Category Archives: International Tax Advisory

Plot Twist – Proposed Regulations Mean Section 956 Did Not Actually Survive Tax Reform Intact

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Our International Tax Group takes stock of new proposed regulations that try to keep Section 956 relevant despite the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Many were left scratching their heads “A result directly at odds with the manifest purpose of Section 956” Impact of the proposed regulations Read the full advisory here. [...]Read more

State of Uncertainty: GILTI Considerations for Individuals

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Our International Tax Group explores the hidden terrain for individuals found in the new tax on global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI). The Section 250 deduction The renewed importance of Section 962 Beware of the C-corp. lobster pot 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

Cryptocurrencies and Investment Funds – Tax Uncertainty Abounds

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The IRS has announced its intent to beef up enforcement efforts against tax noncompliance relating to transactions in cryptocurrencies. Despite this effort, various tax aspects of cryptocurrency transactions remain uncertain. Our International Tax and Blockchain & Distributed Ledger groups team up to explain how this uncertainty affects cryptocurrency funds. Cryptocurrencies are treated as property, not currency, for tax purposes (but the certainty largely ends there) Can cryptocurrencies and their derivatives qualify as commodities for tax purposes? 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

Omnibus Spending Bill Makes Long-Awaited Technical Corrections to Several PATH Act Provisions

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While the omnibus spending bill didn’t do much to clarify the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it did make some corrections to other tax laws. Our International Tax Group discusses some of those corrections for qualified foreign pension funds and the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA). Requirements for qualified foreign pension funds Changes for problematic requirements Corrections to the PATH Act 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