What are the consequences of becoming a “covered expatriate” for failing to comply with Section 877(a)(2)(C)?
Many lay p
ersons are stumped as they try to understand the tax consequences of Sections 877 and 877A. The language in the drafting of the statutes is not so clear. Be careful to understate the meaning and how the IRS interprets the law.
One of the greatest risks for anyone who wants to self-diagnose their path towards becoming a former U.S. citizen, is Section 877(a)(2)(C). To be blunt, anyone who renounces their citizenship at the Embassy or Consulate will find that process relatively easy. However, no one at the U.S. Department of State will provide tax advice or try to interpret the meaning of Section 877(a)(2)(C). Indeed, the Foreign Affairs Manual used to read to the person taking the oath, simply provides the standard overview language of “special tax consequences” arising form the renunciation.
Even the most economically modest individual, with little assets or income, can fall into this trap for the unwary – Section 877(a)(2)(C). The statute is spelled out below –
- This section shall apply to any individual if—
- (A) the average annual net income tax . . . is greater than $124,000,
- (B) the net worth of the individual as of such date is $2,000,000 or more, or
- (C) such individual fails to certify under penalty of perjury that he has met the requirements of this title for the 5 preceding taxable years or fails to submit such evidence of such compliance as the Secretary may require.
February 28, 2014 at 5:29 am
Where is the authority for treating someone as a covered expatriate if they make the certification a couple years late? And if you’ve already missed the 8854 deadline, why even bother checking that box when making a late filing?
February 28, 2014 at 3:48 pm
This provision of the law raises a number of issues. Will the IRS interpret Section 877(a)(2)(C) as allowing a taxpayer to certify many years after the renunciation of U.S. citizenship? What if someone has relinquished their citizenship many years previously, but the U.S. Department of State will not acknowledge it until several years after the fact? Will the government argue the person is a “covered expatriate” (assuming they do not meet the income tax or net worth tests)?
February 28, 2014 at 4:46 pm
It is clear that failing to comply with Section 877(a)(2)(C) will cause one to be a “covered expatriate”. The next issue becomes how much tax (if any) will be owing? How will the IRS try to enforce the failure to comply with Section 877(a)(2)(C)?
March 9, 2014 at 6:53 pm
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March 12, 2014 at 6:45 pm
[…] para ser capaz de cumplir el requisito de la certificación anterior. Para más detalles, Ver: Cuáles son las consecuencias de convertirse en un “expatriado cubierto” por no cumplir … Las disposiciones pertinentes de la sección 877(a)(2)(C) se destacan a […]