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As we approach the end of 2020 we consider the impact that the US president-elect Biden will have and look at some important year-end planning points to consider for US taxpayers living outside the US. … Read more
If you're a US citizen, resident or and Green Card Holder (AKA a US person) and are the settlor or a beneficiary of a non-US trust, there are US tax and compliance issues that you need to be aware of. … Read more
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Last updated: 3 February 2020
For individuals with excess foreign tax credits carried over from prior years, Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) investments can be an effective way to utilise these credits without incurring a US tax charge. Excess foreign tax credits carried forward to future years have a limited life of 10 years before they are wasted.
However, Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and investments within ISAs, are often considered Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) for US tax purposes. We would not normally recommend them for a US taxpayer because PFICs are subject to US anti-avoidance rules that make them tax inefficient. Cash ISAs are not PFICs so the interest is simply taxed at US income tax rates and Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) if due. In some cases, it will be possible to find funds for an ISA that are not PFICs, but the investment options are more restrictive.
You may want to review your excess foreign tax credit position and determine whether EIS investments could help utilise some of these excess credits.
We recommend that individuals seek professional advice where appropriate before taking any action, so please fill out the form below if you have any questions.
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