United States and Singapore Buddy Up on Tax Evasion

For those who are still not convinced that the United States is serious about tracking down tax dodgers who are trying to hide money in offshore accounts, here’s one more piece of evidence that might change your mind. In a deal announced last week, the country of Singapore says it has come to terms with the U.S. on an agreement to share information regarding overseas account holders.

Under the new deal, financial institutions in Singapore will now be able to report any information it has regarding U.S. account holders in the country. Those financial institutions will share the information with local tax authorities in Singapore, who will then turn that information over to the IRS. That means those institutions can avoid dealing directly with the IRS,

This deal is another move by U.S. tax authorities to crack down on anyone trying to avoid their tax bill. Banks and other institutions in Singapore, as well as many other countries in Asia and across the globe, are coming to terms with the IRS and agreeing to turn over financial records of U.S. account holders as part of the U.S.’s Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

If these firms choose to ignore FATCA, the consequences can be costly. According to the terms of FATCA, any institution that does not comply could be stuck with a withholding fee of 30 percent on their U.S. investment income. They could also essentially be locked out of U.S. capital markets.

If you are still noncompliant then now may be the time to get some help. Call us today at GROCO at 1-877-CPA-2006, or contact us online.

Posted in

Profit From Foreclosures by Preventing Them

Profit From Foreclosures by Preventing Them What makes foreclosures so appealing to many real estate investors is that it’s not one-size-fits-all strategy. You have three basic choices when it comes to c investing: pre-foreclosure, at the auction, and after the auction. Let’s take a look at what’s involved in preforeclosure investing. Preforeclosure refers to the period…

Seven Tax Facts About Selling Your Home

Seven Tax Facts About Selling Your Home During summer months, some people sell their home. Many of those individuals will make a profit on the sale and still will not have to pay a single dime of additional income tax to the IRS. Here are seven tax facts about selling your home. Ownership and Use…

When Not to Name Your Spouse the Beneficiary of Your IRA

When Not to Name Your Spouse the Beneficiary of Your IRA

When Not to Name Your Spouse the Beneficiary of Your IRA By Robert Cavanaugh In most cases, naming your spouse as the beneficiary of your IRA makes the most sense. However, depending on your wishes, other beneficiary arrangements may do a better job of accomplishing your goals. First, let’s take a quick look at the…

The IRS is Not a Bully

IRS Guidance for SEC Disclosure of Listed Transaction Penalties

IRS Guidance for SEC Disclosure of Listed Transaction Penalties On August 15, 2005, the IRS issued guidance to taxpayers who are required to disclose listed transaction penalties to the SEC. Rev. Proc. 2005-51 sets forth the form, content, and timing of SEC disclosures for certain reportable transaction penalties that taxpayers are required to make pursuant…