Expatriate Tax Services Services tax consultants cpa tax consulting |Sentinel CPA

Services for Foreign Nationals

The United States classifies Foreign Nationals as one of the following: Resident Aliens: Non-US citizens meeting either the lawful permanent residence (“green card”) or substantial presence test (based on time in-country – known as the 183-day calculation). Special rules apply to foreign government personnel, students, teachers and a few other special occupations.

Non-resident Aliens: Non-US citizen not qualifying under the two Resident Alien tests, but with assets in or income earned in the US, giving rise to possible US income or estate tax filing obligation.

Compliance – Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns

Using information provided by you, we prepare any United States and individual state tax returns you may be required to file - ranging from individual or business income tax to estate, trust and partnership returns. We also work to identify any foreign jurisdiction reporting requirements you may face, and coordinate with that jurisdiction’s tax professionals, as needed, to assure that all requirements are met and you stay out of trouble. Fees are based on time and complexity, with an estimate provided in advance.

Tax Audit Representation

Tax returns filed by US expatriates are selected for audit much more often than the average tax return. And the higher the income, the higher the chance of getting audited. If this happens to you, we at Sentinel CPA stand ready to defend your interest in front of the IRS – first by telephone, then by writing, and – if necessary – in person at an IRS district office stateside or overseas. Fees are based on time and complexity, with an estimate provided in advance.

Power of Attorney Services

This service assures that if the IRS has a bone to pick with you, we at Sentinel CPA are notified by them as well as you. The advantage? Often the IRS does not have a current address for you, or when they do mail takes weeks to reach you. The copy we get – within days of mailing – assures that any problems the IRS may have with you comes to our attention before it becomes a huge problem. This service is offered only as part of the above services.