Author Archives: Edward Tanenbaum

Edward Tanenbaum
Edward Tanenbaum is co-chair of the firm’s Federal & International Tax Group and a member of the firm’s Global Resources & Strategies Committee. Mr. Tanenbaum’s practice consists primarily of planning and structuring tax efficient solutions for cross-border business transactions and investments by foreign multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals.  Read More →

Finally! Final Regulations Published for Section 965 Transition Tax

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At long last, we have the first set of final regulations for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Our International Tax Group celebrates with a look at how the Treasury and IRS have clarified Section 965 and why taxpayers may need to act quickly. The de minimis threshold Exceptions to the anti-abuse rules Transfer agreements and the basis adjustment election Read the full advisory here. [...]Read more

Another Chapter in the Effectively Connected Income Saga—IRS Issues Proposed Regulations on Sales of Partnership Interests by Foreign Partners

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The IRS gets granular on new Section 864(c)(8), created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Our International Tax Group examines the implications of the newest proposed regulations brought on by tax reform. How Section 864(c)(8) codifies longstanding IRS principles on effectively connected income The proposed regulations’ complex formula for deemed partnership asset sales Application to tiered partnerships and treaties Read the full advisory here. [...]Read more

First Round of Proposed GILTI Regulations Avoids the Hard(er) Stuff

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The IRS’s opening salvo of proposed regulations under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s global intangible low-taxed income is as complex as you would think. Our International Tax Group cuts through the clutter to address the key takeaways: Computation of GILTI inclusion Anti-abuse rules GILTI guidance still to come Read the full advisory here.  [...]Read more

Back to School: FBAR Penalties and a Lesson in Statutory Construction

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There is a disconnect between the statute and the regulation that impose penalties for violating FBAR filing requirements. Our International Tax Group covers the bases of the three court cases that have the IRS batting just 1 for 3. The 2004 statute can impose a penalty greater than $100,000 The regulation, which wasn’t updated, limits penalties to $100,000 Two courts favor the regulation; one the statute Read the full advisory here.   [...]Read more

Foreign Tax Credit Refund Claim Denied as Untimely

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Our International Tax Group discusses a recent case that offers a cautionary tale on statutory limitations periods and shows how even seemingly straightforward provisions are open to interpretation. 10 years vs. three years vs. two years? When is a refund “attributable to” foreign taxes? What does it mean to “pay” taxes? Read the full advisory here. [...]Read more

Trickle Down Guidance: Interim Notices Tackle Key International Reforms

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The IRS gives taxpayers a bit more direction on two provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act already in force. Our International Tax Group breaks down the new guidance for the repatriation tax and foreign partner withholding. Notice 2018-26 previews anti-avoidance and other rules under Section 965 Notice 2018-29 moves ahead with withholding for non-publicly traded partnerships under Section 1446(f) Read the full advisory here.  [...]Read more

The Tax Act’s New Business Interest Expense Limitation – Dear IRS: Some Guidance, Please?

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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act replaced the earnings stripping rules with a new limitation on deductions for business interest expense. Our International Tax Group examines the new law and what it means for interest expense deductions going forward. Special rules for partnerships and S corporations Rules for corporations What the new limitation leaves out Read the full advisory here. [...]Read more

Inexplicably, Section 956 Survives Tax Reform Intact

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How did a section of the Internal Revenue Code destined for repeal by both the House and Senate versions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act survive the final Act? Our International Tax Group examines the future application of Section 956 in the wake of the new tax regime. Section 956’s 50-plus-year history The House and Senate versions Scope of application Read the full advisory here. [...]Read more

International Tax Reform Is Here

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Our International Tax Group reveals how savvy and flexible taxpayers can optimize their tax position in the new landscape created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. New territorial system and mandatory repatriation Anti-base erosion measures Changes to Subpart F and other provisions Click here to read the full advisory. [...]Read more

Treasury Would Overhaul 2016 Regulatory Guidance

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With tax reform on the horizon, Treasury takes aim at three sets of regulations with clear cross-border implications. Our International Tax Group explains the department’s recommendations to scrap much of Section 385 and overhaul Sections 367 and 987. Revoking the Section 385 documentation rules Expanding the active business exception to foreign goodwill under Section 367 Deferring transition rules under Section 987 to 2019 Read the full advisory here. [...]Read more