Author: Yaacov Jacob

Yaacov Jacob is a U.S. Certified Public Accountant with deep expertise in international taxation. He combines technical tax knowledge with a passion for efficiency to help clients navigate RSUs, expatriation, trusts, and complex global structures.
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The PFIC Workaround Everyone Asks About (And What They’re Missing)

If you’ve been following my content for a while, you know I’ve written about PFICs before. What they are, why…

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This is the Best Time to Make Aliyah

Last week (February, 2026), the Knesset unanimously passed an amendment to the National Insurance Law giving new Olim from the…

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Why Your U.S. Salary Took a Pay Cut After Aliyah

Throughout 2025, I spoke with hundreds of people making Aliyah who kept their U.S. jobs and continued working remotely. In…

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What Americans Living Abroad Should Expect as the IRS Moves Away from Paper Refund Checks

My brother recently had to wait for his IRS refund to arrive by check. The process was long and painful….

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The IRS Is Now Open for 2026. So, Why Can’t You File Yet?

If you are like many Americans with connections to Israel, the moment the IRS announces that the filing season is…

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Why Making Aliyah Is the Moment to Rethink Your U.S. CPA

Making Aliyah is one of the most meaningful decisions a person can make. It is emotional, ideological, family-oriented, and often…

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Trump Accounts for Americans in Israel: What to Know

If you needed another reason to get your new child a U.S. citizenship and a Social Security number ASAP, the…

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The Proposed 2026 Israel Tax Reform for New Olim

Recently, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a potential new tax reform for new olim, effective starting in 2026. The announcement…

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Leaving Your Hi-tech Employer? Here’s Your Stock Option Exit Checklist

When you decide to leave your current employer, or they make that decision for you, the first question is what…

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U.S. Taxpayers in Israel Alert: Major Court Ruling Could Shake Up FBAR Penalties

Many U.S. citizens living abroad call us in a panic that the IRS may give them heavy penalties for not…

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Why Restricted Shares Can Be a Smarter Choice than Stock Options for U.S. Citizens in Israel

Picture this. You are working at a fast-growing tech company. You get an email from HR saying that you are…

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Making Aliyah and Working Remotely? What’s the Best Way to Get Paid?

This summer, I’ve heard from about ten families per week making Aliyah. Many are professionals with established careers in the…

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Relocating with Apple RSUs between the U.S. and Israel

Your Apple badge might unlock every campus door, but it does not automatically unlock a smooth tax experience when your…

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FBAR Penalty Post-Death

People often ask us if anyone in Israel has ever received an FBAR penalty. The answer isn’t only yes, but…

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Goodbye GILTI, Hello NCTI – A Comprehensive Update for U.S. Citizens in Israel on GILTI and OBBB Changes

The One Big Beautiful Bill brought the end of GILTI, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone. Actually, it is more…

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Filing American Income Tax as a U.S. Expat in Israel

If you’re an American citizen living in Israel, you may not realize how different filing your American income tax becomes…

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The New Trump Children’s Account and What it Means for Kids in Israel

Parents are about to get a brand-new way to turbocharge their kids’ future. The sweeping U.S. bill (OBBB) signed on…

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Retire in Israel, make $90K, and pay zero tax to both the U.S. & Israel! – New Law Alert

What if I told you that you or your parents could make Aliyah before 2026, make $90,000 annual income, and…

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What the New One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Your Child Tax Credit Refund

You may hear a lot of news about how the Child Tax Credit increased to $2,200 per child in the…

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7 Major Ways the New One Big Beautiful Bill Will Affect U.S. Citizens Living in Israel

If you’re an American living in Israel, the new One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) could bring meaningful and wide-reaching changes…

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The Hidden Pension Trap for Self-Employed Americans in Israel

You may already know that Israeli self-employed income means paying Social Security twice. But what most people miss is the…

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What Is Estate Planning? All You Need to Know

What Is Estate Planning? All You Need to Know Estate planning is an essential process that enables individuals to decide…

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Senate Defangs the New U.S. Remittance-Transfer Tax

The original proposal sent shockwaves through international investors, expats, and foreign account holders. A proposed 3.5% excise tax on funds…

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Making Aliyah This Summer (2025)? Read This First!

If you’re planning to make Aliyah in 2025, there is a key update that could significantly impact your entire tax…

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You Filed Your Taxes, So Why Is the IRS Holding Your Refund?

About 2 years ago, a family member of mine filed their U.S. tax return right on time, expecting a much-needed…

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How to Set Up Your IRS Online Account & Get Your IRS IP PIN While Living Abroad (No U.S. Phone or Driver’s License Needed) 

A Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. Expats If you live outside the United States and need to access your IRS account,…

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What Is an EIN and Why Do You Need It?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) helps streamline your financial and tax-related tasks, making it easier to navigate the world of…

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RSU vs Stock Options: Detailed Comparison

Navigating equity compensation options, such as RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) and stock options, can be challenging. This is especially true…

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3 Social Security Myths Busted for U.S. Social Security Benefits in Israel

Learn how U.S. Social Security benefits are taxed (or not) in Israel, how to set up SSA direct deposit to…

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Is there a tax on transferring money from the U.S. to Israel? Soon there will be!

See here for the latest update on this issue. We are asked this question every week. Historically, the answer was…

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How President Trump’s Millionaire Tax Could Hit Non-Millionaire Citizens Abroad

Imagine next April, when you’re earning $60,000 as a software tester in Tel Aviv. As you review your U.S. tax…

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U.S. Green Card Tax Obligations for Residents of Israel

How Green Card Holders Living in Israel Can Navigate U.S. Tax Rules, Avoid Double Taxation, and Minimize Estate Tax Risks…

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What Is an ESPP – The Comprehensive Guide

If you’re working at a U.S. or Israeli high-tech company, chances are you’ve come across the term ESPP, short for…

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Relocation Jobs from Israel to the USA: What Employers Need to Know

Relocating top talent from Israel to the United States represents a significant growth milestone for Israeli companies. It opens doors…

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We Don’t Prepare Both US & Israeli Taxes—Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing

Find out why Philip Stein & Associates collaborates with top Israeli tax professionals instead of handling both U.S. and Israeli…
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Restricted Stock Unit (RSU): A Complete Guide

Welcome to Your Guide to RSUs in Israel If you’re an employee in an Israeli high-tech company receiving RSUs as…

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Thousands are Being Fired at the IRS. A Smart Move or a Dangerous Mistake?

Many people who know me well call me a pessimist.  I’d change, but it’s just hopeless ;).   Often, two sides…

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5 Costly Mistakes Employees Make with the 102 Equity Plan And How to Avoid Them

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and stock options under Israel’s 102 equity plan offer significant tax benefits, but only if you…

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Should You Use a U.S. or Israeli Address on Your Tax Return?

Over the past 10 years, thousands of clients have asked me whether they should use a U.S. or Israeli address…

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The Updated Process to Renounce U.S. Citizenship in 2025

Learn about the updated process for renouncing U.S. citizenship in 2025. We discuss new embassy procedures, documentation changes, and tax…
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3 Things You Can Do After December 31st to Reduce Your 2024 Taxes

The end of the year doesn’t mean the end of tax-saving opportunities. Even after December 31st, you can still take…

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Top 2024 U.S. Court Cases Affecting U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

Welcome to the second annual review of the most significant tax court cases affecting U.S. citizens living abroad. Building on…

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Victory for U.S. Citizens in Israel! No More WEP Reductions! 

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS TO INCREASE FOR U.S. CITIZENS IN ISRAEL!  The Senate has officially passed H.R. 82, the Social Security…

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What the 2024 Election Results Mean for Your U.S. and Israeli Corporate Taxes

If you’re an American living in Israel and running a business overseas, the recent U.S. election results may bring some…

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A Deep Dive into The Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)

Everything You Need to Know as a U.S. Citizen Living Abroad In almost every client conversation these days, I end…

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How the 2024 Elections Impact U.S. Estate and Gift Tax Planning for Americans in Israel

Impact of U.S. Election Results on Estate and Gift Taxes If you are a U.S. citizen in Israel, the recent…

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Working in Israeli Tech? Here’s Why Double-Trigger RSUs Might Be a Blessing (Or a Curse)

What is a Double Trigger for RSUs? A double-trigger RSU is a type of equity compensation where two separate events…

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The Costly Oversight for New York & New Jersey Residents Making Aliyah

Aliyah and the big mistake people make Time and time again, I have seen people coming to live the dream…

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Everything U.S. Citizens Need to Know About Israeli Pensions

According to many studies, each generation is getting worse and worse at saving for retirement. The inability to invest in…

How to manage your Pension

U.S. Pension Tax for U.S. Citizens Living in Israel

8 Key Points and 3 Tax-Saving Techniques Retiring to Israel as a U.S. citizen raises important questions, particularly about how…

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Reduce Israel Rental Income Tax with Cost Seg Study

Our previous article discussed the U.S. tax obligations on Israeli rental income for U.S. citizens living in Israel. Understanding and managing…

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Rental Income Tax for Americans Living Abroad

As a U.S. citizen living in Israel and owning rental property, you may owe U.S. taxes. The United States taxes…

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Can ISOs Solve the Double Tax Issue for U.S. Citizens in Israeli High-Tech?

There is a double tax issue for U.S. citizens working in Israeli high-tech, which you can read about here. Many…

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Traveling Abroad This Summer for Vacation and Winning the Tax Game

As the summer heat intensifies, the allure of a European vacation becomes increasingly tempting for US citizens living in Israel….

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U.S. Citizen in Israeli High-Tech? Understand Your Stock Option Grant!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your stock options grant in the Israeli high-tech sector? You’re not alone. Many U.S. citizens…

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3 Ways to Maximize Your U.S. Estate and Gift Limits Before They Get Cut in Half

As we move through 2024, significant changes are on the horizon for U.S. trust and estate rules. Currently, each U.S….

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Top 10 Tax Topics for Israelis Moving to the U.S. This Summer

Many Israelis moving to the U.S. do so without thorough planning, often falling victim to double taxation issues. They aren’t…

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Moving from Israel to the U.S.? Avoid a Big First-Year Tax Bill!

Relocating from Israel to the U.S. is an exciting journey filled with new opportunities. However, many new arrivals fall into…

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Supreme Court Saves Our Timeline with a Controversial Ruling for U.S. Expats 

U.S. taxpayers in Israel are out of luck, but the Supreme Court just saved our timeline from chaos.   On…

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Why Would Anyone Ever Renounce Their US Citizenship? Part III

To most people, the idea sounds crazy. U.S. citizenship is highly coveted, with hundreds of thousands vying for it each…

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Why Would Anyone Ever Renounce Their U.S. Citizenship? Part II

To most people, the idea sounds crazy. U.S. citizenship is highly coveted, with hundreds of thousands vying for it each…

U.S. Passport

Why Would Anyone Ever Renounce Their US Citizenship? Part I

To most people, the idea sounds crazy. U.S. citizenship is highly coveted, with hundreds of thousands vying for it each…

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The Top Tip for Those Making Aliyah to Israel this Summer

For the past three years, the number of people making Aliyah to Israel has increased. That doesn’t seem surprising in light…

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Why Use a Trust?

Trusts are often perceived as complex legal entities reserved for the wealthy or those with extensive assets. However, the reality…

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3 Home Run Scenarios to Pay Zero Income Tax When Making Aliyah

In a sea of TikTok tax hacks and too-good-to-be-true promises, finding genuine tax-saving strategies can feel like a wild goose…

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The 5 Most Common Mistakes for Trusts Involving U.S. Citizens Living in Israel

Introduction   When establishing a trust involving U.S. citizens living in Israel, navigating both countries’ legal and tax nuances…

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10 Reasons Not to Renounce Your U.S. Citizenship Right Now

  In a world that feels increasingly complex and restrictive with filings, the value of a U.S. passport might seem…

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10 Reasons to Renounce Your U.S. Citizenship as Soon as Possible

While many people are applying for green cards, citizenship, and work visas to allow entry into the U.S., there are…

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Automatic RSU Sales at Vesting: Costing You More in Israeli Taxes

What is “sell to cover,” and why is it a Trojan horse?   In the Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) world,…

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What U.S. citizens in Israel Need to Know About President Biden’s New Budget

On March 11th, the White House released Biden’s budget proposal for the 2025 Fiscal Year. Delving into President Biden’s proposed…

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Key Aspects of Aliyah Financial Planning

Importance of Financial Planning When Making Aliyah to Israel Embarking on the journey of making Aliyah to Israel is exciting…

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Is Israel About to Axe The 10-Year Aliyah Holiday to Pay for the War?

As Israel tries to recoup some of the war expenses, there’s growing speculation about the future of the 10-year tax…

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When Should You Sell Your RSUs? Maximize your timing as a U.S. Citizen in Israel

Why is Timing Everything?   Navigating Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially for…

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Unlock Hidden Value: The Essential Guide to Equity Grants in Israeli High-Tech 

Do you fully understand the equity grant you just received at work? Do you hold stock options or RSUs? Is…

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Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs): What are they, and why are they a bad investment?

Do you have a private kupat gemel l’hashkaa open? Do you have kranot ne’emanut or kranot sal investments in the…

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3 Top Alternatives to Investing in Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs)

Many people are still learning about the problems and pitfalls of Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). But then, what alternatives…

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Avoid These Five Stock Option Mistakes for U.S. Citizens Working in Israeli Hi-Tech

The intersection of U.S. and Israeli tax laws for American citizens living and working in Israel’s hi-tech sector can be…

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Working Abroad as an American: What You Need To Know

Embarking on a professional journey in Israel as an American after making Aliyah is like diving into a vibrant tapestry…

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2023’s Game-Changing U.S. Court Rulings: A Must-Know for Americans in Israel

The past year has brought a wave of fantastic court cases for American expatriates in Israel as pivotal U.S. court…

2023 US Tax Tips for Hi-Tech Employees

Ultimate 2023 Year-End U.S. Tax Planning Guide for Hi-Tech Employees

5 things you must do before year end to reduce your 2023 taxes and make your filing easier next year….

IRS Notices

Improvements to the IRS notice response systems

For U.S. citizens residing in Israel, one of the biggest concerns is receiving a dreaded IRS notice. It isn’t a…

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IRS Embraces Electronic Signatures 

In a transformative move, the IRS has officially sanctioned the long-term use of electronic signatures on a multitude of forms,…

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IRS Relief for Taxpayers Affected by the Terror Attack in Israel on October 7th, 2023

The IRS, in a rare occurrence, came out over the weekend with a special notice targeting those affected in Israel…

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Understanding The Broad Authority of the IRS: A Closer Look at the Polselli Case

Recent developments in the United States legal sphere might have significant implications for U.S. taxpayers abroad, particularly those residing in…

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Tax Pulse: Understanding Potential U.S. Tax Changes and Their Impact on U.S. Expats in Israel

As a U.S. expat residing in Israel, staying informed about potential U.S. tax changes is crucial. The American legislative landscape…

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Form W-9 and FATCA Battles: A Beacon of Hope for U.S. Expats in Israel

In recent years, the plight of American expatriates burdened by the complications of U.S. tax law has become an increasingly…

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U.S. Tax Court Ruling on Form 5471 Penalties: Implications for Taxpayers in Israel

In a recent U.S. Tax Court decision, Alon Farhy v. Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, the court ruled that…

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A “Passover” from Hefty FBAR Penalties: Supreme Court Clarifies Non-Willful FBAR Penalties

As we approach the Passover holiday, celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, it’s a good…

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What do the IRS Inflation Adjustments Mean For Those Living in Israel?

Learn about the recent IRS tax code changes and their impact on US citizens living in Israel….
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Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act Passed House, Aims to Decrease IRS Funding

House Republicans have taken a bold step towards fulfilling their campaign promise of cutting back on President Biden’s economic agenda…

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5 Ways to Reduce Your U.S. Income Tax

“Don’t you just take the information I give you and plug it into some software?” This is one of my…

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The Top U.S. Tax Mistakes to Avoid For Dual Citizens in Israel

The most common issues that make dual-status citizens living in Israel owe U.S. tax Our clients are always in a…

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Keeping your finger on the GILTI Pulse

Updates from the new final and proposed regulations and what they mean for individual taxpayers: On June 14th the IRS…

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3 Times GILTI May Still Apply To You

The danger of the new Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) rules has been greatly reduced with the new proposed…

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Will The IRS Take A Bite Of The New Apple Card?

Following Apple’s recent March announcements conference, the biggest buzz was about their Apple Card. You will have to decide independently…

Good News

Exciting Update Regarding GILTI Tax

The IRS has just published proposed regulations on internal revenue code Sec. 250 and how it relates to Global Intangible…

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GILTI Until Proven Innocent

‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.’ ― Benjamin Franklin The Trump Reform (Tax Cuts & Jobs Act)…

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How to Reduce Taxes on Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies

Great interest in cryptocurrencies has alerted the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which has decided to crack down on Bitcoin…

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Paying Tax On Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies In The US and Israel

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have been talked about over the past couple of years, however, with a recent explosion in…

Child Tax Refund

American families stand to benefit from increased child tax refunds in wake of US tax reform

An average family with five kids may be entitled to receive an additional $2,000 a year, or even more. The…

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