Learn how timing income and deductions across borders can optimize U.S. and foreign tax outcomes for expats, remote workers, and global entrepreneurs.

If you’ve ever received money from abroad — whether it’s from freelance work, consulting, or royalties — the IRS wants to know. U.S. taxpayers may need to report those payments using Form 1099 (for U.S. payees) or Form 1042-S (for foreign payees).

What happens when the IRS acts as prosecutor, jury, and judge—all at once? That’s the question at the heart of the United States v. Sagoo case (2025), a landmark court decision that could reshape how international tax penalties are assessed.