Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Filing Form 1040

Go Beyond Form 1040 with a Globally Optimized Tax Strategy

Specialized tax services for U.S. business owners or entrepreneurs living abroad and U.S. residents with non-U.S. assets. We help you navigate the complexities of international tax laws and ensure compliance while optimizing your tax benefits.

How We Can Help

Optimize your return through deductions, credits, exclusions and exemptions

Optimize your tax situation through claiming deductions, credits, or exemptions, such as the foreign tax credit or the foreign earned income exclusion.

Easily Navigate Complex International Taxes as an Individual

We simplify the complex process of filing for business owners and entrepreneurs who are filing Form 1040, making it stress-free and hassle-free. We work with you beyond just tax season to ensure your tax strategy is well executed.

Mitigate Significant Filing Penalties

Without proper tax planning and an optimized strategy, your filing could could result in double taxation or worse. We help our clients through the U.S. tax system's anti-tax deferral provisions and strategize based on how they apply to your unique situation.

Service Details - For U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

Fully Optimized Tax Strategies for Form 1040 Individual Filers

Our firm specializes in helping U.S. business owners living abroad and U.S. residents with non-U.S. assets navigate the complexities of U.S. international taxes. With our expertise and passion for our work, you can ensure you're optimizing your tax benefits and compliance with all international tax laws.

Here are a few common forms that we file for our clients:

  • Form 5471

  • Form 8865

  • Form 8858

  • Form 8938

  • FBAR

  • And many others...

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Our Process

What it Looks Like to Work with Our Team

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Fill Out Our Informational Intake Form and Schedule an Initial Meeting

In less than 5 minutes, you can fill out our simple intake form. Assuming your profile is a good fit for our company, we will schedule a chat with you to discuss the specifics of your situation.

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Receive Your Custom 3 Tier Proposal

Based on your unique needs, we provide you a three tier service proposal to help you pick the optimal option for your situation.

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Ongoing Tax Strategy Development and Execution

From check-in calls, to scheduled support, we are here for you beyond just tax return preparation. Depending on your plan, we work with you throughout the year to ensure your tax strategy is well executed.

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Taxes are Prepared and are Filed by the Necessary Deadlines

Every year, we prepare and file your taxes for you based on the optimal deadline for your unique situation.

Our Global Clients

We value each and every client relationship. Check out what our clients have to say about Lodder CPA.

Join these happy clients
Get a Free Quote
Working with Lodder CPA has been a game-changer for our US business. Their expertise in accounting and tax advisory services has not only saved us valuable time and resources but has also provided invaluable insights into navigating complex US tax regulations. Kyle and Dustin demonstrate a remarkable dedication to understanding our needs and tailoring solutions to optimize our financial processes. Their professionalism and attention to detail have instilled confidence in every aspect of our financial management. Their proactive approach and clear communication have made them an indispensable partner in our growth journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Lodder CPA to any organization seeking expert accounting and tax advisory services on an international scale. Their commitment to excellence and results-driven approach truly set them apart.

Lukasz Gorka

CEO

Andea

Lodder CPA helped greatly with our company's U.S. expansion from Canada. They have excellent knowledge and execution, as they collaborated well with our other advisors including our immigration attorney and Canadian tax advisor to ensure a smooth transition into the U.S. including optimizing our worldwide tax position.

Brent Larsen

President

Steep Hill Equipment Solutions

We work with Kyle, and his service is outstanding. Kyle's expertise in accounting, particularly in complex tax laws related to cross-border business activities, is exceptional. He provides tailored solutions that make us feel confident about the long-term success of our business. His attention to detail and proactive approach saves us time and money by identifying potential issues before they happen. What stands out about Kyle is his availability and his commitment to our satisfaction. He is always there to provide clear and insightful guidance, making complicated concepts understandable. His communication is excellent, keeping us informed every step of the way. Kyle's dedication, knowledge, and friendly demeanor have exceeded our expectations, and we highly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch accounting services.

Rob McWhinney

President

Miracad Technologies Inc.

As a dual citizen in Canada, and entrepreneur, Lodder CPA continues to help me navigate my tax and reporting obligations for the U.S., and decrease my stress load. Most importantly, I can trust Kyle and his team to ensure my tax situation is optimized. I highly recommend Lodder CPA to other U.S. citizens, who live or have businesses in Canada.

Alyson McHugh

Managing Partner, Senior Research Biologist

Coldstream Nature-Based Solutions, Inc.

I first found Lodder CPA when my current U.S. accountant was not filing my taxes properly. I also reached out to Lodder CPA to help me get caught up on previous years that were not filed as well as to help my through my renunciation process. I am a U.S. citizen living in Canada and I also own a business. Lodder CPA not only helped me get caught up on four years of taxes but they also helped guide me through the renunciation process. Lodder CPA was efficient, accurate and extremely helpful. You have peace of mind knowing they are handling your taxes even if your situation is extremely complex. Whether you are a company, individual or a U.S. citizen living abroad I couldn't have found a better accountant. I recommend 10/10.

Carrie Ball

Owner

RE/MAX Truepeak Realty

PacificEast was becoming more complex in its cross-border and overall U.S. business. It was essential that accuracy and insights would be represented in the Corporate Accounting Department. Lodder CPA has communicated well and provided the excellence PacificEast requires.

Garth Froese

Chief Executive Officer

PacificEast

I've experienced Lodder CPA as professional and approachable. They turned the complex into simple steps with excellent advice and good processes. They see tax strategy as opportunity, and make the financial obligation work in your favor.

Jan Hensen

Owner

Meer Real Estate

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Position, Company name

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Position, Company name

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Your Fully Custom Three Tier Package. Unique to Your Needs.

Check out our pricing table below for a clear view into our package-based pricing.

Premium
For entrepreneurs that are looking for hyper growth or have more complex financial needs
Standard
For entrepreneurs looking to grow their wealth and need more support and financial expertise
Basic
For entrepreneurs just starting out or needing only minimal support
Services
Individual income tax return preparation
Tax return review
MS Teams Meeting
MS Teams Meeting
Recorded Loom Video
Tax optimization checklist
Semi-Annual
Annual
Annual
Tax Strategy and Financial Health planning calls
Monthly
Quarterly
Annual
Annual personalized tax plan
Estimated quarterly taxes
Actual
Safe harbor
Safe harbor
Estimated tax payment reminders
Government notice response
Audit support
Email support
Unlimited
Limited
Tax return preparation turnaround time
3 weeks
5 weeks

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about our services and international taxes.

Are U.S. citizens living abroad required to file U.S. federal income tax returns even if they do not have any U.S. sourced income or assets or connection to the U.S.?

Yes. U.S. citizens need to file and prepare U.S. tax returns if the filing thresholds are met, regardless of whether or not they live in the U.S.

What happens if a U.S. citizen abroad does not file their U.S. federal income tax return?

They may be exposed to late filing penalties, late payment penalties and interest, but also the significant penalties from late filing certain U.S. international information returns such as the Forms 8938, 5471, 8865, 8858, 8621, 3520/3520-A, FBAR, etc. The penalty exposure for filing each of these forms is $10,000+.

The penalties seem enormous. Is there any grace period for U.S. citizens who simply weren’t aware?

As long as the person wasn’t aware and immediately took action to fix the problem, then they may qualify to become compliant with the U.S. tax system by filing delinquent returns pursuant to the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures.

Do U.S. citizens still need to file a tax return if their income is under the foreign earned income exclusion amount?

Yes. The U.S. tax return still needs to be filed. The gross income needs to be reported, and then the foreign earned income exclusion is claimed on the tax return to exclude this income from being taxable on the U.S. return.

Is it better to claim the foreign earned income exclusion or the foreign tax credit?

It depends, since each situation is different. Sometimes the foreign tax credit option isn’t available if the U.S. person lives in a country which doesn’t have an income tax which can then be used as a credit against the U.S. tax liability. In countries that have an income tax, often it can make sense for U.S. citizens with dependent children to claim the foreign tax credit to receive a refundable child tax credit.

If I live in a country with a high tax rate compared to the U.S., as a U.S. citizen can I plan on receiving a full foreign tax credit and avoid U.S. income tax?

Often this is the case. But there are many considerations. For instance, only $250,000 of gain from selling a primary residence is tax-exempt in the US. Different tax incentives abroad can lead to credits, deductions, and exemptions not available under US law, potentially increasing tax liability. Additionally, anti-tax deferral rules apply to non-US corporate interests. Given these complexities, consulting a qualified US international tax specialist is crucial.

What are the anti-tax deferral provisions?

Income earned within a corporation generally isn't taxed on the US shareholder's federal return, allowing tax deferral until profits are distributed as dividends. Subpart F, GILTI, and PFIC are U.S. tax rules aimed at disincentivizing U.S. income tax deferral and wealth accumulation within a foreign corporation. Consulting a US international tax specialist is crucial for navigating these complexities and optimizing the tax position.

I hear horror stories about U.S. citizens living abroad being hit with burdensome filings and adverse tax implications. What advice can you provide to avoid such a situation?

Owning assets abroad exposes one to IRS disclosure and tax implications. Consulting a US tax advisor is crucial due to complexities in owning partnerships, trusts, corporations, pensions, retirement accounts, and foreign mutual funds. Simplifying entity structures is advisable. Certain accounts can be considered foreign trusts or PFICs, complicating US taxes. It is a good idea to discuss tax optimization, simplicity in entity structure, and compliance with a tax advisor.

Simple, Compliant, and Optimized Tax Strategies

See how we can help you optimize your cross-border tax situation as a U.S. business owner living abroad or as a U.S. resident with foreign assets.

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