International Tax Compliance
A practical starting point
What changes when income, ownership, and residence cross borders?
An overseas business interest, a move between countries, or a change in tax residence can affect more than an individual income tax return. A useful review maps the people, entities, accounts, and transactions involved before deciding which professional expertise is needed.
We build a timeline and identify the U.S. questions within our agreed engagement. Where a matter requires local-country tax or legal advice, that responsibility is made explicit. Incomplete historical filings and potential penalty exposure need careful case assessment rather than a generic promise of a particular relief procedure.
What to agree before work begins
Create a coordinated issue list, filing scope, and adviser responsibilities. Resolve jurisdiction-specific questions before treating the reporting plan as complete.
What we handle
- FATCA Form 8938 reporting
- Foreign trust and gift reporting (3520, 3520-A)
- Controlled foreign corporation reporting (5471)
- Tax treaty analysis and positions
- Totalization agreement and social security coordination
Common questions
How is FATCA different from FBAR?
FBAR is filed with FinCEN; FATCA (Form 8938) is filed with your tax return. Thresholds differ, and many expats must file both.
Do tax treaties help me?
Often, yes, treaties can reduce or eliminate double taxation and govern things like pensions and social security. We analyze the relevant treaty for your country.
Related u.s. expat tax services
Let's discuss the work you need.
Tell us about your situation, the records you have, and any deadlines. We will discuss the right scope and next steps before an engagement begins.