A recent IRS memo addresses the U.S. tax status of a U.S. citizen deemed to be a resident of a foreign country under a tax treaty “tie breaker” rule.

The memo was issued with respect to Israel, but the general rule stated at the conclusion of the memo would seem to apply to other treaty countries with such a tie breaker rule as well.

This is what was stated at conclusion:

“A U.S. citizen who is treated as a resident of another country under an income tax treaty would still be required to file a Form 1040 (assuming his income meets the filing thresholds) and would still be subject to U.S. tax on his worldwide income (except to the extent one of the exceptions to the saving clause applies).”

You can read the entire memo here . . . . http://1.usa.gov/Wtl65m

Description of the New Streamlined Procedure

This streamlined procedure is designed for taxpayers that present a low compliance risk. All submissions will be reviewed by the IRS, but, the intensity of review will vary according to the level of compliance risk presented by the submission. For those taxpayers presenting low compliance risk, the review will be expedited and the IRS will not assert penalties or pursue follow-up actions. Submissions that present higher compliance risk are not eligible for the streamlined processing procedures and will be subject to a more thorough review and possibly a full examination, which in some cases may include more than three years, in a manner similar to opting out of the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP).

Taxpayers utilizing this procedure will be required to file delinquent tax returns, with appropriate related information returns (e.g. Form 3520 or 5471), for the past three years and to file delinquent FBARs (Form TD F 90-22.1) for the past six years. Payment for the tax and interest, if applicable, must be remitted along with delinquent tax returns.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirement is on the questionnaire that a taxpayer must submit (see attached questionnaire by clicking on http://slidesha.re/OjdYpH)

The taxpayer qualifies only if each of the following questions answered No.

1. Have you resided in the U.S. for any period of time since January 1, 2009?
2. Have you filed a U.S. tax return for tax year 2009 or later?
3. Do you owe more than $1,500 in U.S. tax on any of the tax returns you are submitting through this program?
4. If you are submitting an amended return (Form 1040X) solely for the purpose of requesting a retroactive deferral of income on Form 8891, are there any adjustments reported on the amended return to income, deductions, credits or tax?

You can read further about the program and its instructions at http://1.usa.gov/PFp8VJ

NEWSLETTER SYNOPSIS:
Do you own, plan to purchase
or anticipate to receive an
immovable property in India.
What are the tax implications in
India and US on sale of property
held by US person in India.