Double Taxation for Foreigners Living in the United States

Introduction - Why Double Taxation Matters for Foreign Nationals Living in the U.S.

Every year, individuals from around the world move to the United States for work, education, investment, or family reasons. When they do, they often face a U.S. tax system that is significantly different from the systems in their home countries. A common concern is whether income could be taxed twice-once in the U.S. and once in the home country.

Foreign nationals frequently ask:

• “Do I need to pay tax in the U.S. and in my home country?”
• “What prevents me from being taxed twice?”
• “Does my country have a tax treaty with the U.S.?”
• “If I send money home, does that trigger tax?”
• “How do I report income earned before arriving in the U.S.?”
• “How does my residency status affect taxation?”

This guide provides a neutral, factual overview of how double taxation may occur, how the United States treats foreign nationals, and how tax treaties and domestic rules may influence outcomes.

It is educational information only and not tax or legal advice.

How the United States Taxes Foreign Nationals

The U.S. tax system classifies individuals as either:

• U.S. tax residents, or
• non-resident aliens (NRAs)

based on U.S. domestic rules.

U.S. residents

Generally taxed on worldwide income, similar to U.S. citizens.

Non-residents (NRAs)

Generally taxed only on:

• U.S.-source income,
• U.S. effectively connected income (ECI).

Certain income categories may be taxed at flat rates unless treaty reductions apply.

Where double taxation arises depends on both:

• U.S. rules, and
• home country rules.

Tax Residency: Understanding the Substantial Presence Test

Foreign nationals may become U.S. tax residents based on the Substantial Presence Test (SPT).

SPT counts days in the U.S. using a three-year formula:

• all days in the current year
  • 1/3 of days in the prior year
  • 1/6 of days in the year before that

If the total equals 183 days or more, the individual is generally considered a U.S. tax resident for that year.

Tax residency, not immigration status, controls U.S. tax treatment.

Common Sources of Double Taxation for Foreigners in the U.S.

Double taxation may occur when:

• the home country taxes worldwide income,
• the U.S. taxes worldwide income,
• income is taxed in two jurisdictions,
• treaty provisions do not eliminate overlap,
• the individual has income in multiple countries,
• tax timing differs between jurisdictions.

Examples of income types that may raise double taxation considerations:

In each case, U.S. domestic law and the home country’s law must be considered.

U.S. Tax Treaties: How They May Help

The United States has income tax treaties with more than 60 countries.

These treaties serve important functions, including:

• defining tax residency
• assigning taxing rights
• reducing withholding taxes
• clarifying pension taxation
• determining treatment of certain income categories
• providing tie-breaker rules

Foreign nationals typically review:

• whether a treaty applies to them
• which treaty articles might influence their income
• whether they qualify for treaty benefits
• how tie-breaker rules determine residency

Treaty eligibility can vary depending on timing, residency, and income type.

Countries Without a U.S. Tax Treaty

Many foreign nationals in the U.S. come from non-treaty countries, which may include:

• UAE
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• South Africa
• Several African and Latin American jurisdictions

In these situations:

• U.S. domestic rules apply
• home country domestic rules apply
• no treaty mechanism exists to resolve double taxation
• relief may depend on foreign tax credit (FTC) rules in the home country

Double taxation questions become more complex without a treaty framework.

Worldwide Income for U.S. Tax Residents

Once an individual becomes a U.S. tax resident, the U.S. generally taxes worldwide income, including:

Foreign nationals must typically file:

• Form 1040 (U.S. resident return)
• reporting global income
• and may need to file additional international tax forms

Treaty rules may influence outcomes depending on country of residence prior to arrival.

U.S.-Source Income for Non-Resident Aliens (NRAs)

Non-resident aliens (NRAs) are taxed on:

• U.S.-source employment income
• rental income from U.S. property
• U.S. business income
• U.S. dividends (with withholding)
• certain U.S. interest
• certain U.S. capital gains (depending on rules)

Treaty withholding rates may reduce U.S. tax depending on the country of residence.

Income Types That Commonly Trigger Double Taxation Questions

Below is a neutral list of income types frequently evaluated for cross-border taxation:

1. Foreign Salary or Wages Earned Before Moving to the U.S.

Some countries tax income earned while physically present in their territory.

The U.S. may tax worldwide income once residency begins.

Timing matters.

2. Rental Income From Property Abroad

Common considerations:

• U.S. taxes worldwide rental income
• home country may also tax rental income
• FTC may or may not apply depending on circumstances
• treaties may assign taxing rights

3. Dividends From Foreign Companies

May be taxed in:

• the country where the company is based
• the U.S. as worldwide income
• subject to treaty withholding rates (for some countries)

4. Interest From Foreign Bank Accounts

Some countries tax bank interest.

The U.S. taxes interest for tax residents.

5. Gains From Selling Foreign Property or Investments

Foreign capital gains rules differ widely.

The U.S. taxes capital gains for U.S. tax residents.

6. Pension Income from the Home Country

Foreign pension treatment varies, depending on:

• treaty rules
• domestic rules of the home country
• distribution timing
• residency classification

7. Social Security-Type Benefits From the Home Country

Treatment depends on:

• whether a treaty applies
• which country has taxing rights
• local residency rules

These cases often require multi-country analysis.

How Double Taxation May Be Reduced: Neutral Overview

Although this article does not provide personalised advice, individuals commonly review the following mechanisms in coordination with tax professionals:

Suitability depends on the individual’s circumstances and jurisdictions involved.

Understanding the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) From a U.S. Perspective

For U.S. tax residents:

For foreign nationals moving to the U.S.:

• FTC may apply from the U.S. side
• home country credits may also apply depending on laws
• treaties may affect credits

FTC relief depends entirely on specific circumstances.

Are Foreign Pensions Taxed in the U.S.?

Yes. If an individual becomes a U.S. tax resident:

• pension income from the home country is generally included in worldwide income
• treaties may influence taxation depending on jurisdiction
• treatment varies by pension type
• timing of distributions may matter

Examples vary significantly by country.

Remittances and Money Transfers: Do They Trigger Tax?

A common misconception is that "sending money to the U.S." or “remitting funds” triggers taxation.

The U.S. taxes income, not movement of cash

If the money transferred is not income, then transferring it does not usually create tax.

However:

• receiving gifts from abroad may involve reporting
• transfers linked to income may require tax reporting
• certain entity transfers may require special forms

This depends on the facts of each case.

Tax Residency Tie-Breaker Rules (Treaty Countries Only)

If an individual qualifies as a tax resident of both the U.S. and their home country, treaties provide tie-breaker tests, often based on:

1. Permanent home
2. Centre of vital interests
3. Habitual abode
4. Nationality
5. Mutual agreement procedures

Tie-breaker rules determine which country has primary taxation rights.

Not available for non-treaty countries.

Reporting Requirements for Foreign Nationals in the U.S.

U.S. tax residents may need to file:

These are reporting requirements, not tax recommendations.

PFIC Rules for Foreign Nationals

Foreign pooled investment vehicles may be classified as PFICs under U.S. rules.

Examples may include:

• foreign mutual funds
• foreign ETFs
• unit trusts
• investment-linked insurance products
• foreign savings plans

PFIC rules may create reporting requirements and may influence U.S. taxation.

Again, this varies by investment structure and personal circumstances.

Hypothetical Examples (Illustrative Only)

These examples do not represent actual clients or outcomes.

Example 1 - New U.S. Resident From the UK

Profile:

• becomes U.S. tax resident mid-year
• owns UK rental property

Considerations:

• U.S. taxes worldwide income
• UK may tax rental income
• FTC may apply depending on circumstances

Example 2 - Foreign Investor From India

Profile:

• resides in U.S.
• earns dividends from Indian companies

Considerations:

• U.S. taxes foreign dividends
• India may apply withholding
• treaty rules may influence outcomes

Example 3 - Expatriate From Singapore

Profile:

• relocates to U.S.
• has substantial non-U.S. investments

Considerations:

• PFIC evaluation
• U.S. reporting rules
• local Singapore rules do not eliminate U.S. requirements

Example 4 - Executive From Germany

Profile:

• receives German pension income while living in U.S.

Considerations:

• U.S.–Germany treaty may apply
• foreign pension income generally reportable in U.S.

Practical Checklist for Foreign Nationals Living in the U.S.

How Skybound Wealth Management USA Supports Foreign Nationals

Skybound USA supports individuals with:

• U.S. retirement account guidance,
• evaluating global income considerations,
• PFIC-aware investment planning,
• coordinating planning with tax professionals,
• assessing long-term financial goals across countries,
• multi-currency financial projections using MoneyMap,
• integrating U.S. and international financial considerations.

Conflict Disclosure:

Skybound USA may receive advisory fees when individuals choose certain services involving assets under management.

Individuals should evaluate all available options before making decisions.

Next Steps

If you would like to understand how U.S. tax rules interact with income from your home country, you may schedule a discussion with Skybound Wealth Management USA.