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Organization and management of your finances is extremely important - even more so when you live overseas and have money in your host country and money at home. Understanding tax implications and investment opportunites while abroad can be complex issues, but ones that cannot be ignored. Take the time to learn all you can about your money and how to protect it and make it grow for you! |
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| U.S. Expat Taxes in 2012 – What's New? |
| IJ Zemelman, EA, Taxes for Expats LLP |
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If you are an American who needs to pay U.S. taxes, this article lets you know about about recent requirements for Foreign Investment Account Reporting (FATCA), gives information for securities and business owners, touches on gift tax dodging and IRS investigations, and highlights increases to IRS auditing measures... |
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American Expatriate Tax Obligations - The Simple Guide
IJ Zemelman, EA, Taxes for Expats LLP |
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As an American expatriate, you are required to file your federal tax returns yearly, just like a U.S. citizen or resident who does not live abroad. Because, fact is, it is not just your U.S. income that determines your tax rates, but your total income from any country. In other words, your foreign income counts. On the plus side, you are entitled to a bunch of expatriate tax benefits: foreign tax credits, income exclusion, and housing allowances to name a few. If you are careful, you can also score some bonus points with a couple of the less apparent benefits...
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| Expat Americans: Beware New Foreign Tax Compliance Law |
| What American Investors Need To Know About The FATCA |
| David Kuenzi, CFP®, Thun Financial Advisors |
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If you are an American living abroad, you need to know about the new FATCA law (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and its significant impact on Americans abroad. This article details why suddenly compliance with many old and new reporting requirements has become much more critical... |
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| 6 Tips To Save On International Money Transfers |
| Daniel Abrahams |
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Whether you have just made the dream move overseas, or you are now nicely settled as an expatriate in your host country, making and receiving international payments can often be a laborious headache. For some, international money transfers could mean losing thousands through poor exchange rates andhigh transaction fees... |
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The Expat Spouse as Household CFO: Basic Principles You Need to Know About Investing
Chad Creveling and Peggy Creveling |
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Investing is a full-time profession for many, and myriads of books have been written on the hows and whys of making smart investment decisions. Expats also must consider the role that different currencies and tax jurisdictions should play in their portfolio. Given the complexity involved, our goal here is to simply introduce you to some of the concepts behind successful investing...
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To File, or Not to File: That is the Question
IJ Zemelman, EA, Taxes for Expats LLP |
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We have all heard this a million times by now – expatriate tax returns can be tricky. Here, we will show you why it is so important to file your tax returns and pay your tax liabilities on time, and how to minimize the damage if you are late. Let's assume the best case: your tax returns from the past couple of years have been perfect, and have no potential for any extra taxes, interest or penalties to be added on. Unfortunately, you could still have what is known as an "audit red flag" stuck on there because some auditor thought he saw some suspect reporting info...
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| 8 Tips for Controlling Your International Health Insurance Costs |
| Philip McCusker |
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It used to be that the two things you could be certain of in life were death and taxes. The third one should be increasing insurance premiums every year for your health care. Even globe-trotting executives who are fortunate enough to have their family's health care covered by their employer might face a bit of a shock... |
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In this part two, we provide a practical guide on how and where investors can go to construct a globally diversified, multi-currency investment portfolio. Are multi-currency portfolios the exclusive realm of the ultra-wealthy who have accounts all around the globe? Do we have to open up investment accounts in the U.S. and Europe or buy complicated currency hedging products, such as futures or swaps?
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Should You Hire An Expat Tax Professional For Your U.S. Tax Return?
IJ Zemelman, EA, Taxes for Expats LLP |
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Baking a souffle might be complicated, but nothing is lost if you fail. If you incorrectly file your expat taxes, however, you will risk facing heavy monetary penalties and possibly criminal charges (whether or not you misrepresented yourself and your situation on purpose). Some things are worth risking, while others are not. The U.S. Tax Code and its interpretations are thousands of pages long. There is simply no way for a non-professional to know all of the ins and outs of Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or foreign housing deductions and write-offs...
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The Real Cost Of An Offshore Pension Plan
Anthony Noto, CFA |
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The phone rings, and it's someone you don't know claiming they can help improve your financial situation as an expatriat. As you wonder how they got your name and number, they ask you to schedule a meeting with one of their advisors. Oftentimes, these companies are selling unit-linked life insurance, sometimes referred to as an offshore pension plan.
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Is It Time To Tend Your Savings Garden?
Deborah Benn |
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Not only do gardens need tending, but your financial savings needs looking after as well. Learn how best to maintain your finances while overseas. Get tips on finding the right home for your savings, find out whether you should be keeping your money onshore or offshore, and learn what you should look for in a bank.
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Filing Back Taxes As An Expat
IJ Zemelman, EA, Taxes for Expats LLP |
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It is not a written law, but anyone who is familiar with the workings of the IRS knows that the agency does not prosecute individuals who voluntarily file their back taxes. This does not mean they will not prosecute offenders, though, and if they have to come after you (instead of the other way around), you will not find yourself in a pretty financial picture. In fact, failing to file is punishable by up to one year in prison (and/or US$10,000) for each unfiled year! It is highly unlikely that you will serve time in prison (that punishment is reserved for a select few), but the penalties will be harsh...
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A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Here are six basic principles that may help you invest more successfully...
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Why State Taxes Make Roth Conversion a Huge Opportunity for Americans Abroad
David Kuenzi, CFP® |
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This article analyzes how the exemption from state income taxation enjoyed by most Americans abroad significantly alters the calculation that determines whether or not Roth contributions and/or Roth conversion make financial sense. It concludes that the exemption from state taxes makes Roth conversion an especially attractive financial opportunity for Americans abroad that should be capitalized on while they are still living outside the U.S...
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Whether you are moving abroad to pursue a new international career posting, retiring abroad or repatriating, there are several major issues that affect your pocket book and your heart and soul that deserve contemplation and (ideally) action before you begin filling any moving boxes. By taking time before you move to take inventory of your life and your financial matters, you will be better prepared emotionally and financially.
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Is A Foreign Mortgage Worth The Risk?
Maxim Global Wealth Advisors |
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I am no fan of investing in real estate in Western Europe at the moment. One of the biggest risks I see (aside from the fact that real estate prices have not "corrected" yet in many cities) is a little-known IRS law concerning taking out a mortgage in foreign currency...
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State Taxes And The American Expat - Can You Ever Set Yourself Free?
IJ Zemelman, EA, Taxes for Expats LLP |
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As a U.S. expatriate, you may assume that you have cut ties with your U.S. home and are not obligated to file a state return alongside your federal return (as all expats still have to do). This is not always true, however. And in the case of a few states, avoiding the state tax, even after years of living abroad, may seem almost impossible. In order to try to escape the state tax, there are several things you must do, but it is important to complete these tasks before moving overseas...
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Financial Peace Of Mind Abroad
Stacie Nevadomski Berdan |
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Planning a move to another country is filled with excitement, yet also the daunting realization that you must deal with many administrative details as you enter the global workforce. Financially speaking, you need to stay organized to stay on track...
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An individual who is considering a move from the UK to retire overseas will need to take into account a number of factors, including the impact of their move upon their tax position.
One aspect is the taxation regime of the country to which the UK expatriate is moving. According to the Association of International Life Offices, the tax regimes of countries around the world vary considerably.
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5 Financial Steps to Take Before Moving Abroad
Maxim Global Wealth Advisors |
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Planning a move to another country is an exciting, but daunting undertaking which requires significant planning and preparation... so it is not surprising that new expats often fail to arrange their financial lives properly before making their move. This can be a costly mistake...
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Expatriates are privileged when it comes to their banking and investing choices because in general they are free to pick and choose from the best options and opportunities available to them from the global financial product market place.
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USA is a major credit orientated society so establishing credit here is one of the most important tasks you will undertake. Without a credit history you will find yourself not being able to buy some of the bigger items/purchases you require on credit.
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An Explanation of Structured Investments
Maxim Global Wealth Advisors |
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Given the popularity of structured investments (also called notes or products) in Europe and Japan, and their growing use in the U.S., we thought it would be important to explain them to our readers...
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University Fees -
Planning for the future – Q&A
Jennifer Patterson |
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I have been approached by an insurance company about Child School Fee Coverage. I am living in India at the moment with my two children (11 and 12 years of age). I know I want them to go to the university in the USA (where I am from) and I know schools are expensive. I do not know really understand this insurance plan and if it is something I should be doing or should I just be saving money in a regular bank account?
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Death While On Assignment
Jennifer Patterson |
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I have a question about bank accounts in foreign countries. I am an American married to French man. Just recently we were transferred to Brazil for his work and our bank accounts here are only in his name. What would happen to me if my husband was killed while on assignment? Would I have access to our money?
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My husband and I moved overseas for the first time about a year ago. I agreed to put my career on hold temporarily so that we could take advantage of this opportunity. Although our total income has increased, we don't feel like our financial life has improved. Now he has decided to give me a certain amount of money each month. I haven't had an "allowance" since I was a child!
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Recently a family member back home took ill and it caused my husband and I to wonder about a document that we understand was recommended to our family member: the Living Will. We each have drafted our Last Will and Testament which covers our worldwide assets. Isn't this the same thing?
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My husband and I moved overseas for the first time about a year ago. I agreed to put my career on hold temporarily so that we could take advantage of this opportunity. Although our total income has increased, we don't feel like our financial life has improved.
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Barclays Wealth
http://offshore.barclays.com/
Barclays Wealth is the wealth management division of Barclays. Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail banking, credit cards, corporate banking, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services, with an extensive international presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 147,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for over 48 million customers and clients worldwide.
Barclays Wealth iAlert
http://www.barclayswealth.com/ialert-press
A free online tool that monitors exchange rates for you. |
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Alternative Dispute Resolution Service Limited (ADRS)
http://www.adrshelp.org/
A not-for-profit organization based in Gibraltar but providing global support. They help people, particularly expats, in financial adversity – via complaints help, mediation help, Widow's friend, a directory, a Know Your Professional program, and more.
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Cross Border Planning
This is a worldwide network of fee-only, comprehensive cross border financial planners. |
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Expat Mortgages
See Financial provide a comprehensive expat mortgage service for UK nationals based overseas. We are the UK expat mortgage specialist, and we can offer a wide range of expat mortgages with many exclusive rates and no broker fees. |
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GlobalTaxHelp.com – Tax Help For U.S. Expatriates Worldwide
We provide extensive free self-help links and information – and should you have additional questions, we offer a free initial consultation by an accredited CPA for any United States income and estate tax problem you may be facing – no matter where in the world you are located! |
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International Tax Planning
They can assist the high net worth expatriate or international professional with taxation assistance as well as helping them to understand and gain access. |
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Live and Invest Overseas
After more than 22 years as Editor and Publisher of International Living, Kathleen Peddicord is now Publisher of Live and Invest Overseas.com and Editor of the group's free weekly e-letter, the Overseas Opportunity Letter, detailing the best opportunities worldwide right now for living, retiring, investing, owning real estate, and doing business. |
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