IRS Issues Guidance on Deemed Sale Rule for Expatriates
When a US citizen relinquishes citizenship or a long-term US resident (green card holder) leaves the US, new rules in effect since June, 2008 can apply to treat the expatriate as if he or she sold all of his or her assets (worldwide) as of the date of expatriation, triggering an immediate income tax on all appreciated assets. This rule is intended to prevent expatriates from moving their assets offshore without paying tax, and can have significant adverse tax consequences.
Last week, the IRS issued Notice 2009-85, which provides 58 pages of detailed guidance regarding the operation of these rules.
A qualifying expatriate, generally speaking, is a US citizen who relinquishes citizenship or a long term resident who terminates US residency, and who meets either (1) the average annual net income tax test (more than $124,000 average annual income tax in each of the last five years), (2) the net worth test (greater than $2 million) or (3) the “failure to certify” test (failure to certify compliance with the US tax laws).
The rule triggering immediate income tax on expatriation is mitigated by an exemption for the first $600,000 of gain (adjusted for inflation). A taxpayer also may be able to defer the payment of tax if a number of conditions are met. Lastly, the deemed sale rules do not apply to deferred compensation items, specified tax deferred accounts and interests in trusts where the expatriate is a beneficiary.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss how these complicated rules may apply to you.
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Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
As the law continues to evolve on these matters, please note that this article is current as of date and time of publication and may not reflect subsequent developments. The content and interpretation of the issues addressed herein is subject to change. Cole Schotz P.C. disclaims any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this publication to the fullest extent permitted by law. This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or refrain from acting upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining legal, financial and tax advice. For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your firm contact or to any of the attorneys listed in this publication.
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