United States Taxation of Foreign Trusts

The US tax and reporting rules applicable to foreign trusts - principally embodied as Subchapter J of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended - are notoriously complex. Now, with this volume, anyone who has to deal with these rules can find their use and meaning clearly explained, and proceed confidently to the best outcome in any situation where they apply. This guide covers all the following topics in detail: regular nongrantor (or accumulation) trusts of both the "simple" variety and the "complex" type with its challenging "throwback" rules and interest charge on accumulation distributions; the circumstances under which certain foreign trusts, such as section 672(f) (barring the application of the normal grantor trust rules to certain foreign trusts), section 643(h) (relating to distributions by certain foreign trusts through nominees), and section 643(i) (relating to loans from foreign trusts); reporting and penalty provisions and the accompanying IRS forms; and special issues, such as those surrounding incoming immigrants and outgoing expatriates. The book provides modified versions of the principal IRS forms (3520, 3520-A, 4970, 1040NR, and 1041) that are commonly filed for foreign trusts. These modifications, which scrupulously follow all applicable IRS rules, are much easier to use than the actual forms for the purpose of foreign trusts. Numerous examples throughout the book clarify the valid procedures and alternatives available at every point, a feature particularly useful in applying provisions that still await settled regulation and case law. Compliance issues that may arise on IRS audit are also examined. Professionals and advisors in law, tax, accounting, banking, and securities; settlers and beneficiaries; and students and academics both within and outside the United States should find this an informative and useful volume.