Why Estate Planning Matters for Non-U.S. Investors

Key Estate Planning Considerations

Proper estate planning ensures a smooth transfer of U.S. assets while minimizing tax liabilities and legal complications.

Probate & Legal Challenges

✅ What It Is: When a non-U.S. person passes away holding U.S. assets, the estate may need to go through U.S. probate courts, leading to long delays and additional costs.

✅ Why It Matters: The probate process can be time-consuming and complex, especially for international heirs unfamiliar with U.S. legal requirements.

✅ Impact: Delayed asset distribution and additional legal fees.

Inheritance Tax & Reporting Requirements

✅ What It Is: Some countries impose inheritance taxes on assets received from abroad, including U.S. assets.

✅ Reporting Obligations: Beneficiaries may need to report inherited U.S. assets to their home country tax authorities.

✅ Impact: Unexpected tax liabilities in both the U.S. and the heir's home country.

U.S. Estate Tax Exposure

✅ What It Is: Non-U.S. individuals are subject to U.S. estate tax on U.S.-situs assets, such as stocks, real estate, and business interests, if their total U.S. holdings exceed $60,000.

✅ Tax Rate: Up to 40% estate tax on the value of U.S. assets above the exemption threshold.

✅ Impact: Without planning, heirs may need to liquidate assets or pay a substantial tax bill to claim their inheritance.

How to Structure U.S. Assets for Estate Planning

Expert guidance for U.S. tax inheritance and estate planning for non-U.S. individuals.

Beneficiary Designations

Ensuring proper beneficiary assignments on financial accounts can simplify asset transfer.

Life Insurance & Tax Planning

Trusts & Holding Structures

Using non-U.S. entities or trusts can help avoid probate and reduce estate tax exposure.

Life Insurance & Tax Planning

Using non-U.S. entities or trusts can help avoid probate and reduce estate tax exposure.

Some life insurance policies can provide liquidity to cover estate tax liabilities.

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