International Business Expertise
Foreign Investments, Foreign Ownership, and Foreign Business CPA Firm in South Florida
In today’s global business landscape, many local tax preparers lack experience with foreign investments or enterprises involving foreign investors. Neglecting proper reporting can result in hefty penalties. To avoid financial troubles, whether you’re new to international business or have global holdings, you need an experienced foreign business CPA who understands your unique needs.
Foreign Holdings
Reporting on Foreign Holdings
If you have foreign bank accounts or overseas investments, you may need to submit specific tax forms like the Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) or FinCen Report 114. These forms involve reporting various overseas assets, and failing to do so can result in substantial penalties. South Florida serves as a central hub for foreign investment and investors, including both local citizens and immigrants with business holdings from their home countries. If you engage in any overseas business activities, it’s essential to have a foreign business CPA safeguarding your financial interests.
Global Business Tycoon
Or Just Renting Your Old Home?
Foreign business regulations are crafted to combat tax evasion, international criminal organizations, and money laundering. Consequently, these regulations impose comprehensive reporting obligations to deter international illicit activities. Unfortunately, this implies that the same reporting requirements apply to a Canadian renting their former family home and a global magnate. Fortunately, our expertise ensures your compliance with these regulations.
Foreign Investors
Global Access to Capital
Contemporary startups enjoy global funding opportunities. Yet, dealing with overseas investors can add complexity to your reporting and tax obligations. We specialize in assisting corporations and LLCs with foreign investors to maintain compliance with both U.S. and international tax authorities. Our expertise covers international income tax and foreign real estate tax matters. Situated in the Miami metropolitan area, we possess extensive experience in Latin America, while serving clients with investments and investors from the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the Middle East.
Foreign Business
Core Knowledge Here!
Since our founding, we’ve been helping clients with foreign holdings. Our website has consistently provided information on these matters from the very beginning. In 2013, we stressed the need for electronic FBAR filing, and we continue to stay informed about tax code changes as they develop.
Smart and Knowledgable
Foreign Business CPA
We conduct thorough reviews for all foreign business CPA requirements to prevent overlooked issues that could lead to complications. When needed, we refer to the applicable tax treaty or collaborate with specialized international tax attorneys. We handle your financial and tax compliance, allowing you to concentrate on your international business activities, free from paperwork worries. If your current CPA or tax preparer doesn’t inquire about foreign business holdings or foreign investors, you may be at risk of non-compliance, potentially facing substantial fines and penalties.
Foreign Business CPA – More Info
Global Reach
Our international presence includes team members across the globe, serving clients on four continents.
Partner Firms
We maintain strategic partnerships with firms in foreign countries to enhance our support for your international interests.
Flexible Structures
We understand the distinct challenges foreign firms face, and as a versatile boutique firm, we can customize our services to meet your specific requirements.
Foreign Investments & Foreign Investors FAQs
Which U.S. tax forms apply to foreign bank accounts and assets?
Common filings include FBAR/FinCEN 114 for foreign financial accounts and Form 8938 (FATCA) for specified foreign assets. Thresholds vary by filing status and residency; many taxpayers must file both.
What is the difference between FBAR and FATCA Form 8938?
FBAR (FinCEN 114) reports foreign accounts to Treasury; Form 8938 reports broader foreign financial assets to the IRS. Different thresholds, due dates, and penalties apply—many filers need both.
What happens if I missed FBARs or Form 8938?
Penalties can be severe. We assess eligibility for delinquent or streamlined filing procedures, prepare late reports, and craft reasonable-cause statements to reduce penalties where possible.
I own shares in a foreign company—what do I file?
You may need Form 5471 (controlled foreign corporation), Form 8865 (foreign partnership), Form 8858 (foreign disregarded entity), and possibly Form 926 for certain transfers. We determine which forms apply.
My U.S. company has foreign owners—what are the requirements?
U.S. entities with foreign owners often file Form 5472 with a pro-forma 1120 to report related-party transactions. We also collect W-8 forms, track withholding, and maintain transfer-pricing documentation.
How are foreign investors in U.S. LLCs or partnerships taxed?
Income “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business (ECI) is taxable, with required withholding on allocable income. We handle EIN/ITIN setup, K-1 reporting, and quarterly tax payments.
What is FDAP vs. ECI for non-U.S. investors?
FDAP (fixed, determinable, annual, periodical) income is generally subject to withholding at statutory/treaty rates. ECI is net-taxed at graduated rates and often requires a U.S. return. We classify income and apply treaties.
Do tax treaties help reduce my U.S. tax or withholding?
Often yes. Treaties can reduce FDAP withholding, address residency tie-breakers, and prevent double taxation. We evaluate treaty positions and prepare Forms W-8BEN / W-8BEN-E and Form 8833 disclosures when required.
What is FIRPTA for foreign sellers of U.S. real estate?
FIRPTA requires withholding on sale proceeds by non-U.S. persons. We manage Forms 8288/8288-A, apply for reduced withholding certificates when eligible, and prepare the seller’s U.S. tax return to reconcile.
I hold foreign mutual funds/ETFs—what is PFIC and Form 8621?
Many non-U.S. funds are PFICs, requiring Form 8621 and specialized elections (QEF/Mark-to-Market). We evaluate PFIC status, model tax outcomes, and maintain annual PFIC reporting.
Do cryptocurrency holdings on foreign exchanges count for FBAR/FATCA?
It depends on the custodial setup and evolving guidance. We analyze exchange location and custody to decide whether accounts or assets are reportable under FBAR and/or FATCA rules.
I rent out my former home overseas—what must I report?
Report rental income/expenses on your U.S. return, claim foreign taxes via Form 1116 credit when eligible, and include the property on Form 8938 if thresholds are met. Related bank accounts may trigger FBAR.
How do U.S. citizens abroad report wages and self-employment income?
You may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) and/or foreign tax credits. Self-employment income can still be subject to U.S. SE tax. We optimize between exclusion and credits.
What structures work for cross-border startups with foreign investors?
Choice of entity affects withholding, 5472 reporting, transfer pricing, and exit tax. We coordinate Delaware/Florida entities, operating agreements, cap tables, and treaty planning with counsel.
Can you coordinate with foreign advisors and handle multi-currency books?
Yes. We collaborate with overseas accountants and attorneys, support multi-currency bookkeeping, and convert local GAAP to U.S. tax reporting with audit-ready workpapers.
How do you help new clients get compliant quickly?
We run a cross-border risk review, gather bank/exchange statements, identify missing forms, prepare FBAR/FATCA and information returns, file amended or streamlined returns, and set a forward-looking compliance calendar.
What information do you need to start?
Passport/ITIN details, entity charts, foreign account statements, brokerage reports, property records/leases, prior U.S. returns, W-8/W-9 forms, and any treaty positions. We provide a secure upload checklist.
Do you offer fixed-fee packages for foreign investment compliance?
Yes. Transparent packages cover FBAR/FATCA, forms 5471/5472/8865/8858, PFIC analysis, FIRPTA, and ongoing returns—with add-ons for bookkeeping, payroll, and international tax planning.
