U.S. Citizens and U.S. Residents are subject to the U.S. gift and estate tax, even though their  property is located outside the United States. A Non-Resident Alien property is subject to taxation if the situs of the property is in the United States. Whenever property is transferred to a spouse who is not a citizen special rules might apply.  In the case of estate planning, citizenship does matter.

The Estate Tax takes into account the world-wide assets of a US person. For immigrants, this is an issue. Most immigrant from Asia, Europe, or Africa usually are successful businessmen or a part of a wealthy family in their foreign country. They might own significant assets outside the United States. All this property is subject the the U.S. Federal Estate tax.

An attorney familiar with the law of the United States will be needed for an estate plan. Planning on how to protect family assets from the U.S. Federal Estate tax is extremely important. If you or your family member owns property outside the U.S., please call 214-250-4407.