An accountant moves to the US in the 1980s with a portfolio of non-U.S. mutual funds (classified as PFICs under US tax law). Decades later and the portfolio has grown significantly, but is never reported under the US PFIC rules. Assuming it was taxed like a standard investment, the accountant has blindly walked into an 80% penalty, lost to taxes and interest. This cautionary tale highlights the critical need for early, specialised cross-border tax advice. Thankfully, we’ve got it here. Richard Taylor is joined for this week’s Ask An Expert by Ishali Patel, Senior Director at Trowbridge Professional Corporation

They explore key issues like informational returns (FBAR, Form 3520), the PFIC regime for non-U.S. investments, and double-taxation risks when working across states. If you do a couple of days work a week in another state you could be taxed twice! It’s bonkers, but need-to-know stuff. Ishali also shares insights on avoiding costly penalties and managing UK pensions under US rules.

We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

2024 was a year of volatility. Despite this, the S&P 500 finished the year 28% up – that’s on top of a 70% gain from the 2022 low. As always, the learning from this is that you just need to stay invested. Nobody knows what 2025 has in store but avoiding attempts to time the market will save you a lot of headache. To speculate on 2025 and wrap up the year that was 2024, Richard and James are back in the trenches, this time with CCO at Plan First Wealth Martha Kern.

Together they discuss the ‘Santa Claus rally’ often predicted for the holiday season, the complexities of Medicare and how to avoid expensive mistakes in your pre-retirement planning. Plus, tax compliance and ‘reasonable cause’: it was a big talking point this year, but what does it all mean for you?

We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

You don’t want to be arguing with the IRS. But, if it comes to it, there are some defences. One is reasonable cause. For cross-border financial and tax obligations, it’s important to know it.

Richard Taylor asks an expert for their take on this. The expert is Virginia Jeker, a seasoned U.S. international tax attorney, and she talks about what it takes to successfully argue reasonable cause when facing IRS penalties, such as those for missed informational returns. They explore the importance of due diligence, the nuances of working with competent tax professionals, and the costly risks of ignorance or willful blindness. Packed with practical advice and insights, you’ll hear how to proactively manage your tax obligations and avoid costly mistakes.

We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.