Foreign individuals who intend to permanently reside in the U.S., or do not intend to reside in the U.S. but intend to own U.S. property, need considerable legal and tax planning. The definition of “U.S. property” for international tax purposes is a term of art and complex. This planning should be done in advance to minimize U.S. tax exposure and to plan for the ownership of U.S. property. The investment in U.S. real property is particularly complex for these individuals. If this planning is well thought out and structured properly, the foreign individual, and the business entities owned by such individual, may avoid many pitfalls associated with the U.S. tax and legal systems. The advisor must take into account a host of factors to properly advise the client, including the country of origin, visa status, residency status, tax treaties, the current ownership of assets in trust or business entities and their U.S. tax classification, asset protection from U.S. lawsuits, the willingness to disclose world-wide assets and income, and family and business partner dynamics.

International Income Tax Planning

Prior to becoming a U.S. permanent resident, the foreign individual should consult competent legal and tax counsel on U.S. tax and reporting requirements. Foreign individuals may not be aware that they are currently U.S. income tax residents under various residency tests, resulting in the taxation of their world-wide income and disclosure of their world-wide assets and bank accounts.

Failure to properly report activities of a foreign entity by a U.S. resident may result in substantial penalties. Likewise, foreign ownership of U.S. entities may result in strict tax withholding requirements, special tax rules, and potentially the branch profits tax.

Banking advisors and accountants should be aware that foreign individuals who become U.S. residents (or U.S. citizens who are resident in a foreign country) and own foreign mutual funds will need to report the investment as a passive foreign investment company (PFIC). Generally, PFIC treatment should be avoided due to unfavorable tax treatment and reporting obligations.

Income tax treaties can help alleviate these issues, but the analysis and planning should occur as soon as possible prior to becoming a U.S. resident.

International Estate Planning

Generally, multinational families that own property in the U.S. need a U.S. estate plan. In California and many other states, assets held by individuals can be subject to lengthy and expensive probate court proceedings. This is easily avoided with proper planning. More importantly, the U.S. estate plan can direct who should inherit the U.S. assets and when after a death.

Non-U.S. residents may be subject to the U.S. estate and gift tax with respect to U.S. property at a tax rate of 40%. Foreign persons are entitled to a $60,000 exemption from estate tax, compared to U.S. permanent residents or U.S. citizens who receive a $5,450,000 exemption in 2016. Foreign persons can generally transfer an unlimited amount of non-U.S. property to U.S. persons, or trusts, and can plan for the ownership of assets in the U.S. that may completely avoid U.S. estate and gift tax, but the rules can be complex. U.S. persons must report gifts (above a certain threshold) from foreign persons or entities to avoid penalties. Unlike a gift of assets between U.S Citizen spouses, a gift of assets to a Non-U.S. Citizen is subject to U.S. gift tax (above a certain threshold).

Ownership of U.S. Real Estate

There has been an influx of foreign investment in U.S. commercial real property and luxury personal residences. Potential issues involve the ownership structure, purchase, financing, leasing, development, management, and operation of these real estate investments. The client and his advisors must understand the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) in order to meet all tax withholding obligations and will need advice and solutions to mitigate the burdens imposed by FIRPTA.

In addition to tax filings, foreign persons that invest in U.S. commercial property (whether directly or through an entity) may also be subject to disclosure obligations to the U.S. Department of Commerce. This filing requirement is often overlooked.

Foreign Asset and Bank Account Reporting

Foreign individuals who become permanent residents of the U.S. must report their foreign accounts and assets (including interests in foreign entities) under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and foreign bank account reporting. If there was a failure to report in any year, there may be solutions to avoid or minimize civil and criminal penalties, and alternatives and options to preserve wealth and begin complying with U.S. reporting requirements. An experienced advisor is essential in these matters, since the IRS frequently publishes new rules. Clients are often sensitive to preserving the attorney-client privilege in these matters and therefore we often assist accountants and other advisors in preparing, filing, and negotiating with the applicable government agencies.

Potential Pitfalls and Planning