Tax Filing for American Business Owners Abroad
Own a foreign corporation, LLC, or partnership? FileAbroad helps US business owners abroad navigate Form 5471, GILTI, Subpart F, and foreign entity tax planning.
Common Challenges
You own a foreign corporation and are unsure about CFC rules and Form 5471 filing.
You have heard about GILTI tax and want to know if it applies to your business.
You are considering forming a foreign LLC and want to understand the US tax classification.
You have a foreign partnership and are unsure about Form 8865 and Section 1446 withholding.
You need to optimize your business structure to minimize US and foreign tax.
How FileAbroad Helps
Analyze your foreign entity structure and determine US tax classification (corporation, partnership, disregarded entity).
Prepare Form 5471, Form 8865, or Form 8858 as required by your entity type.
Calculate GILTI inclusions, Subpart F income, and foreign tax credit limitations.
Advise on entity restructuring, Section 962 elections, and treaty benefits.
Provide a written scope and exact quote before any work begins.
Resources for Business Owners Abroad
Pricing
Business owner returns are complex and always receive a custom quote after the free intake review. Factors include entity type, number of forms, GILTI calculations, and multi-year catch-up needs. The $100 scope call defines the exact scope and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file Form 5471 for my foreign corporation?
Yes, if you are a US person who owns 10% or more of a foreign corporation, or if the corporation is a Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) and you are a US shareholder. Form 5471 reports the corporation's income, balance sheet, and your share of Subpart F and GILTI income.
What is GILTI and does it apply to me?
Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) is a US tax on certain income earned by Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) that exceeds a 10% return on tangible assets. If you own a CFC, you may have a GILTI inclusion on your personal tax return. A Section 962 election can reduce the tax rate.
Should I form a foreign LLC or a foreign corporation?
The optimal structure depends on your income level, foreign tax rate, and long-term goals. A foreign LLC may be classified as a disregarded entity, partnership, or corporation for US tax purposes. A foreign corporation may trigger CFC and GILTI rules. Each structure has different reporting and tax implications.
Can I avoid US tax on my foreign business income?
Generally no. US citizens and residents are taxed on worldwide income, including income from foreign businesses. The FEIE may exclude earned income up to the limit, but it does not apply to business profits distributed as dividends. The Foreign Tax Credit can reduce double taxation. Proper entity structuring is essential.
Do I need to file Form 8865 for my foreign partnership?
Yes, if you are a US person with an interest in a foreign partnership. Form 8865 reports the partnership's income, deductions, and your share of partnership items. If the partnership has US effectively connected income, Section 1446 withholding may also apply.
Questions About Business Owners Abroad Taxes?
Every situation is different. The fastest way to clarity is the free intake.