5 Tips for International Tax Planning

As an individual working overseas or settling in a location for favorable taxation, international tax planning can be quite a hassle. The rules and regulations are often complex, and understanding what you need to do to comply with all necessary domestic and international requirements can seem daunting. How can you get the most favorable taxation rate? If you settle as a tax resident in a country but don’t want to stay there permanently, will your foreign income be tax-free? How can you register in a foreign country for tax purposes? While international tax planning can seem overwhelming, keeping these five tips in mind will help things go a bit more smoothly.

1. Take the time to understand what income qualifies as tax-free. A number of countries around the world provide special tax allowances for foreign citizens who are tax residents so long as they don’t wish to settle in the country permanently. If you’re a private individual settling in a country for tax purposes, however, it’s crucial that you understand what income qualifies as tax-free and what doesn’t. In most countries, only foreign income, or income not earned in the country where the individual is not a tax resident, qualifies as tax-free. Furthermore, this foreign income must not enter the country where the person is a tax resident. It must be both earned and kept abroad.

2. Make sure you understand your tax obligations to your home country. Just because you are living and working overseas doesn’t necessarily mean that your home country won’t tax you on the income you’ve earned abroad. For example, U.S. individual income tax operates on a worldwide basis. That means that no matter where a U.S. citizen is in the world or how long he or she has been living outside of the U.S., the U.S. government will tax all of this foreign income. So, an American living and working in London will have to pay U.S. taxes and UK taxes. However, individuals living abroad in many cases can claim a credit for taxes they paid overseas, eliminating double taxation.

3. Make sure you understand relevant tax laws and treaties. When it comes to international tax law, it isn’t just about the national laws at play but also how different national laws intersect, as well as relevant international tax treaties. Take the time to understand which laws and treaties apply to your situation.

4. Remember, documentation is key. Most countries will require a significant amount of information from citizens when they are filling out an income tax return, especially if those citizens have assets abroad or are earning income abroad. You’ll need to save documentation of your foreign income and foreign taxes paid, as well as proof to support any deductions you might qualify for. Make sure you’re saving these key pieces of information and storing them in a safe place.

5. Don’t wait until the last minute. In order to minimize stress and maximize your financial potential, you need a comprehensive long-term international tax planning strategy. So, don’t wait until the last minute! Take the time to plan accordingly.

The bottom line is that all tax planning can be complicated, and international tax planning is even more complex because there are many rules, regulations, and variables to consider. Therefore, in order to ensure you have an effective international tax plan in place, it can be advantageous to seek advice from an experienced professional who can provide you with advice related to your unique situation.