You’re a U.S. Owner of a Foreign Corporation. Your Tax Obligations Are Unique.
Does This Sound Like Your Situation?
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You manage a company overseas but aren’t sure which U.S. forms you’re responsible for or how your ownership percentage affects what you must report.
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Form 5471 feels impossible to interpret, and you worry that missing even one schedule could trigger penalties.
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GILTI, Subpart F, basis calculations, previously taxed earnings, you’re not confident how these rules apply to your business.
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You’re unsure when foreign profits are considered U.S.-taxable, how to classify your entity, or whether treaty benefits apply.
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You want to make smart decisions around dividends, retained earnings, or restructuring, but don’t have clear guidance.
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Above all, you want to stay compliant without spending hours deciphering regulations that were never written with everyday business owners in mind.
Start your U.S. expat tax return today.
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You Need Certainty. We Provide the Blueprint. Owning a foreign corporation comes with IRS rules most business owners never see. Our knowledge center breaks down those requirements in clear, practical terms so you understand what applies to you before you file.
Form 5471 & Controlled Foreign Corporations, What You Must Report
If you own part of a foreign corporation, Form 5471 and Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules may apply. Learn when reporting is required, what the IRS expects, and how ownership thresholds determine your filing category.
Understanding GILTI and Subpart F Income
If your foreign company generates active or passive earnings, you may face U.S. tax under GILTI and Subpart F Income rules. These guides explain how the calculations work and when high-tax exceptions or deductions can reduce your liability.
Using the Foreign Tax Credit to Prevent Double Taxation
When your foreign corporation pays local taxes, the U.S. may still require you to report income. See how the Foreign Tax Credit offsets U.S. tax and when Form 1116 applies to business owners.
Choosing and Maintaining the Right Foreign Business Structure
From entity classification to local registration and annual reporting, your structure has major U.S. tax consequences. Learn how foreign corporations are treated and which forms you must file each year in our foreign business tax reporting guide.
Getting Back on Track If You’re Behind
Missed filing Form 5471, FBARs, or foreign income reporting in prior years? Streamlined procedures can help you catch up and avoid harsh penalties, especially if your oversight was non-willful.
Foreign Bank Account and Asset Reporting Requirements
If your business has foreign accounts or if you control accounts through your company you may need to file FBAR or FATCA reports. Learn which accounts count and how to avoid penalties.Featured In
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Tax Services Built for Americans Who Own Businesses Abroad
Owning a foreign corporation comes with filing obligations, anti-deferral rules, and reporting requirements that are far more demanding than a standard expat return. These services are designed to help you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and manage the ongoing tax responsibilities that come with foreign ownership. We cover Form 5471 tax prep, GILTI Form 8992, and Subpart F Compliance.
Foreign Corporation Reporting (Form 5471 Preparation)
If you own shares in a foreign corporation, Form 5471 is required—and the penalties for getting it wrong are severe. We prepare the form, all required schedules, and ensure accurate reporting of ownership, earnings, Subpart F income, and tax attributes.
$750
USD
GILTI & Subpart F Compliance (Included with Form 5471)
Owning a foreign corporation may trigger GILTI or Subpart F taxation. We handle the calculations, determine whether the high-tax exception applies, and apply the Section 250 deduction when eligible—so you’re not paying more than required.
$700
USD
Individual Expat Tax Return (Coordinated With Your Business Filing)
Your personal U.S. tax return must reflect your foreign business income accurately. We coordinate your Form 1040 with your corporate filings, apply foreign tax credits correctly, and ensure your corporate ownership is reported seamlessly.
$565
USD
FBAR Filing for Business & Personal Accounts
If your combined foreign accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during the year, FBAR reporting is required. We file for both personal and business accounts to keep you fully compliant.
$125+
USD
Streamlined Filing for Foreign Corporations (Catch-Up Compliance)
If you’ve fallen behind on filing Form 5471 or reporting your foreign corporation, we help you catch up through the IRS Streamlined Filing Procedures—often penalty-free if you qualify.
$1,750
USD
Entity Classification & Structuring Consultation
If you’re unsure whether your foreign business should be taxed as a corporation, partnership, or disregarded entity, we help you evaluate check-the-box elections, treaty classifications, and restructuring options that may reduce long-term tax exposure.
$250+
USD
Year-Round Tax Planning for Foreign Business Owners
Get strategic guidance on dividend planning, reinvestment strategies, transfer pricing considerations, salary vs. distribution decisions, and restructuring scenarios. Ideal for those wanting proactive support beyond annual compliance.
$250+
USD
Your Questions, Answered: US Tax Guides & Resources
Visit the Knowledge Center
Foreign Business Owner Tax FAQs
If I Run a Business Overseas, When Does Form 5471 Apply to Me?
Form 5471 is the Information Return of U.S. Persons With Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations. If you own 10% or more of a foreign corporation, you must file it annually. Penalties for failure to file start at $10,000 per form.
What Is GILTI and How Does It Affect My Foreign Business Income?
Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) is a complex U.S. tax on certain foreign corporation earnings. We calculate GILTI and apply the Section 250 deduction or the high-tax exception to minimize your liability.
If My Foreign Corporation Pays Taxes Overseas, Can I Benefit From Foreign Tax Credits?
Yes. You may be able to claim a Foreign Tax Credit to prevent double taxation on the same income. Corporations use Form 1118 to claim credits for foreign taxes paid.
What Happens if I Choose the Wrong Classification for My Foreign Entity?
Entity classification has significant U.S. tax consequences. We advise on Check-the-Box elections (Form 8832) to ensure your entity is classified optimally for your situation (e.g., as a corporation, partnership, or disregarded entity).
What Are the Penalties for Not Filing Form 5471 or Form 5472?
Penalties start at $10,000 per form per year and can escalate to $50,000 for continued non-compliance. These are disclosure penalties that apply even if your business owes no tax.
Do I Need to File Form 5471 if My Foreign Business Didn’t Make Any Money?
Yes. Form 5471 is an information return that must be filed annually regardless of whether the corporation generated income or losses, as long as you meet the ownership thresholds.
If I Missed Form 5471 in Past Years, Can I Still Get Back in Compliance?
Yes. We help you catch up through the Streamlined Filing Procedures. When you include your delinquent Form 5471s as part of a complete Streamlined submission, the IRS generally does not assess penalties as long as your failure to file was non-willful.
Streamlined won’t automatically erase Form 5471 penalties on its own, but filing through this program is the clearest path to penalty relief for most expats.
File Your Foreign Business Taxes Correctly. Avoid Severe Penalties.
