Taxation
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IRS Responds to Democrats Abroad Form 8621 Recommendations
On March 1, 2025, the IRS published it's response to comments submitted for Form 8621 (Information Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund) form renewal. The full response to all submissions can be viewed here: https://omb.report/icr/202502-1545-002/doc/152295400
As a result of Democrat Abroad's formal comment the IRS:
- For 2024, has added mention of Form 8621 to Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad (viewed as the IRS' quintessential guide to how to file a tax return with the IRS from abroad).
- For 2025, will update Publication 54 to add that a foreign mutual fund or ETF may be a PFIC.
- Will update the annual estimated number of people who have to file Form 8621.
See below for the detailed formal response from the IRS.
Posted by Rebecca Lammers
March 17, 2025Chair Taxation Task Force, DAUK DPCA Rep
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2025 Tax Webinar Series
The Democrats Abroad Taxation Task Force is proud to announce the 2025 Tax Webinar Series every Wednesday starting on January 10!
- February 19 - How To Invest For Americans Abroad & Dual Citizens (Americas/Europe Friendly Time)
- March 19 - How To Catch Up On Filing US Taxes From Abroad (Asia/Europe Friendly Time)
- April 15 - How To Survive Tax Day As An American Abroad (Americas/Europe Friendly Time)
- May 21 - How To File The FBAR For Americans Abroad (Asia/Europe Friendly Time)
We are asking for a small donation to attend each event.
Tickets for each webinar in the series must be booked separately.
All proceeds go to Democrats Abroad.
All webinars will take place on an online Zoom webinar. Read on for more info on each webinar.
How To Invest For Americans Abroad & Dual Citizens
Although this isn't a tax event per se, we received high demand to host a webinar on investing. It is really difficult for Americans abroad and dual citizens (particularly in Europe) to find ways to invest their money in the country they live in as well as in the United States. We often feel like we're stuck in a rock and a hard place, unable to open an investment account in some cases and save for our futures. In this webinar, we'll go over investing basics and the options available. Please note, this session will focus on European Union regulations but will cover basic investing principles applicable anywhere.
When: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) view your time zone
How To Catch Up On Filing US Taxes from Abroad (Streamlined Filing)
Did you forget to file a US tax return since you moved abroad, or have you been living outside the US for a long time (decades even!) but you've not been filing a US tax return? Join us to go over the IRS Streamlined Filing Procedure - the process to get caught up on your US tax filings. The good news is that you don't have to file for all the years that you missed, you potentially won't owe any US tax, and you might even be eligible for some money from the IRS depending on your circumstances.
When: Wednesday, March 19th from 3:00-4:00am EST (view your time zone)
How To Survive Tax Day As An American Abroad
This is a consumer focused webinar to help you save money on your tax preparation costs and make you aware of US government resources available to Americans abroad to file their US tax return. The aim of this event is to help you feel more confident to file your US tax return, help you decide if you should file yourself, use tax prep software, or hire an accountant. Also to inform you of your rights when it comes to dealing with the IRS, and debunk myths on the who, what, where, when, and why of filing a US tax return as an American abroad.
When: Tuesday, April 15th from 1:00-2:00pm EDT (view your time zone)
How To File The FBAR For Americans Abroad
Tired of paying someone else to file the FBAR for you every year but not sure how to do it yourself? In this webinar, an expert will walk you through the process of filing the FBAR, which is free when you do it yourself. They'll show you the form, what information you need to provide, how to submit the FBAR online, and the filing deadline.
When: Wednesday, May 21st at 1:00 EDT( view your time zone)
Feel free to email [email protected] if you have any questions about the tax webinar series.
Disclaimer: Democrats Abroad cannot provide individual tax advice. We are not tax lawyers, accountants or advisers. Please consult a professional tax adviser/accountant/return preparer when addressing your personal tax matters.
We recommend the IRS Tax Return Preparer Directory to find a service provider who meets your needs and budget, though buyers need always beware. Democrats Abroad suggests Americans abroad in need of tax advice consult the IRS Tax Return Preparer Directory to find an advisor or tax return preparer near you or providing online services: https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf
Posted by Rebecca Lammers
February 05, 2025Chair Taxation Task Force, DAUK DPCA Rep