A ‘Going Offshore’ Tax & Legal Overview for Americans Worldwide

A ‘Going Offshore’ Tax & Legal Overview for Americans Worldwide

‘Going Offshore’ Tax & Legal Overview for Americans 

Each year, tens of thousands of Americans consider giving up their U.S. Citizenship or Relinquishing their long-term Lawful Permanent Residence status. Unlike Green Card Holders, US Citizens are required to jump through many hoops — and overcome several immigration, tax, and legal hurdles to make that dream come true. The United States is not very lenient on the issue of renouncing US citizenship – which leads taxpayers into the Covered Expatriate and Exit Tax matrix. There are many considerations for Americans who want to go offshore – and whether or not they plan on becoming Global US Citizens — or instead prefer to formally expatriate from the US, will impact the overall tax strategy. Our International Tax and Legal Specialist Team will provide a ‘going offshore’ tax & legal guide for Americans worldwide.

Preparing to Go Offshore

Some companies try to sell unsuspecting US citizens on the idea that by simply utilizing a warm and fuzzy approach and throwing caution to the wind, they can simply relocate out of the United States, become a citizen of the world — and not have to pay any tax in any jurisdiction for any income they earn…ever. One way to compare this concept of the holistic approach is when considering different types of medicine. There are those who like holistic medicine and those who want to go see their regular doctor. When a person first attempts holistic medicine, and it does not work, they tend to go back to their primary physician. The problem with using the holistic approach to going offshore is that the IRS typically only. gives you one bite at the Apple.

Transparent Tax and Legal Planning is Crucial in Going Offshore

While using a technical approach versus a holistic approach may not sound as sexy — are you looking for a sexy approach to keeping more of your money — or are you looking to reduce or eliminate US tax liability when going offshore, and starting a new? Because quite frankly, finding a local real estate agent, physician, or accountant after expatriating it’s not that big a deal — at all. Properly escaping the US tax system is what you are after — so your primary goal of avoiding US Tax is (usually) the key issue on why you are seeking to go offshore in the first place.

Expatriating is Complex

Many times, taxpayers will approach us when they are seeking to expatriate from the United States in order to create a new tax ecosystem for themselves and their businesses. They are concerned because other non-tax, non-legal professionals on selling them on “secret” high-cost approaches founded on the notion that the Taxpayer should trust these people and their multi-million dollar net-worth based on the idea of simply throwing caution and proper transparent planning to the wind. It is very important that taxpayers dot their i’s and cross their t’s when leaving the US tax system. The United States government has a very long reach that they can use in order to swoop in on Taxpayers who have not properly expatriated. Likewise, oftentimes it is an experienced tax and legal firm that  can provide the most comprehensive overall approach

5 Important ‘Going Offshore’ Considerations

Tax Analysis

Before going offshore, it is important for taxpayers to fully evaluate and appreciate their tax situation so that when it is time to expatriate and go offshore, they are ready to commit to the process.

Legal Wranglings

Individual Expatriation and Business Structuring are complex exercises. Depending on the status of the US person when they expatriate — along with the different requirements for forming foreign trusts and other entities in different countries, will impact their overall plan. It is important to get your ducks in a row before expatriating.

Real Estate and Rentals

Depending on where you end up residing, they will be different rules and requirements. In some countries, there may be significant security deposits (6-figure) required when renting a property. Likewise, other countries may require that you are actually a citizen of that country in order to obtain real estate.

Physicians and Health Care

When considering relocating to another country, it is important to understand how the healthcare system works in that country. Some countries will offer international insurance and others do not. In addition, you may want to continue returning to the United States after going offshore – so you should consider whether your Health care offers insurance to non-residents.

Education

In some countries, education is offered for free to citizens and residents — while in other countries, it requires the person to be a citizen of that country. Therefore, it is important to work through the semantics before relocating if your intended goal is to continue your education or if you have children who will be attending university.

About Our International Tax Law Firm

Golding & Golding specializes exclusively in international tax, and specifically IRS offshore disclosure and expatriation.

Contact our firm today for assistance.