International Tax Insights

Practical guidance on CFC compliance, foreign gift reporting, treaty withholding, and the IRC sections that matter most in international tax practice.

Form FilingApril 4, 2026· 10 min read

Form 5471 Filing Requirements: Who Must File and When

Learn who must file Form 5471, the five categories of filers, key deadlines, and penalties for non-compliance. A complete guide for U.S. persons with interests in foreign corporations.

Form 5471CFCCategories of FilersInternational Tax
ComplianceMarch 28, 2026· 9 min read

FBAR vs. Form 8938: What's the Difference?

Both FBAR and Form 8938 require U.S. persons to report foreign financial accounts and assets — but they are different requirements with different thresholds, penalties, and filing rules. Here's everything you need to know.

FBARForm 8938FATCAForeign Accounts
ComplianceMarch 21, 2026· 6 min read

Form 3520 Penalties: What Happens If You Miss the Foreign Gift Reporting Deadline

A foreign gift from a parent, relative, or foreign estate can trigger a $25,000+ penalty if Form 3520 is not filed. Here is what practitioners need to know about §6039F reporting and penalty exposure.

Form 3520§6039FForeign GiftsPenalties
International TaxApril 7, 2026· 12 min read

What Is GILTI/NCTI? A Plain English Guide for CPAs and Business Owners

GILTI — now renamed Net CFC Tested Income (NCTI) for 2026 — is one of the most significant international tax provisions U.S. CFC shareholders face. This plain English guide explains how it works, how it's calculated, and how to minimize it.

GILTINCTICFC§951A
Form FilingApril 10, 2026· 10 min read

PFIC Reporting: Form 8621 Requirements Explained

Do you own shares in a foreign mutual fund or foreign investment company? You may have a Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC). Learn Form 8621 filing requirements, the three tax regimes, and how to minimize PFIC tax.

PFICForm 8621QEF ElectionMark-to-Market
Withholding TaxApril 11, 2026· 14 min read

W-8 Forms Explained: Which One Do You Need and How to Fill It Out

A plain-English guide to W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, and W-8IMY — when each applies, how to claim treaty benefits in Part III, FATCA entity classification, and the most common mistakes that trigger backup withholding.

W-8BENW-8BEN-EW-8IMYwithholding tax