vineri, 23 august 2013

Some Expats Unable To Reduce Taxes Without Renouncing American Citizenship

By Celina Heath


Most people find a way to reduce taxes without renouncing American citizenship or their permanent residence ties. But for a rising number of people, severing ties has become the more rational choice. New onerous U. S. Law changes have forced their hand.

A new change in tax rules has made people more willing to giving up their nationality and immigration ties to America. It has not been any easy decision with time consuming paperwork and a psychological feeling of loss. Yet, since 2010 there has been a spike in the number renouncing their nationality.

Concerns about tax evasion in a climate of financial stress have made the government more stringent about foreign income sources. In 2010, the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act was passed. This appears to have triggered the recent change in commitments. This is despite the fact America is the only industrialized country that taxes overseas income. Taxes are required to be paid even there is no plan to return to America and taxed persons have not been beneficiaries of any services and benefits.

Under FATCA, financial institutions have to report any foreign accounts held by US persons to the IRS. Also affected are Green Card holders. A direct result of this increased intrusiveness is a reevaluation of US ties by affected persons. As the number is not significant, the government has little incentive to reevaluate or modify its own policy.

The new law has increased administrative requirements. Not surprisingly financial organizations have preferred to ostracize these individuals. Spouses who are foreign nationals have voiced their dislike of sharing personal information. Although a certain amount of foreign income is not taxable, earnings in expensive countries typically surpass this sum. This taxation is in addition to the weighty requirements of the place of residence.

There are severe consequences for failure to comply. Unfortunately these rules are also complex. A number of factors need to be taken into account. For instance, if the person expatriating has a net worth of 3 million dollars or more, or a certain average liability in the preceding five years, this individual will be treated as a covered expatriate. This means an Exit Tax must be paid. This payment will encompass any unrealized gain on all worldwide assets assuming the assets were sold on the day preceding the expatriation.

Payments in future from pensions and any deferred compensation are also subject to withholding at a 30 percent rate. Any gifts or assets given by covered individuals to U. S. Persons, will subject the beneficiaries to substantial taxes. These must be equal to the highest rate at the time. Currently this is over 40 percent. The burden of such consequences has given many second thoughts about pursuing this course of action.

In addition, the IRS has to be notified of the expatriation. Detailed information must be provided to the agency. The renouncer must state under penalty of perjury that all US liabilities for the five years preceding the year of expatriation have been satisfied. The agency will likely require proof. If the conditions are not met, this person will be treated as a covered expatriate. Good planning can help to reduce the payment required if this adverse condition is met. Optimal planning may even succeed in citizens avoiding this status altogether. For the majority, so far, it is better to find a way to reduce taxes without renouncing American citizenship or permanent residence.




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