International Tax
Our team provides tax planning and compliance for foreign-based companies and individuals doing business in the United States, and for U.S. companies and individuals operating in other countries. Miami is a gateway to Latin America, and so is our client list.
How Nelson & Associates handles International Tax
Cross-border tax is full of information returns with large penalties and little room for error. Our firm has advised multinational companies throughout the United States, Europe and Latin America, and our firm works with partner accountants in Mexico to coordinate both sides of a transaction.
We help foreign investors set up and run U.S. companies, help U.S. residents report foreign accounts, income and companies, and help both understand how tax treaties, foreign tax credits and withholding rules apply. The goal is simple: pay tax once, in the right country, and file every form the law requires.
Who this is for
- Foreign individuals investing in U.S. real estate or businesses
- Foreign-owned U.S. corporations and single-member LLCs
- U.S. citizens and residents with foreign bank accounts or companies
- Importers and exporters trading with Latin America
- Families with members on both sides of the border
- Companies sending employees to or from the U.S.
Everything covered in our International Tax service
- Entity structuring for inbound and outbound investment
- Form 5472 and pro forma 1120 for foreign-owned LLCs
- FBAR and FATCA (Form 8938) reporting
- Controlled foreign corporation reporting (Form 5471)
- Foreign tax credit and treaty analysis
- Nonresident returns (Form 1040-NR) and ITIN applications
- Withholding on payments to foreign persons (Forms 1042 and 1042-S)
- Coordination with our partner firm in Mexico
The paperwork behind International Tax
| FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) | Report of foreign bank and financial accounts |
|---|---|
| Form 8938 | Statement of specified foreign financial assets |
| Form 5471 | U.S. persons with interests in foreign corporations |
| Form 5472 | 25% foreign-owned U.S. corporations and foreign-owned LLCs |
| Form 1040-NR | Nonresident alien income tax return |
| Form 1116 | Foreign tax credit for individuals |
| Form 8833 | Treaty-based return position disclosure |
| Form W-8BEN / W-8BEN-E | Certificates of foreign status for withholding |
What we’ll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes faster. Missing something? We’ll help you find it.
- Passports and visa or residency documents
- Foreign bank and brokerage statements
- Organizational documents for U.S. and foreign entities
- Foreign tax returns and proof of foreign tax paid
- Records of transactions between related companies
- Prior U.S. returns and information returns filed
How it works, step by step
Cross-border review
We map your people, entities, accounts and income by country.
Structure and plan
We recommend a structure and filing approach that avoids double tax.
Prepare filings
U.S. returns and information returns are prepared and reviewed.
Ongoing compliance
We track deadlines and coordinate with advisers abroad.
Why clients choose us for International Tax
Latin America focus
Deep experience with clients and companies across Latin America.
Partner firm in Mexico
A long-standing collaboration since 2010 for cross-border clients.
Penalty-aware
We prioritize the information returns that carry $10,000-plus penalties.
Clear explanations
We explain U.S. rules to foreign clients in plain terms.
International Tax across the United States
From our Doral office we provide International Tax to clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Hover over a state to see its tax profile and the cities we serve; tap it to open the state page.
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Federal Form 1040 and any required state returns for employees, families, retirees and investors, prepared by a CPA firm and reviewed line by line.
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International Tax FAQs
7 answers to the questions clients ask most. Don’t see yours? Ask us directly.
I'm not a U.S. citizen. Do I have to file a U.S. return?
It depends on your residency status and U.S. income. Green card holders and people who meet the substantial presence test are taxed like citizens. Nonresidents generally file Form 1040-NR if they have U.S.-source income that isn't fully covered by withholding.
What is Form 5472 and why does it matter?
It reports transactions between a foreign-owned U.S. company and its related parties. It applies to 25% foreign-owned corporations and to foreign-owned single-member LLCs, and the penalty for not filing starts at $25,000.
Do I need to report my accounts in my home country?
U.S. persons whose foreign accounts total more than $10,000 at any point in the year must file an FBAR. Many also file Form 8938. Non-filing penalties can be severe, but there are programs to catch up if you missed prior years.
Will I be taxed twice on the same income?
Usually not, if the returns are prepared correctly. Foreign tax credits, treaty provisions and exclusions are designed to prevent double taxation.
Can you help me get an ITIN?
Yes. We prepare Form W-7 with the required tax return or exception documentation for people who need a taxpayer identification number but aren't eligible for a Social Security number.
Do you work with accountants in other countries?
Yes. We collaborate with our partner firm in Mexico and coordinate with advisers elsewhere so both sides of a transaction are reported consistently.
Do you offer International Tax outside Florida?
Yes. Our office is in Doral, Florida, and we work with clients across the United States and abroad through secure uploads, phone and video meetings and e-signatures. South Florida clients are welcome to meet with us in person.
Talk to a CPA about International Tax.
Your initial consultation is free. Call us, email us or visit our Doral office, and we’ll tell you exactly what you need and what it will cost.