CHANGES IN TAX LAW THAT MIGHT AFFECT YOUR TAX RETURN FOR 2018 FOR EXPATS AND NONRESIDENTS

The following is a summary of important tax developments that occurred in October, November, and December of 2018 that may affect you. 

Business meals. One of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) disallows a deduction for any item with respect to an activity that is of a type generally considered to constitute entertainment, amusement, or recreation. However, the TCJA did not address the circumstances in which the provision of food and beverages might constitute entertainment. The new guidance clarifies that, as in the past, taxpayers generally may continue to deduct 50% of otherwise allowable business meal expenses if: (a) the expense is an ordinary and necessary expense paid or incurred during the tax year in carrying on any trade or business; (b) the expense is not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances; (c) the taxpayer, or an employee of the taxpayer, is present at the furnishing of the food or beverages; (d) the food and beverages are provided to a current or potential business customer, client, consultant, or similar business contact; and (e) in the case of food and beverages provided during or at an entertainment activity, the food and beverages are purchased separately from the entertainment, or the cost of the food and beverages is stated separately from the cost of the entertainment on one or more bills, invoices, or receipts.

For more information, see IRS guidance on the deductibility of meals purchased in an entertainment context.

Depreciation and expensing. IRS provided guidance on deducting expenses under Code Sec. 179(a) and depreciation under the alternate depreciation system (ADS) of Code Sec. 168(g), as amended by the TCJA. The guidance explains how taxpayers can elect to treat qualified real property, as defined under the TCJA, as property eligible for the expense election. The TCJA amended the definition of qualified real property to mean qualified improvement property and some improvements to nonresidential real property, such as: roofs; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning property; fire protection and alarm systems; and security systems. The guidance also explains how real property trades or businesses or farming businesses, electing out of the TCJA interest deduction limitations, can change to the ADS for property placed in service before 2018, and provides that such is not a change in accounting method. In addition, the guidance provides an optional depreciation table for residential rental property depreciated under the ADS with a 30-year recovery period.

For more information, see Guidance issued on expense election and alternate depreciation changes under TCJA.

State & local taxes. IRS has provided safe harbors allowing a deduction for certain payments made by a C corporation or a "specified pass-through entity" to or for the use of a charitable organization if, in return for such payment, they receive or expect to receive a state or local tax credit that reduces a state or local tax imposed on the entity. Such payment is treated as meeting the requirements of an ordinary and necessary business expense. For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, the TCJA limits an individual's deduction to $10,000 ($5,000 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return) for the aggregate amount of the following state and local taxes paid during the calendar year: (1) real property taxes; (2) personal property taxes; (3) income, war profits, and excess profits taxes, and (4) general sales taxes. This limitation does not apply to certain taxes that are paid and incurred in carrying on a trade or business or a for-profit activity. An entity will be considered a specified pass-through entity only if: (1) the entity is a business entity other than a C corporation that is regarded for all federal income tax purposes as separate from its owners; (2) the entity operates a trade or business; (3) the entity is subject to a state or local tax incurred in carrying on its trade or business that is imposed directly on the entity; and (4) in return for a payment to a charitable organization, the entity receives or expects to receive a state or local tax credit that the entity applies or expects to apply to offset a state or local tax described in (3), above, other than a state or local income tax.

For more information, see  IRS: Sec. 162 deduction available for payment by businesses to reduce certain state taxes.

Personal exemption suspension. IRS provided guidance clarifying how the suspension of the personal exemption deduction from 2018 through 2025 under the TCJA applies to certain rules that referenced that provision and were not also suspended. These include rules dealing with the premium tax credit and, for 2018, the individual shared responsibility provision (also known as the individual mandate). Under the TCJA, for purposes of any other provision, the suspension of the personal exemption (by reducing the exemption amount to zero) is not be taken into account in determining whether a deduction is allowed or allowable, or whether a taxpayer is entitled to a deduction.

For more information, see IRS clarifies effect of suspending personal exemption deductions on certain healthcare provisions.

Limitation on deducting business interest expense. IRS has provided a safe harbor that allows taxpayers to treat certain infrastructure trades or businesses (such as airports, ports, mass commuting facilities, and sewage and waste disposal facilities) as real property trades or businesses solely for purposes of qualifying as an electing real property trade or business. For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, the TCJA provides that a deduction allowed for business interest for any tax year can't exceed the sum of: (1) the taxpayer's business interest income for the tax year; (2) 30% of the taxpayer's adjusted taxable income for the tax year; plus (3) the taxpayer's floor plan financing interest (certain interest paid by vehicle dealers) for the tax year. The term "business interest" generally means any interest properly allocable to a trade or business, but for purposes of the limitation on the deduction for business interest, it doesn't include interest properly allocable to an "electing real property trade or business." Thus, interest expense that is properly allocable to an electing real property trade or business is not properly allocable to a trade or business, and is not business interest expense that is subject to the interest limitation.

For more information, see Safe harbor treats certain infrastructure trades or businesses as real property trades or businesses.

Need more assistance, email taxmeless@gmail.com or visit our website at www.taxmeless.com

US Expatriate and Nonresident Estate Planning

If you are a expatriate and have assets in the USA or are a US nonresident with assets in the USA it can save you substantial legal expenses, time and taxes to do the proper estate planning.  If you have assets abroad outside of the USA it also is wise to plan for the disposition of those assets under the laws of the country where they are located.  Though some countries may recognize the US estate planning documents and techniques, many do not and best to plan for your foreign assets disposition upon your demise under the local law and using documents recognized under that foreign law,

What are the steps Involved in US estate planning?Identify your goals for creating an estate plan: Do you want to provide for your family, protect assets, prepare for incapacity, take control of your legacy, or do all of the above?

1. List the asset you want to include in your plan: When making a plan, you need to consider all of the money and property you own either independently or jointly.
2. Identify the risks to your assets and make plans to protect them: If you lose your wealth because of high nursing-home costs, because of creditor claims, or because you don't make a business succession plan, then you'll undermine your efforts to leave a legacy. You need to know what risks you face and mitigate them.
3. Identify the loved ones you want to provide for and protect: There may be many people in your life whom you need to consider in your plan, including not a spouse, children, friends, and even pets. And your loved ones may all have different needs. For example, your minor children will need a guardian if you can't raise them to adulthood.
4. Decide whether you want to make charitable contributions: You may want to make bequests in your will to a charity, or take other steps to give such as creating a foundation or a charitable remainder trust.
5. Determine whether your potential heirs or beneficiaries have any special needs: In some cases, you'll need to take extra steps to ensure that an inheritance is transferred appropriately and used wisely.
6. Determine whether you'll owe estate tax: The federal government and some states charge taxes on larger estates.
7. Decide whether avoiding probate is one of your goals: In most cases, assets transfer through the probate process, which can be complicated and expensive. You may want to avoid this, and that will require different estate planning techniques.
8. Think about what will happen if you become incapacitated: If an illness or injury leaves you temporarily or permanently incapacitated, you'll need to consider questions such as who will make decisions for you and what kinds of care you'll receive or reject. You'll also need to think about who will provide you with care and how you'll pay for it.
9. Make sure you have the right insurance policies: If you don't have enough money to provide for dependent loved ones, you may need to obtain additional coverage, such as life insurance. 
10. Determine what legal tools you'll need to use: You may need to use tools such as trusts, a power of attorney, advance directives, and a last will and testament to accomplish your goals, provide for loved ones, and prepare for incapacity. 
11. Implement your plan: This could involve taking steps such as changing how property is owned, creating legal documents, or transferring assets into a trust. You should likely have a lawyer help with this step.

We can help. US estate taxes hit nonresidents  when their US assets exceed $60,000 whereas US estate taxes do not apply to US residents until their worldwide assets exceed $11,400,000 US.  Expensive and time consuming probate for assets located in most US states can happen when the assets are only worth approx $10,000 or more (this figure varies depending on the state where the asset is located). Contact us on skype at dondnelson or by email at ddnelson@gmail.com, As attorneys and CPAs we are uniquely qualified to cover all bases.

ARE YOU A WINNER OR LOSER UNDER THE NEW TAX LAW EFFECTIVE FOR 2018?

The winners under the new tax law are large corporations, the wealthy and in many situations small business owners.    As an expatriate there is now a new GILTI tax on your share of controlled foreign corporations, whether large or small.

The losers are those in high tax states (NY, California, Etc) and all taxpayers due to the skyrocketing deficit which increases by the minute due to high federal spending and not enough tax revenues to pay for it all.  READ MORE HERE FROM CBS NEWS

Need help?  email us at taxmeless@gmail.com. We know the tax law and how to help you.

Foreign Property Taxes and Interest on Foreign Real Estate ...Some Bad News

Foreign property (real estate) taxes aren't deductible on tax year 2018 through 2025 returns due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This rule applies to a personal residence or second property. In 2017 and prior years, foreign property taxes could be deducted.  Property tax deduction on foreign rental properties are subject to the same rules as your US rental property.

You can still deduct the mortgage interest on schedule A on foreign real  property that is your personal first or second home, assuming you meet the  limitations on interest deductions for personal residences and second homes

The maximum amount of taxes that can be deducted on Schedule A (for personal residences) plus state income taxes, vehicle license plates, sales tax, etc is limited to $10,000 per year for 2018 and beyond.

Keep in mind that to get any benefit from the deduction of medical expenses, state taxes, residence interest, and charitable deductions the total of all of those items must exceed the $24,000 standard deduction married couples get or $12,000 for those who file as single.  And remember you no longer get a personal exemption deduction for yourself, your spouse or your children.  That deduction is gone.

Need help with your tax return or planning for the future?  Email us at ddnelson@gmail.com. 

INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE TAXES IN COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD - FOR EXPATS

Need to know the income taxes, corporate taxes in the country you are living in or the country you plan to move to after you leave the USA to retire or work?   The links below will provide you with almost all the information you might need.

CORPORATE TAXES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

INDIVIDUAL TAXES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES 

If you need assistance with planning your US tax when abroad, preparing the necessary returns, and other IRS or state tax matters contact us at ddnelson@gmail.com.  we specialize in US expatriate, nonresident and international taxes.

2018 YEAR END TAX PLANNING LETTER AND NEW EXPAT TAX LAWS

There is still time left before the end of 2018 to take steps to save taxes under the new tax laws enacted last year. READ AND DOWNLOAD OUT 2018 TAX PLANNING LETTER HERE.

Kauffman Nelson LLP, CPAs is a firm of CPAs and Attorneys with 30 years experience in US expatriate, international and US nonresident taxation.  We prepare your 2018 tax  return and assist you with planning, problems, audits, and all other US tax matters. Email us at taxmeless@gmail.com 

DOWNLOAD OUR 2018 EXPAT TAX RETURN QUESTIONNAIRE AND SEND IT IN FOR A FEE QUOTE HERE. GET STARTED EARLY AND SAVE TIME AND MONEY.  It is in MS Word Format to make it easy to complete on your computer or tablet.

2018 RATES, Standard Deductions and More - See What will Happen to You

 IRS Announces 2019 Tax Rates, Standard Deduction Amounts And More. READ MORE

HERE FROM FORBES MAGAZINE.  Need year end planning, email us at taxmeless@gmail.com. Attorney and CPAs will be there to help you find the best strategy.

2018 Expat Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Housing Exclusion

 For 2018 the foreign earned income exclusion is $104,100. This applies to earned income from your work abroad and increases each year. Many IT, Tech, and Coding employees and self employed indivduals chose to live and work abroad to take advantage of his amazing tax break.

  If you live in a no tax or low tax country, you may not have to pay any tax on this much of your earned income if you are a bonafide resident of your home country or meet the physical presence test of  not going back to the US more than 35 days during any 12 month calendar or fiscal year period.  Read more about this exclusion and how to qualify and the additional deduction you can receive for your rental expenses and living expenses abroad (housing exclusion) in publication 54 READ IT HERE

Kauffman Nelson LLP CPAs have done tax return exclusively for US Expatriates and US Nonresidents for over 20 years.  We know the laws, and the recent changes implemented by the new tax laws enacted at the end of 2017.  Email us at taxmeless@gmail.com and visit our website at www.taxmeless.com for lots of useful tax information and tax savings.