If you're a U.S. person receiving income from abroad, or a foreign person earning income connected to the U.S., withholding rules can catch you off guard. Getting the basics right now can prevent notices, penalties, and cash-flow surprises later.

Own a condo in Manila, a flat in London, or a rental house in Guadalajara? If you're a US citizen, green card holder, or resident alien, the IRS wants to hear about the rent you collect on it — no matter where that property sits or what currency the rent shows up in. Here are the basics of reporting foreign rental income correctly, so a straightforward income stream doesn't turn into a compliance headache.

Estimated taxes aren't just an IRS formality — they're one of the simplest tools you have to stay ahead of your tax bill instead of chasing it. Here's why we bring this up every quarter, plus a quick quiz to see where you stand.

New York City skyline representing shadow payroll and cross-border tax compliance for global employees If you have a client who's working across borders — a US employee on assignment in London, a UK national temporarily in a New York office, or an executive splitting time between two countries — chances are “shadow payroll” has come up in conversation. It sounds like something out of a spy movie, but it's actually one of the most common (and most misunderstood) tools in globa

The PTE election sounds technical, but the idea is simple: let your business pay a piece of your California tax so you can deduct it federally without a cap. Here's a plain-English breakdown of how it works and who it's for.

Most business owners have never heard of the Augusta Rule — a tax provision that lets you rent your own home to your business for up to 14 days a year, with the rental income excluded from your personal taxes entirely. This week's Tax Tip Tuesday breaks down how it works, who qualifies, and why the size of your home changes the math.

The home office deduction is one of the most misunderstood — and most scrutinized — deductions on a tax return. I see it come up constantly in client conversations, and the same question surfaces every time: "Is it really worth claiming? Will it trigger an audit?" The honest answer? Done right, the home office deduction is completely legitimate and worth claiming. Done wrong, it's a red flag that can invite exactly the kind of IRS attention you want to avoid.

If you own an S corporation and take distributions, there's one number the IRS watches more closely than almost any other: your salary. Specifically, whether it's reasonable. Getting this wrong isn't just a technicality — it's one of the most common (and costly) audit triggers for small business owners. What Is Reasonable Compensation? The IRS requires that S-corporation shareholder-employees who perform services for the company pay themselves a reasonable salary before takin

If you hold a foreign bank account, own international investments, or have financial ties outside the United States, you’ve probably heard the terms FBAR and FATCA — sometimes used as if they mean the same thing. They don’t. Understanding the difference matters, because each has its own form, its own deadline, its own threshold, and its own set of penalties for non-compliance. We know — you've heard about FBAR and FATCA before. But there's a reason we keep coming back to this

Did you know that moving to a new state doesn't automatically end your tax obligations to your old one? Learn the six warning signs that your former state may still consider you a resident — and the steps you need to take to protect yourself from a costly audit.

For U.S. citizens and green card holders living abroad, year-end tax planning is more than just checking a box—it’s about making smart choices to reduce tax burdens, stay compliant, and avoid costly penalties.

One of the most common questions taxpayers ask each year is: “Do I really have to report this as income?”

If you have kids, there are two major tax benefits that can help reduce your bill: the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Child & Dependent Care Credit (CDCC). While they sound similar, they work very differently—and both are set to change in 2026 unless Congress acts. 1. Child Tax Credit (CTC) – 2025 Rules The CTC helps families offset the cost of raising children. Who qualifies: Child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year. Must be your dependent, related to you, and l

Summer is a great time to earn extra income—whether you’re delivering food, walking dogs, tutoring, or working for rideshare services....

Getting mail from the IRS can feel intimidating—but don’t panic. Most IRS letters are routine, and many simply require a response or...

Wondering if you can claim your child, niece, parent—or even a roommate—as a dependent on your tax return? You’re not alone! Here’s a...