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  • 1.  FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-07-2023 19:20
    Edited by Mary Enzi 09-14-2023 10:32

    Hello!!

    I finally finished something simple, easy to ready, to the point for one of the most complex tax matters that involves all of you guys a FIRPTA check list.

    The idea is for you to have this available, as a guide, you can ALWAYS give us a call, I want to be your "GO TO FIRPTA EXPERT" and make sure you have our information should you need tax compliance services in the FIRPTA area.

    I will be working on a similar guide, with more detail and with links to the actual law so you can verify the information.

    Please let me know what you think, is this helpful? 


    (281) 578-1040 | info@taxss.com

    Quick FIRPTA checklist

    EVERY SINGLE U.S. real estate transactions is a FIRPTA transaction until you have either A or B;

    A.      Obtain a certificate of non-foreign status based upon any of the following:

                                    i.            U.S. Passport

                                   ii.            U.S. Birth certificate

                                 iii.            U.S. Naturalization certificate

                                 iv.            U.S. Permanent Resident Card aka "Green Card" if the seller(s) is in the U.S.

                                   v.            Meet the Substantial Presence Test

                                                                  i.      Have a valid Tax ID

                                                                 ii.      Be current with U.S. tax filing obligations.

    B.      Proceed with FIRPTA withholding compliance.

    Common question about FIRPTA withholding.

    Ø Seller has a U.S. Social Security number; FIRPTA does NOT apply.

    o   False, having a U.S. SSN does NOT automatically exempt a seller from FIRPTA withholding, a Tax ID, State Driver's License or U.S. Entry Visa do not determine U.S. tax residency, contact us for further verification.

    Ø Seller has an ITIN – FIRPTA DOES applies;

    o   False, if seller has an ITIN the seller MAY qualify for a FIRPTA exemption, contact us for further verification.

    Ø Seller meets SPT, FIRPTA does NOT apply.

    o   U.S. tax residency rules are complex and often misunderstood only take advice from an experienced tax professional, please contact us for further verification.

    Ø The foreign spouse of a married couple can allocate his/her share to the U.S. spouse to avoid FIRPTA.

    o   False, the foreign spouse will be subject to FIRPTA withholding on their share of the value of the sale, please contact us for further verification.

    Ø The seller is a "Domestic LLC." FIRPTA does not apply.

    o   False If the owner of a State LLC is a foreign individual and the LLC is a single member or a "sole proprietor" disregarded entity, IRS ignores the LLC and looks through to ultimate owner and FIRPTA rules apply to the foreign owner or the Limited Liability Company.

    Ø  If seller is a U.S. corporation, partnership, etc. The entity must still provide a certificate of non-foreign status.

    Ø  If the sales price of a RESIDENTIAL property is $300,000 or less AND the property will be buyer's main residence AND buyer is willing to sign a document stating he will occupy the property for at least 50% of the time for the next 2 years FIRPTA does NOT apply.

    Remember, we do not charge to answer your questions, let us be a resource and make FIRPTA easy for you!



    ------------------------------
    Mary Enzi
    Tax Solutions – FIRPTA Consulting
    Barker TX
    +1 (281) 578-1040
    mary.santiago@taxss.com
    ------------------------------

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  • 2.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-08-2023 07:34

    Thanks!



    ------------------------------
    Ashley Cook
    CEO
    ZOCCAM
    Dallas TX
    +1 (214) 247-6500
    ------------------------------

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  • 3.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-11-2023 10:36

    Ashley;

    Thank you!! your software looks amazing! hope to meet your in Colorado Springs in October.



    ------------------------------
    Mary Enzi
    Tax Solutions – FIRPTA Consulting
    Barker TX
    +1 (281) 578-1040
    mary.santiago@taxss.com
    ------------------------------

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  • 4.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-08-2023 09:11

    Thank you, Mary!



    ------------------------------
    Kara Scott
    Legal Education Attorney
    Attorneys' Title Fund Services, LLC - Orlando
    Orlando FL
    ------------------------------

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  • 5.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-11-2023 10:35
    Edited by Mary Enzi 09-14-2023 10:30
      |   view attached

    Kara,

    I saved the "FIRPTA check list" as a PDF file, here included.

    Please do not hesitate to reach out to us should you have any questions, or need FIRPTA training for your Escrow team!

    We want to answer all your questions, be a resource and make FIRPTA easy for you! :)



    ------------------------------
    Mary Enzi
    Tax Solutions – FIRPTA Consulting
    Barker TX
    +1 (281) 578-1040
    mary.santiago@taxss.com
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)

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  • 6.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-11-2023 15:46

    Thanks Mary. 



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    Kathleen Ringler
    Mutual Abstract Company
    Feasterville Trevose PA
    +1 (215) 355-6300
    ------------------------------

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  • 7.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-11-2023 15:50

    Kathleen:

    Thank you!!, please do not hesitate to give us a call should you have any questions about FIRPTA. :)



    ------------------------------
    Mary Enzi
    Tax Solutions – FIRPTA Consulting
    Barker TX
    +1 (281) 578-1040
    mary.santiago@taxss.com
    ------------------------------

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  • 8.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-11-2023 12:03

    Thank you for sharing!



    ------------------------------
    Janis Gaines
    Real Estate Closing Path
    Kennesaw GA
    +1 (678) 331-4731
    ------------------------------

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  • 9.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-11-2023 12:15

    Janis;
    Thank you!! Please do call us should you have any questions, in Texas the listing agreement talks about "foreign sellers" in paragraph 21-I and the TX Real Estate Commission contract (TREC) talks about the requirements for a foreign seller in paragraph 20, in GA what paragraph talks about FIRPTA or foreign sellers?

    Please do not hesitate to reach out to us, we do not charge to answer your questions, we want to be a resource and make FIRPTA easy for you!  



    ------------------------------
    Mary Enzi
    Tax Solutions – FIRPTA Consulting
    Barker TX
    +1 (281) 578-1040
    mary.santiago@taxss.com
    ------------------------------

    ALTA Marketplace


  • 10.  RE: FIRPTA - Check list

    Posted 09-12-2023 15:31

    Hi Mary - 

    In GA, it's section C, paragraph 4, subsection g on page 6 of the 2023 GAR contract. 

    I hope this helps!



    ------------------------------
    Janis Gaines
    Real Estate Closing Path
    Kennesaw GA
    +1 (678) 331-4731
    ------------------------------

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