What Is Double Taxation?

Taxation is a fundamental aspect of any economic system, but the concept of double taxation adds an intricate layer of complexity. Double taxation refers to an instance in which taxes are levied twice on the same source of income, often in situations where incomes may be eligible to be taxed in multiple countries or locations. Double taxation can be costly, as individuals will essentially be paying taxes twice on their income. Understanding double taxation: when it may occur, who is subject to double taxation and what can be done to minimize the risks of double taxation—is the first step to avoiding this tricky and costly tax situation. The Orange County expat tax lawyers at Evolution Tax and Legal is breaking down double taxation for your benefit, especially for expats who live and work abroad and may be facing double taxation without recognizing the costs.

How Double Taxation Works

Double taxation refers to the taxation of the same income by more than one taxing jurisdiction. This scenario typically arises when an individual or business earns income in one country and is then subject to taxation on that same income in another country. The two common forms of double taxation are economic double taxation and juridical double taxation. Economic double taxation occurs when the same income is taxed in the hands of different entities, such as the corporation and its shareholders. For example, a corporation’s profits may be taxed at the corporate level, and then shareholders are taxed on their dividends, resulting in economic double taxation. Juridical double taxation arises when the same income is taxed by two different countries, each claiming the right to tax based on its own criteria. This can happen when an individual is a tax resident in two countries or when a business operates in multiple jurisdictions.

Tax treaties have been put in place between the United States and 68 countries worldwide, serving as requirements and guidelines for individuals living and working abroad on which country they are required to pay certain taxes to. These treaties help U.S. citizens and Green Card holders living and working abroad avoid instances of judicial double taxation. However, these tax treaties can be complex and difficult to understand, and they vary greatly from country to country. Discussing your country of residence with a seasoned tax professional is an excellent first step to understanding double taxation in your personal situation and the implication of a treaty on your taxes.

Who Is Subject to Double Taxation?

Understanding who is subject to double taxation is essential for individuals and businesses engaged in cross-border activities. Individuals may face double taxation if they are tax residents in more than one country. This often happens when someone has income-generating activities, such as employment or investments, in multiple jurisdictions. This can also happen for individuals who no longer have income generating activities in the United States but are still citizens of the U.S. The United States is one of the few countries to tax on citizenship as opposed to residence, so individuals living and working abroad will still be required to pay taxes to the IRS in addition to their country of residence.

For corporations, multinational corporations will be particularly susceptible to double taxation. Profits earned in one country may be subject to corporate income tax in that jurisdiction, and if dividends are distributed, they may face additional taxation in the country of residence of the shareholders.

International Double Taxation

International double taxation is a significant concern for individuals and businesses engaged in global activities. To address this issue, countries enter into bilateral agreements known as Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) or tax treaties. These treaties aim to eliminate or mitigate the effects of double taxation by allocating taxing rights between the two contracting states.

How to Avoid U.S. Double Taxation as an Expat

For U.S. expatriates, the potential for double taxation is a tangible concern. However, several strategies can be employed to navigate this challenge effectively. These strategies may include:

Tax Treaties

Tax treaties are bilateral agreements between countries designed to prevent double taxation. These treaties allocate taxing rights between the contracting states, providing relief for individuals and businesses engaged in cross-border activities. The U.S. has a number of tax treaties worldwide, and expatriates should explore whether the United States has a tax treaty with their country of residence and aim to understand the provisions outlined in the treaty.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) is a provision that allows qualifying U.S. expatriates to exclude a certain amount of their foreign-earned income from U.S. taxation. To leverage this exclusion, individuals must meet specific criteria, including residing in a foreign country for a certain period and meeting either the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test.

Foreign Tax Credit

The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) is another mechanism that helps U.S. expatriates alleviate the burden of double taxation. This credit allows individuals to offset taxes paid to a foreign country against their U.S. tax liability. By utilizing the FTC, expatriates can avoid paying taxes on the same income in both the United States and their country of residence.

In navigating double taxation as a U.S. expatriate, a combination of these strategies, tailored to individual circumstances, can optimize tax outcomes and ensure compliance with relevant tax regulations. Double taxation is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for individuals and businesses engaged in global activities. Understanding how it works, who is subject to it, and exploring effective strategies to mitigate its impact are crucial. Tax treaties, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) are valuable tools for individuals and businesses to navigate the intricate web of double taxation. As the global landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about international tax regulations and seeking professional advice are essential for effectively managing the challenges posed by double taxation.