nonresidents with their taxes for over 25 years.

October 30, 2018

NEW 2018 GILTI Tax On US Owners of Controlled Foreign Corporations

For 2018 and beyond if you own 10% or more of a Controlled Foreign Corporaton (More than 50%
owned by US taxpayers) you must pay a GILTI tax (that is the real nickname of this tax) on part of the corporations net income even though it is not distributed to you.  This is a modification of the Subpart F rules which causes owners (US corporations, individuals, partnerships, etc) to pay tax on earnings of controlled foreign corporations. The rules are complex and may catch many expatriate small business owners by surprise  This tax is different than the Section 965 tax you paid one time for 2017.

If you want to know more the IRS draft form and initial draft instructions are below which can be downloaded in pdf format:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FORM 8992 -draft

FORM 8992 - draft

If you want to take steps to deal with this tax before year end or need other assistance email us at ddnelson@gmail.com

October 16, 2018

The tax rules have changed significantly for 2018.  You no longer get a dependents deduction for yourself, your spouse or your children or other dependents. You do get a larger standard deduction though which may offset the loss of the dependents deduction.  The new standard deductions (which is in addition to any foreign earned income exclusion you claim on form 2555) is below. Due to these higher amounts the advantages of owning a home and the deduction of mortgage interest and state property taxes may be lost and well as loss of ability to deduct medical expenses and charitable expenses.  All of these deductions must exceed the standard deduction to achieve any benefit from these deductions.

2018 Standard Deduction Amount

August 21, 2018

Guilty Plea of Taxpayer Who Failed to Report Million Dollars deposit in Israeli Bank.

DOJ Tax announced here that Ben Zion Birman of Los Angeles pled guilty to willfully failing to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).  Here are the relevant excerpts:
According to court documents, Ben Zion Birman, of Los Angeles, California held offshore accounts in Israel at Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. from 2006 to 2011. Birman willfully failed to file with the Department of Treasury an FBAR for calendar year 2010, despite having over $1 million in Bank Leumi accounts.  In an effort to further hide his money, Birman instructed Bank Leumi to hold bank mail from delivery to the United States, and obtained access to his offshore funds through the use of “back-to-back” loans, which were designed to enable borrowers to tap their concealed accounts.  These lending arrangements permitted Birman to have funds issued by Leumi’s U.S. branch that were secretly secured by funds in his undeclared accounts in Israel. 
In December 2014, Bank Leumi entered into a deferred prosecution agreementafter the bank admitted to conspiring from at least 2000 until early 2011 to aid and assist U.S. taxpayers to prepare and present false tax returns by hiding income and assets in offshore bank accounts in Israel and other locations around the world.  Under the terms of the deferred prosecution agreement, Bank Leumi paid the United States a total of $270 million and continues to cooperate with respect to civil and criminal tax investigations.
* * * * 
Birman faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Birman's sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2018.  

Time is running out to catch up on FBAR filings before the IRS catches you.  If you come forward first you can save yourself substantial penalties and criminal prosecution. Email us at ddnelson@gmail.com if you wish help 

August 16, 2018

AIRBNB TAXES IS NOW WITHHOLDING LODGING TAX FROM BAJA RENTALS - The Hacienda will collect income taxes and IVA next.


Thursday, August 16, 2018


AIRBNB TAXES IS NOW WITHHOLDING LODGING TAX FROM BAJA RENTALS - The Hacienda will collect income taxes and IVA next.

On August 6th the Gringo Gazette published an article by Doris Open regarding the impact of the Airbnb rentals in Mexico.    In Baja California Sur alone there are 2,400 owners registered with Airbnb!
    Now………all these owners renting through Airbnb will be paying the 3% lodging tax to the municipal authorities.  This will be taken out of rental income BEFORE it goes to the owner!!

   Rental owners of property in Mexico also owe Federal Income Tax Mexico and IVA Tax. Failure to pay these taxes on rental income can result in severe penalties.

    One to these two taxes is the Impuesto Sobre la Renta (ISR) is the owner’s tax on income.    The other, the Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA) tax is a sales tax which must be paid by the tenant but collected by the owner and delivered to the Mexican authorities.

    These taxes must be declared MONTHLY and paid each month to SAT, the federal tax authority.
    
Many tax authorities and accountants do not believe the 3% hospitality tax is an obligation of the owner of one or two units who rents only occasionally.  This issue has yet to be determined with any certainty.

    No tax expert disputes the legitimacy of the two federal Federal taxes.    With all this publicity however, federal tax authorities will be looking more closely at the Airbnb websites and will be visiting those owners to check their compliance with federal tax laws.  They have already done so in some towns located on the Mexican mainland.

    It is strongly suggested you get legal  with the Mexican tax authorities BEFORE they knock on your door!

If you have questions on IVA and Income Tax owed on your Mexican rental property either in Mexico or in the USA (if you are a US taxpayer), contact us at ddnelson@gmail.com.

To learn more about the details of these Mexican rental taxes visit www.rentaltaxmexico.com 
_____________________________
The Settlement Company® has developed three options for meeting your obligations on income from rental properties located in Mexico.   For additional information; info@settlement-co.com

July 16, 2018

UNDER NEW TAX LAW MOST OF YOUR MISCELLANEOUS ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS ARE NOW GONE!

The 2018 tax law eliminates most of your miscellaneous itemized deductions such as investment expenses, tax return fees, reimbursed job expenses, education expenses, etc.  The only two that remain are investment interest expense and gambling losses.  Read the details of what deductions are now gone READ MORE DETAILS HERE FROM NOLO LEGAL PUBLICATIONS

July 9, 2018

IRS Streamlined Filing Program (used to catch up for Failing to File Certain Foreign Asset Reporting forms) May Now Be Audited

The IRS may soon begin to audit those who have filed under the Streamlined Program which is used to
catch up the filing of certain foreign asset reporting forms which the taxpayer failed to file. These forms include form 5471, 8865, 114 (FBAR), 8938, etc.  Entering this program avoids certain penalties and may permit you to file or amend the past three years tax returns and six year Forms 114 (FBAR).

Read more about the forthcoming audits and how to prepare here.  If you wish further help email us at ddnelson@gmail.com.  All consultations are protected by attorney/client privilege.

You May Be Denied Your US passport renewal (or your Passport can be Revoked)l if You Owe Taxes

At least 362,000 Americans with overdue tax debts will be denied new or renewed passports if they don’t settle these debts, the Internal Revenue Service says.
Recently IRS officials have provided new details on the enforcement of a law Congress passed in late 2015. It requires the IRS and State Department to deny passports or revoke them for taxpayers who have more than $51,000 of overdue tax debt. Enforcement began in February.  Overdue tax debt includes accrued  penalties and interest which can result after many years a small amount growing quite large.
Best to catch up before you get left without a passport. We can help. Email us for help and guidance on how to proceed.  ddnelson@gmail.com.  All consultations are protected by the privacy of attorney/client privilege.


...

May 7, 2018

WHERE YOUR TAX DOLLARS GO AFTER YOU PAY THE IRS

The link below goes to an excellent article that states where you tax dollars go after you pay the IRS and also sets forth how much the federal governement borrows to cover the rest of their budget.

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/04/24/where-your-tax-dollars-go-after-you-pay-irs.html

Email us if you want to give the IRS less tax dollars.  Don Nelson, US Tax Attorney

May 1, 2018

WHEN TO REPORT DIGITAL CURRENCY ON YOUR FBAR form 114

The IRS says it is not bound by oral advice.  Ignoring that rule,  we did received the statement below from an IRS agent by email.


Digital currency like Bitcoin would only be reportable if it is held in account with a financial institution or someone acting as a financial institution.   It is digital currency held in a digital wallet, not in a financial institution. The digital wallet is not a foreign financial account.  In that form. it is not reportable on FBAR.

Need FBAR help, email an experienced tax attorney with your questions at ddnelson@gmail.com 

April 9, 2018

Avoiding California State Income Taxes When Moving Abroad

This is often called the California Safe Harbort Rule for Expatriates.

It is often difficult to give up your obligation to pay California taxes when starting to work abroad.  California is an "Intent State."  That California wants to continue to tax you until you show the intent of moving your tax domicile to another country or state.  They  look at all of the facts and circumstances in retrospect years later to determine if you actually had the "intent" to move your tax residency to another country.


There is a solution to the ambiguities involved with successfully giving up your California residency for tax purposes. That is the Safe Harbor Rule which can be used. Under that rule:
  • You must remain living and working outside of California for at least 546 days under a contract of employment;
  • You do not have more than $200,000 in investment income;
  • You do not return to California more than 45 days during any calendar year.
If you meet these criteria, you are automatically deemed to be a California nonresident for the period you work abroad even though you may still have a California drivers license, voter registration, etc.

It is important to successfully avoid California tax domicile status when living abroad since California does not allow the foreign earned income exclusion or foreign tax credits. If means if you remain a California tax resident a lot of taxes may be due.  If you originally move abroad and later move back to California before the 546 days passes you will owe tax returns for all of the years you were claiming this exception as well as any applicable penalties and interest. If California deems you a resident you owe it taxes on your worldwide income.

Some states make it even tougher to give up the obligation to pay state taxes when working abroad. Virigina and New Mexico are just a few.

We can help you avoid continuing having to pay state taxes when you move abroad to work or retire. Contact us if you have questions or concerns at ddnelson@gmail.com.  Visit our website at www.taxmeless.com   Our US phone is 949-480-1235

April 7, 2018

Foreign Corporation Form 5471 - File it or else

Form 5471 must be filed by those who own 10 percent or more of a foreign corporation.  It contains information on other US owners, an income statement and a balance sheet.  Failure to file it can cause the nonfiler (if caught) to incur a $10,000 penalty from the IRS.  You must file form 926 also in the initial year to report your capital contribution to the foreign corporation.

If your foreign corporation is inacive and has less than $100,000 in assets and little if any income you may be eligible to file just page one of form 5471. Read more about the filing requirements and special rules that apply if you have failed to file this form at www.taxmeless.com. Email us with questions at ddnelson@gmail.com . We are attorneys and CPAs with the expertise you need.


March 30, 2018

GOING TO JAIL FOR NOT PAYING YOUR US TAXES WHILE LIVING ABROAD

If your earnings from whatever source and from anywhere in the world exceed a certain minimum
amount you must file a US tax return with the IRS. Also there are many special forms which must be filed to report foreign financial accounts, foreign corporate or partnership ownership, foreign trusts, foreign gifts and inheritances, and earnings from foreign mutual funds.  If you fail to file these forms you can be prosecuted and go to jail.  If you file a return you cannot go to jail for failure to pay the taxes due.


READ MORE ABOUT IRS CRIMINAL LAW FOR TAX MATTERS HERE

The statute of limitations for filing returns and collecting taxes never runs out if you fail to file a required IRS income tax return.  If you need help email Don D. Nelson, US Tax Attorney at Law at ddnelson@gmail.com for a consultation.

US EXPATRIATES OFTEN OVERLOOK THIS ADDITIONAL BENEFIT FOR THOSE WORKING AND LIVING ABROAD

If you wages or self employment earnings abroad exceed  the foreign earned income exclusion, do not forget the expat housing deduction or exclusion.  It allows you to deduct your rent, utilities, maid, and repairs if you rent abroad exceeds a certain minimum amount.  The maximum amount that can be claimed varies by the cost of living in various countries.

The housing exclusion applies only to amounts considered paid for with employer-provided amounts, which includes any amounts paid to you or paid or incurred on your behalf by your employer that are taxable foreign earned income to you for the year (without regard to the foreign earned income exclusion). The housing deduction applies only to amounts paid for with self-employment earnings.
Your housing amount is the total of your housing expenses for the year minus the base housing amount. The computation of the base housing amount (line 32 of Form 2555) is tied to the maximum foreign earned income exclusion. The amount is 16% of the maximum exclusion amount (computed on a daily basis), multiplied by the number of days in your qualifying period that fall within your tax year.
Housing expenses include your reasonable expenses actually paid or incurred for housing in a foreign country for you and (if they lived with you) for your spouse and dependents. Consider only housing expenses for the part of the year that you qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion.
Housing expenses do not include expenses that are lavish or extravagant under the circumstances, the cost of buying property, purchased furniture or accessories, and improvements and other expenses that increase the value or appreciably prolong the life of your property.
You also cannot include in housing expenses the value of meals or lodging that you exclude from gross income (under the rules for the exclusion of meals and lodging), or that you deduct as moving expenses.
Also, for purposes of determining the foreign housing exclusion or deduction, your housing expenses eligible to be considered in calculating the housing cost amount may not exceed a certain limit. The limit on housing expenses is generally 30% of the maximum foreign earned income exclusion, but it may vary depending upon the location in which you incur housing expenses. The limit on housing expenses is computed using the worksheet on page 3 of the Instructions for Form 2555.
Additionally, foreign housing expenses may not exceed your total foreign earned income for the taxable year.  Your foreign housing deduction cannot be more than your foreign earned income less the total of your (1) foreign earned income exclusion, plus (2) your housing exclusion.
Although the foreign housing exclusion and/or the deduction will reduce your regular income tax, they will not reduce your self-employment tax.
Your housing expenses may not exceed a certain limit. The limit on housing expenses varies depending upon the location in which you incur housing expenses. The limit on housing expenses is computed using the worksheet on page 3 of the Instructions for Form 2555.
The foreign housing exclusion or deduction is computed in parts VI, VIII, and IX of Form 2555. Please refer to the Instructions for Form 2555 and chapter 4 of Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad.


March 28, 2018

IRS TAX TOOLS YOU CAN USE ON LINE TO FIND ANSWERS TO YOUR TAX QUESTIONS


Where’s my refund?

By using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on IRS.gov and on the official IRS mobile app, IRS2Go, taxpayers can easily find the most up-to-date information about their tax refund. Taxpayers can start checking on the status of their return within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of a taxpayer’s e-filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mailed in a paper return. The system is updated daily, so there’s no need to check more often.

Getting a tax return transcript?

Those who need a copy of their tax return can use the online tool, Get Transcript. It’s free and available on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can view, print or download their tax transcripts for the most current tax year after the IRS has processed the tax return.

Instant answers to tax law questions.

Many tax law questions can be answered quickly when using any of several tools on IRS.gov:
Need to make a payment?

IRS Direct Pay offers taxpayers the fastest and easiest way to pay what they owe. This free online system allows individuals to securely pay their tax bills or make quarterly estimated tax payments directly from checking or savings accounts without fees or pre-registration. See IRS.gov/Payments for information on this and other payment options.

Can’t pay a tax bill?

For taxpayers concerned about a tax bill they can’t pay, the Online Payment Agreement tool can help determine if they qualify for a payment plan with the IRS.
The Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier can help determine if a taxpayer qualifies for an Offer in Compromise. An Offer in Compromise is an agreement with the IRS that settles a person’s tax liability for less than the full amount owed. 

Questions about an amended return?

The “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool provides the status of an amended tax return, Form 1040X. Taxpayers can check on the current year 1040X and up to three prior years. Allow up to three weeks after filing to check on the initial status, and up to 16 weeks for processing.

When you need professional assistance and guidance we offer a mini consultation by phone or skype where most of your questions can be answered and you can structure your US tax future to your personal benefit. It is subject to the absolute privacy of 'attorney-client" privilege. Email Don Nelson, Attorney at Law at ddnelson@gmail.com or call US 949-480-1235. Visits our website at www.taxmeless.com 

March 25, 2018

Expats and US Citizens Must Report on Special Forms Foreign Assets

As a US citizen (whether living abroad or not) must report foreign assets if the value exceeds certain amounts on their US Income tax return. And hopefully you know dual citizenship does not excuse you from this filing (which can  be eliminated is you surrender your US citizenship which also involves complex procedures).

The following list includes some of the more common foreign assets that may have to be reported (and if you do not file the required form you will pay huge penalties)

  • foreign bank accounts
  • foreign mutual funds
  • foreign corporation ownership
  • foreign stock brokerage accounts
  • foreign loans
  • foreign partnerships
  • foreign trusts
  • foreign pension plans
  • foreign insurance with cash surrender value
If you own foreign real estate and it is not rented out  and title is in your own personal name it is not reportable on your personal tax return.  This may explain why so much money is laundered through  the purchase of expensive foreign real estate that sits empty much of the time.

Only some of the forms that may need to be included in your personal tax return include 5471, 8865, 8938, 114, 3520, 3520A, etc. Look them up at www.irs.gov and you are likely to decide your need professional expert help.  Write us at ddnelson@gmail.com with questions, and to request assistance or a personal consultation.  Don is a US licensed attorney and therefore under the attorney client privilege doctrine talking with him provides complete personal privacy.

March 23, 2018

IRS ANNOUNCES THIS SEPTEMBER END TO OFFSHORE DISCLOSURE PROGRAM

The offshore disclosure program instituted by the IRS many years ago allowing expatriates to catch up on the filing of tax returns and foreign asset and bank account reporting  forms is ending in
September. The benefit of the program is that it allows taxpayers to avoid some very high penalties and in most cases criminal prosecution. After that date in September, it is likely US expatriates who have not been filing will have to pay high penalties and are in more serious risk of criminal prosecution.



The program is complex and most expatriates need assistance with the forms, tax returns, and entering the program. We have assisted over 200 clients enter the program. If you have questions email us at ddnelson@gmail.com.  We are attorneys and everything you tell us is subject to absolute attoreny client privilege. There is an alternative streamlined program that you may also qualify for depending on your factal circumstances.