There are around 9 million Americans living oversees, and the IRS has its sights set on those expats who aren’t up to date with their U.S. tax filing.
All American citizens and green card holders are required to file a U.S. tax return, however because the U.S. is the only developed nation to tax its non-resident citizens, many haven’t realized that they have to file. Read More
ITIN, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a 9 digit number that is issued by the IRS that allows individuals who are not eligible for or who don’t have a social security number to file a U.S. tax return. Before such individuals can file their U.S. tax return though, they need to apply for an ITIN.
It’s important to note though that ITINs don’t qualify their holders to work in the U.S. or claim U.S. Social Security benefits; they are simply used to file U.S. taxes. Read More
Millions of Americans living abroad are working as freelancers. Some work mainly for one or more American firms, others freelance for foreign firms or provide services directly to small firms or individuals. Many are settled permanently in one foreign country, others are intending to return to the U.S. after a few years, or they may be Digital Nomads, roaming between Wi-Fi hotspots in different countries providing freelance services online. Read More
IRS form 5472 is a U.S. filing requirement that affects some Americans living abroad who own or part-own corporations.
Form 5472 must be filed by U.S.-registered corporations that are 25% or more owned by a foreigner, and foreign corporations that trade in the U.S., that make any ‘reportable transactions’ during the filing period. A ‘reportable transaction’ typically means that they have received or transferred any money or assets. Read More
United States is one of the few countries in the world in its Citizen-Based-Taxation format. This means that no matter where you live, you need to be current on your U.S. tax filing if you are a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder. You are known as an Expatriate or Expat (for short) if you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder living outside the United States. Read More
Often taxpayers, whether Canadian or U.S. tax filers, are self-preparing their own returns with tax preparation software packages purchased in the market place. Problems arise numerous times in that the taxpayer not being aware of tax law, has omitted to file various required annual foreign information returns. This is likely due to the fact the software is not a professional version and/or the taxpayer-preparer is not reading any of the software return’s diagnostics.
In a new decision, the Tax Court upheld heavy penalties imposed by the IRS on a U.S. expat taxpayer who failed to report his ownership in two foreign corporations. The decision certainly serves as a cautionary tale for expats – the IRS is serious about foreign reporting and the U.S. court system has its back.
In 2015, Congress changed the due date for several types of entities as well as for the FBAR (for foreign financial accounts). The AICPA has a wonderful chart with all of the new dates noted.
When Congress made the changes for C corporations, they apparently had a concern with a change that would move a due date from one government fiscal year into the next fiscal year. The federal government’s fiscal year ends September 30.
Our tax filing systems are not perfect! How does the IRS or a state tax agency really know if the person filing a return is the true owner of the taxpayer identification number used? In IRS Publication 1345, on procedures for authorized e-file providers, the IRS states that if the preparer/e-filer does not know the client, they should get two forms of verification (ideally picture IDs that include the client’s name and address (page 11 of Pub 1345)). That should help. What else is needed?
The IRS will not accept tax returns until January 23, 2017. The filing deadline will be April 18 due to April 15 falling on Saturday and the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington D.C. on April 17.
Congress (in the PATH Act) mandated the IRS to delay some refunds until February 15.
April 18 was this year’s deadline for most people to file their federal tax return and pay any tax they owe. If you are due a refund there is no penalty if you file a late tax return. If you owe tax, and you failed to file and pay on time, you will most likely owe interest and penalties on the tax you pay late. To keep interest and penalties to a minimum, Read More
Yes, this year taxpayers have an extra 3 days to get their taxes filed or to file for an extension. And whenever a procrastinator is given more time, they will inevitably stay true to their nature and put off filing until the very last minute.
This behavior is so well known to professional tax preparers and firms that the Wall Street Journal recently published an entire Read More
Spotlight Interview: Chuck Levun and Michael Cohen On Educating CPAs, Attorneys and Other Tax Planning Professionals, Part 1
Sales And Use Tax 101 – You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
IRS Releases 2023 Data Book Describing Agency’s Transformation Through Statistics
Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Four Essential Tax Concepts For Attorneys And CPAs (Complimentary 1-Hour Webinar Thursday, May 16th)
Understanding The Alternative Simplified Credit Calculation For R&D
Recent Comments