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The Definitive Guide to Handling Taxes on Foreign Investment Income

The United States has a complex tax system, and that system becomes even more complicated when you factor in foreign investment income. If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident alien with foreign investment income, you’ll need to know how to handle the taxes on that income.
This guide will cover the basics of taxes on foreign investment income, including the source of the income, the character of the income, the U.S. recipient’s filing status, the foreign country in which the income was earned, the tax rate on the income, the foreign earned income exclusion, the foreign tax credit, filing requirements, and paying taxes on foreign investment income.

The source of the income
The first thing you need to know when it comes to taxes on foreign investment income is the source of that income. There are two possible sources of foreign investment income: passive income and active income. Passive income is income that comes from sources that are not actively managed by the taxpayer. This includes things like interest, dividends, and capital gains. Active income, on the other hand, is income that comes from active involvement in a business or investment. This includes things like wages, salaries, and tips.

The character of the income
The character of the income is the determination you need next. There are two possible characteristics for income: ordinary income and capital gains. Ordinary income is income that is taxed at the taxpayer’s marginal tax rate. This includes things like wages, salaries, and tips. Capital gains, on the other hand, are taxed at a lower rate. This includes things like interest, dividends, and capital gains.

The U.S. recipient’s filing status
After determining the character of the income, determine your U.S. filing status. There are four possible filing statuses: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, and head of household. Single: If you are single, you will file your taxes as an individual. Married filing jointly: If you are married and file your taxes jointly with your spouse, you will file your taxes as a married couple. Married filing separately: If you are married and file your taxes separately from your spouse, you will file your taxes as a single taxpayer. Head of household: If you are head of household, you will file your taxes as an individual.

The foreign country in which the income was earned
Next is determining the country in which the income was earned. There are two possible scenarios here: the income was earned in a country with a tax treaty with the United States, or the income was earned in a country without a tax treaty with the United States. If the income was earned in a country with a tax treaty with the United States, the tax rate on the income will be reduced. If the income was earned in a country without a tax treaty with the United States, the tax rate on the income will be the same as the marginal tax rate.

The tax rate on the income
The next thing you need to know about taxes on foreign investment income is the tax rate on that income. The tax rate on foreign investment income depends on the source of the income, the character of the income, the U.S. recipient’s filing status, the foreign country in which the income was earned, and the tax treaty between the United States and the foreign country.
The foreign-earned income exclusion
What are the exclusions on the foreign-earned income tax? The foreign-earned income exclusion allows taxpayers to exclude a certain amount of income from their taxes. The amount of the exclusion depends on the taxpayer’s filing status, the country in which the income was earned, and the taxpayer’s tax treaty status.

The foreign tax credit
Next, determine the foreign tax credit. The foreign tax credit allows taxpayers to credit a certain amount of taxes paid to a foreign government against their U.S. tax liability. The amount of the credit depends on the taxpayer’s tax liability, the foreign taxes paid, and the tax treaty status.

Filing requirements
Finally, determine the filing requirements. Taxpayers with foreign investment income are required to file a Tax Return Transcript and a Foreign Investment Questionnaire with the IRS. 10. Paying taxes on foreign investment income: The final thing you need to know about taxes on foreign investment income is how to pay taxes on that income. Taxes on foreign investment income are due on the date the income is received. Taxpayers can pay taxes on foreign investment income using a credit card, electronic funds transfer, or check.

If you want to learn more about handling taxes on foreign income, visit our blog page to read more or our contact page to connect with a tax specialist.

Things to Know When Considering an Early Withdrawal from Retirement

Unexpected events happen to everyone. Unfortunately, some people must make necessary financial sacrifices to withstand such circumstances. One of the sacrifices people make is withdrawing from their retirement early. This quick-cash method can produce significant tax penalties if enacted. Consider the following information before pulling from your retirement early:

  • Flexibility Within 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Plans

Taxpayers can withdraw from these plans only if an event of hardship occurs. A Hardship Distribution is when a taxpayer withdraws from their retirement savings earlier than their declared withdrawal date. The date is normally set to sometime after the taxpayer turns 70. Support needed for spouses or dependents is included in these policies.

The withdrawal is limited to the financial need of the taxpayer. Repayments for hardships are not permitted. The eligibility for early distribution should be accurately stated within the plan description. Withdrawals made before the set age or date are subject to an early withdrawal penalty.

  • Distribution Related to Divorce

If a taxpayer is experiencing a divorce, they may be eligible for early distribution. If a withdrawal from a traditional IRA is made early to supplement divorce requirements, the amount is subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Exceptions on this income tax can be made according to the case.

The options listed in this article are not exhaustive for taxpayers. The IRS provides many helpful alternatives for hardships. If you want to learn more about what to do when considering withdrawing early from retirement, contact us by visiting www.expatriatetaxreturns.com. We are excited to give you the help you need.

Tax Day 2022

Monday, April 18, is Tax Day 2022. Tax Day is the deadline to file your taxes or file for an extension. Don’t let this day approach without a plan to file. Expatriate Tax Services is here to assist you with your tax filing. No matter how complex your situation may be, we can complete taxes on your half with just a few forms and pieces of information. Visit our website to determine what documents we will need based on your needs. If you have a unique tax situation, give us a call, and we will help you choose the best process to move forward. Don’t delay your taxes any further. April 18 is fast approaching.

Child Tax Credit

Earlier this year, Congress approved the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to assist millions of families who have been financially affected by the pandemic.
As of September 15th, those who qualify for the CTC can expect to receive their September payment. Those who have requested paper checks should allow for a few more days, although some recipients have reported delays. The payment is the third installment of the CTC, and additional payments are scheduled for October and November.
Those who qualify will receive $300 for each child under age 6 and $250 for those ages 6 to 17.
If you think you may qualify but have not yet signed up, it is not too late. If you have not filed a 2020 tax return or are not required to do so, you may use IRS.gov to sign up. Visit the Child Tax Credit Update Portal for additional information.  (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal)
Users can utilize the portal to view payments, update mailing addresses, unenroll from the payments, and locate all information related to the Child Tax Credit.

Bona Fide Residency Test

Have you heard of the Bona Fide Residence Test? Meeting the bona fide residence test will allow an expatriate to qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion. If you are a resident of a foreign country for an entire tax year, from January 1st to December 31st, you may meet qualifications for the Bona Fide Residency Test. Note, however, that simply living in a foreign country does not automatically qualify you for such status.

You must first, of course, establish residency. If you are in a foreign location for an extended time and have secured permanent living space, you have likely established residency. You may leave the country temporarily for business or vacations, so long as you intend to return to your permanent foreign residence without an extended delay.

Additional factors determine whether you are a bona fide resident of a foreign country. Both the length and nature of the stay are taken into consideration. The IRS uses information from Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income. This form will help allow ex-pats to claim the foreign earned income exclusion, and therefore must be filed.

Should your stay in the foreign country not include an entire tax year, you may qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion under the physical presence test. This test requires you to be physically present 330 full days during 12 consecutive months. Should you leave the country regardless of the reason, you will not meet the physical presence test.

U.S. Expat Tax Deadline Is June 15th

Expatriate Tax Returns 2020 Tax Deadlines

The tax filing deadline for expats is June 15th, 2021. Expats receive an automatic extension on U.S. filings. The IRS has not issued any changes to this deadline this year. Any payments owed for 2020 are overdue to the IRS. If you inadvertently forgot or didn’t know you owed, contact us as soon as possible to speak with one of our tax experts. We can help. The vast majority of our expats do not owe money. Extensions for tax filing (not payment) can be pushed from June 15th to October 15th, contact us to learn more. Please know that even if you don’t owe money, you must file!