--- title: Foreign Investor's Guide to International Taxes description: Learn how foreign investment in the US affects the taxes you pay on your earned income. image: https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-2064889783.jpg --- ![icon-phone](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-469552994-png/images/icon-phone.png)508-533-5700 **Call today to book your appointment!** [![Ann M. Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-480654324-png/images/circle-logo4.png?width=630&height=168&name=circle-logo4.png "Ann M. Irons")](https://www.ironscpa.com/) Hopkinton MA, CPA [Contact](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Ann+M.+Irons,+CPA,+17+Main+St+Suite+1,+Hopkinton,+MA+01748/@42.2283595,-71.5220826,17.25z/data=!3m1!5s0x89e470559903948b:0xba338aa31b2a0f29!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e46e7ca0d1d73b:0x531938b62807ebe1!2m2!1d-71.5200665!2d42.2284497!3e0?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![LinkdIn](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817405565.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ann-m-irons-cpa-llc)[![twitter](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817410620.png)](https://twitter.com/AnnMIronsCPALLC) # The Bean Counter with Ann M Irons, CPA --- [![Tax Year 2024 Business/Individual Tax Returns](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de) --- ## [Foreign Investor's Guide to International Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/foreign-investors-guide-to-international-taxes-part-1) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Nov 18, 2014 12:50:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![foreign-investment-pro](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-2064889783.jpg?width=350&name=file-2064889783.jpg)Foreign investment opportunities in the US appeal to investors across the globe, most commonly in the form of stocks, commercial property, or currency. As a citizen of a country other than the United States, you must be mindful of the tax requirements set by the Internal Revenue Services. ## An Overview of International Taxes The IRS allows for several exemptions and deductions, such as the [Foreign Tax Credit](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/investing-in-us-property-ask-yourself-these-questions), aimed at reducing the burden of *double taxation*, which occurs when two separate jurisdictions (in this case the United States and your country of residence) attempt to levy taxes on your declared income. It is in your best interest to acquaint yourself with the basic requirements for claiming these credits, even if you opt to allow your CPA to prepare your international tax return on your behalf. ## Who Must Pay Foreign Tax to the US? The most common [investment opportunities for foreign investors](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/taxing-investment-income-for-nonresident-investors) include exchange-traded funds, direct investment, and mutual funds. For exchange-traded funds and United States mutual funds, which can hold foreign stocks, foreign taxes are generally covered on behalf of you, the investor. It’s also possible that either of these types of funds will use foreign taxes it collects to create a tax benefit for shareholders. Compared to mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, direct investments tend to be more complex; this includes American Depository Receipts, or ADRs. For the most part, an ADR trades much like a domestic investment. This rule does not apply for all countries, as some withhold taxes made on payment of dividends. Direct investments may also result in taxation of capital gains and dividend payments alike. Topics: [Foreign Investment Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax), [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## About **Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC** ![Ann](https://www.ironscpa.com/hubfs/images/Ann.jpg)Ann has spent over 25 years in the financial service industry, gaining knowledge and experience that allows her to provide an array of tax, and accounting and advisory services for her clients. Relying on a stringent code of ethics and a dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards, Ann works hard to ensure her clients receive the quality service they’ve come to expect. A member of AICPA and MSCPA, Ann has also had an article featured in the renowned publication, Banker and Tradesman.  ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search by Topic Search ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Small Business Accounting (24)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-accounting) - [Individual Income Taxes (18)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes) - [International Tax (17)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) - [Accounting for Lawyers (11)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/accounting-for-lawyers) - [Escrow Accounting (10)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) - [Foreign Investment Tax (8)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax) - [Family Business (6)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/family-business) - [Bookkeeping (5)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/bookkeeping) - [Personal Finance (4)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Client Stories (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/client-stories) - [Payroll Processing (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/payroll-processing) - [Small Business Tax (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-tax) - [Starting Your Own Law Firm (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/starting-your-own-law-firm) - [Words of Wisdom (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/words-of-wisdom) [see all](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/foreign-investors-guide-to-international-taxes-part-1#) ## Inviting You to Visit Our Office! 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