What Is Form 5471? Guide for Owners of Foreign Corporations
Form 5471’s official name is the “Information Return of U.S. Persons With Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations.” It derives its authority from Internal Revenue Code (IRC) sections 6038 and 6046. The form functions as a disclosure return, not a tax return. It does not calculate what you owe. Instead, it reports your ownership interest in a foreign corporation to the IRS. The agency uses this information to monitor U.S. persons’ foreign corporate holdings and prevent taxpayers from hiding assets overseas.
U.S. Expat Taxes 101: Navigating Your Tax Obligations Abroad
U.S. citizens and green card holders living abroad may still need to file annual federal tax returns and report worldwide income. This guide breaks down key expat tax obligations, including filing thresholds, FBAR and FATCA reporting, important deadlines, penalties for non-compliance, and tax-saving strategies such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit.
Understanding Taxes for Expats in Dubai
Dubai may look tax-free on the surface, but Americans living there still have U.S. tax obligations. While the UAE does not tax salaries, wages, capital gains, or most individual income, U.S. citizens and Green Card holders must continue reporting worldwide income to the IRS. From the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and FBAR rules to corporate tax, self-employment tax, and foreign asset reporting, understanding both systems is essential before moving to Dubai or filing from abroad.
What Is FBAR? Essential Tips for U.S. Taxpayers
The Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) requires U.S. persons with foreign financial accounts to disclose those accounts to the federal government each year. For the roughly 5.5 million Americans living abroad in 2025 according to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, the form is filed separately from the federal tax return but goes to a different agency entirely.
What Is FATCA Reporting? Understanding Requirements
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) became law in 2010 as part of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. Congress designed it with one goal: Close the offshore loopholes that had allowed Americans to hide financial assets abroad.
Why Do You Have to Pay U.S. Taxes If You Live Abroad?
Ever wonder why you have to pay US taxes even while living abroad? Discover why you still owe US taxes on worldwide income due to citizenship-based taxation.
Taxes for Expats in Mexico: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigate taxes for expats in Mexico. Learn about residency, rates, and obligations. Get expert help from Expat CPA for your tax needs.
Understanding Expat Double Taxation And How To Avoid It
Americans living abroad often face a significant financial risk: paying taxes on the same income to both their host country and to the IRS. Known as expat double taxation, this issue creates a considerable compliance and financial burden. It exists because the U.S. taxes its citizens on worldwide income, a policy that follows them no matter where they live.
Taxes For Expats In Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide
Many Americans dream of moving to Portugal for its sunny climate and rich culture. However, navigating a new country's tax system is a critical step for financial stability (and legal compliance).
Self-Employment Tax on Foreign Earned Income
Expat CPA can assist you when it comes to reporting foreign self-employment income. Click here to learn the ins and outs of this process.
What Happens If You Don’t File Taxes While Living Abroad?
There can be serious consequences of not filing US taxes while living abroad. Learn about the potential consequences of non-filing and how to avoid them.
Expat Taxes in Ireland: A Guide for Americans Living in Ireland
Navigate taxes for expats in Ireland. Learn about residency, rates, and obligations. Get expert help from Expat CPA for your tax needs.