The IRS has been paying more attention to offshore accounts and foreign income recently, creating challenges for people with money or investments in other countries. 

It’s important to understand these rules if you have international assets.

New reporting requirements

If you have offshore accounts, you must follow certain rules. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) says you need to report foreign accounts over $50,000 to the IRS. Also, the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) requires reporting accounts with over $10,000. Breaking these rules can lead to significant fines.

Rules for foreign income

The IRS requires people to report all income, including money earned from foreign investments, businesses, or rental properties. If you live in New York and have international income, you must include it on your federal and state tax returns. Treaties between the U.S. and other countries can help avoid double taxation, but careful planning is important.

Increased enforcement

The IRS is working harder to find people who don’t report offshore accounts and income. By working with other countries and using data-sharing agreements, the IRS can identify noncompliant taxpayers more effectively. Those who fail to report foreign income may face audits, fines, and even criminal charges.

Staying compliant

To ensure compliance, keep detailed financial records, learn about the reporting requirements, and understand tax laws in the U.S. and abroad. Programs like the Voluntary Disclosure Program can help you fix past mistakes and reduce penalties.

Managing your finances

The IRS’s focus on offshore accounts highlights the importance of compliance if you have money or assets in other countries. By staying informed and meeting reporting requirements, you can protect your finances and avoid problems with the IRS.