--- title: Make More Informed Financial Decisions | The Bean Counter | International Tax description: International Tax | Ideas to help small businesses and individuals take advantage of better financial accounting and tax planning. --- ![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) --- ## [How Can I Save Money With the Foreign Tax Credit?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-can-i-save-money-with-the-foreign-tax-credit) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Dec 9, 2014 10:10:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-2242017355.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-can-i-save-money-with-the-foreign-tax-credit) If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States who has generated investment income within the US, you may be eligible to claim the Foreign Tax Credit. This particular credit is open, with certain conditions, to income that would otherwise be taxed by both the United States and your country of residence. However, the requirements for claiming the credit are complex; it is best to partner with a tax preparer who is knowledgeable in matters of **foreign investment in the US**. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/how-can-i-save-money-with-the-foreign-tax-credit) Topics: [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [Mitigating Risks of Foreign Investments in US Real Estate](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/mitigating-risks-of-foreign-investments-in-us-real-estate) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Nov 20, 2014 12:51:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-2129207354.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/mitigating-risks-of-foreign-investments-in-us-real-estate) Foreign investment in United States real estate is not for faint of heart. Volatile exchange rates and a less than ideal housing market make for risky business. If you are new to real estate investing, a basic understanding of the risks and benefits can mitigate these risks. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/mitigating-risks-of-foreign-investments-in-us-real-estate) Topics: [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [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) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-2064889783.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/foreign-investors-guide-to-international-taxes-part-1) 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. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/foreign-investors-guide-to-international-taxes-part-1) Topics: [Foreign Investment Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax), [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [International Tax Tips: Filing as an Immigrant](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-tips-filing-as-an-immigrant) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Oct 20, 2014 10:22:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1824982566.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-tips-filing-as-an-immigrant) If you are a resident or non-resident alien earning income in the United States, you can expect to pay taxes to the IRS. Depending on your status, you may not be able to use the same requirements and forms as someone who is a US citizen. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-tips-filing-as-an-immigrant) Topics: [Individual Income Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes), [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [Taxing Investment Income for Nonresident Investors](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/taxing-investment-income-for-nonresident-investors) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Oct 7, 2014 3:58:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1802513881.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/taxing-investment-income-for-nonresident-investors) Investments in US real property, while potentially lucrative, are sometimes too costly to individual investors outside the United States, as well as to small groups of foreign investors. [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/international-tax) provides **tax services for foreign investors in Bellingham, MA**. She explains that debt instruments are a more accessible, less prohibitive means of generating income for investors who are not residents of the United States. How do you know which instruments of debt are subject to tax and which are not? [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/taxing-investment-income-for-nonresident-investors) Topics: [Foreign Investment Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax), [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [International Tax Tips: Foreign Tax Credit Compliance](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-tips-foreign-tax-credit-compliance) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Sep 30, 2014 3:55:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1769878136.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-tips-foreign-tax-credit-compliance) The Foreign Tax Credit can be used to reduce tax paid on income that is taxed both by the United States and a foreign country. Claiming the credit can save you thousands of dollars, but only if you can provide adequate documentation. For this reason, it’s advisable to work closely with an **international tax preparer in Bellingham, MA, **says [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/international-tax)**. ** [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/international-tax-tips-foreign-tax-credit-compliance) Topics: [Individual Income Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes), [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [Talking Taxes: Foreign Income for Expats (Part 2 of 2)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-2-of-2) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Sep 18, 2014 12:50:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1755279708.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-2-of-2) In our [last post](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax/page/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-1-of-2), [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/international-tax) shared two essential tax breaks for expatriates filing **international taxes in Bellingham, MA: **the Foreign Tax Credit and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Today, we’ll look at foreign currency gain and reducing the value-added tax. ## Foreign Currency Gain Even the relative value of the USD and your new home country may be subject to taxation. For example, suppose you’re a US citizen residing in Japan, and while there you’ve [purchased stock](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/foreign-investor-documents) valued at $1,000. Over the next few years, the value of your stock neither increases nor decreases, but the value of the US dollars decreases while the value of the yen increases dramatically. You decide to sell the stock, but you end up with more USD than you paid for the original purchase. This profit *must* be documented on your [income tax forms](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/bellingham-ma-foreign-investor-crowdfunding). [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-2-of-2) Topics: [Individual Income Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes), [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [Talking Taxes: Foreign Income for Expats (Part 1 of 2)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-1-of-2) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Sep 16, 2014 12:48:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1758670425.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-1-of-2) Relocating is a stressful and complicated process even if you’re only moving a few blocks away. For someone who opts to live abroad, these concerns are compounded by international tax requirements. Whether you’re considering a job-related move or a (very) extended vacation, you’ll need **international tax planning in Bellingham, MA. **[Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/international-tax), a Massachusetts CPA, shares a two-part guide to navigating tax planning for expatriates. ## An Eye-Opening Requirement Believe it or not, just because you live outside of the United States doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be required to continue [paying your taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/individual-taxes) to the IRS. If you earn foreign income, this rule applies—even if you’re also paying taxes to the country or countries in which you’re staying. As far as the IRS is concerned, residents and citizens alike can be taxed on their *worldwide* income, not just income earned within the United States. Your host country may or may not require worldwide income reporting. For example, Canada does not have a similar requirement for its citizens. Fortunately, multiple tax breaks are available from the IRS, reducing the amount of long-distance taxes you can expect to pay. ### Foreign Tax Credit After a prolonged amount of time (six months for most countries), you will be expected to pay taxes to the country in which you’ve taken residence. This means you’ll also be paying the US; this is called *double taxation*, and our tax code permits a [foreign tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/essential-tax-tips-for-non-us-citizens) credit. First, you’ll look at the tax rates for the US and your country of residence. Subtract the lower rate from the higher rate, and pay the amount of the higher tax rate, divided evenly among the US and the other country. ### Foreign Earned Income Exclusion As an expatriate, you may be eligible to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Effective 2013 and on, you may exclude as much as $97,600 of your [foreign-earned income](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/bellingham-ma-tax-preparer-discusses-tax-treaties). However, you must first be able to prove that you have lived in your country of residence outside the US for a minimum of 330 days. These 330 days must fall within a consecutive 12-month period. Irons adds that you cannot claim this inclusion if you are living on the high seas, or if you are living somewhere with no government, such as the continent Antarctica. **Questions about filing taxes as an expatriate? **To learn more about international taxes, or to schedule a consultation with [Ann Irons, CPA, LLC](https://www.ironscpa.com/about-the-company), [contact us](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us) at (508) 966-0700. We welcome businesses, individuals, and law practices based in and around Bellingham, Woonsocket, Medway, Milford, and the surrounding areas. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/talking-taxes-foreign-income-for-expats-part-1-of-2) Topics: [Individual Income Taxes](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes), [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [International Tax: Gift and Estate Taxes for Non-U.S. Citizens ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/gift-and-estate-taxes-for-non-citizens-belingham-ma-international-tax) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Sep 11, 2014 2:25:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1654117831.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/gift-and-estate-taxes-for-non-citizens-belingham-ma-international-tax) As someone who is not a citizen of the United States and bequeaths or inherits an estate or gift situated in the U.S., you are subject to taxation of gifts and worldwide estates. Because requirements for reporting and paying gift and estate taxes are so complex, foreign investors are encouraged to enlist the professional services of an experienced **international tax expert in Bellingham, MA**. CPA [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/international-tax) offers insights into tax planning for non-U.S. citizens. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/gift-and-estate-taxes-for-non-citizens-belingham-ma-international-tax) Topics: [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) ## [Should You Invest in the U.S. as an Individual or Corporation?](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-you-invest-in-the-u.s.-as-an-individual-or-corporation) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) Sep 9, 2014 2:26:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-1611506079.jpg) ](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-you-invest-in-the-u.s.-as-an-individual-or-corporation) Choosing the appropriate ownership vehicle is an essential step for foreign investors building their portfolio with investments in the United States. A good fit offers advantages in several financial areas, not least of which are tax-related. Even so, investing as a corporation rather than an individual carries certain risks; working with an accountant experienced in **foreign investment tax returns in Bellingham, MA** is the best way to enjoy these benefits while avoiding costly missteps. [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/international-tax), a certified public account who prepares tax returns, explains. [Read More](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/should-you-invest-in-the-u.s.-as-an-individual-or-corporation) Topics: [Foreign Investment Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax), [International Tax](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) [All posts](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax/page/2) ## 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/topic/international-tax/page/1#) ## Inviting You to Visit Our Office! Please call us at your earliest convenience to set up a consultation. We look forward to meeting you, and determining how we can best serve you. ![Map Irons CPA Hopkinton](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png?width=305&height=167&name=Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png)   ### OUR LOCATION: 17 Main Street, Suite 1 Hopkinton, MA 01748 Phone: 508-533-5700 Fax: 888-922-2242 ## About Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC Ann Irons’ personal philosophy focuses on strong experience, integrity, and commitment to service above all else.  [Learn More](https://www.ironscpa.com/meet-ann-irons) ## Navigation ## Recent Blog Posts ## [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![G+](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-815314232.png)](https://plus.google.com/b/100124969766767305083/100124969766767305083/about)[![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) ## Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC © 2025. All rights reserved.   ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/951439776/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0)