Category Archives: International

I Haven’t Filed my FBAR. What Should I Do?

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Russ

It’s July 7th, and you suddenly realize that you haven’t filed your FBAR. You print it up, and have a letter of explanation, but: You can’t file an FBAR using paper (it must be electronically filed using the BSA efile … Continue reading →

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Mexican Land Trusts Aren’t Trusts

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Russ

One of the things that I am asked at least once a year is about question 8 at the bottom of Schedule B of Form 1040: “During 2012, did you receive a distribution from, or were you the grantor of, … Continue reading →

Posted in International, IRS | 1 Comment

Reversing Two Penalties That Should Never Have Been Charged

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Russ

When are tax returns due? For most individuals, its April 15th. However, if you are outside of the United States on April 15th for purposes of employment or self-employment you get an extra two months (until June 15th) to file … Continue reading →

Posted in International, IRS | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Bayern Munich Head Reports Self for Tax Evasion

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Russ

Uli Hoeness is the president of Bayern Munich. Who? Well, if you asked a resident of Bavaria this question, you’d get shocked looks–the same as you would get from a New Yorker asking about the Yankees. Bayern Munich is a … Continue reading →

Posted in International, Tax Evasion | Tagged | 1 Comment

Israeli Film Mogul Charged with Tax Evasion

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Russ

Yoram Globus is perhaps best known for being behind Cannon Films. With his cousin Menahem Golan, Cannon produced such films as American Ninja, Superman IV, Delta Force One, and a long, long list of others in the 1980s. Now, Mr. … Continue reading →

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Spain Targeting Poker Players

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Russ

Governments are looking far and wide for revenue, and high-profile poker players are certainly a target. I’ve previously reported on efforts by Germany; it appears Spain is joining the action. The Spanish tax agency, La Agencia Tributaria, has reportedly looked … Continue reading →

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Sweden Goes After Poker Players…For Real

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Russ

The Swedish tax agency, Skatteverket, sent police into some poker players’ homes across Sweden on Tuesday. Under Swedish law gambling winnings within the European Economic Area are not taxed; however, gambling winnings from outside the European Economic Area are taxable. … Continue reading →

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Bad News for German Poker Players

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Russ

Is poker a game of skill or chance? Personally, I believe it is a skill game where there is an element of chance. For German poker players, this is more than an interesting debate; it’s a vital question that impacts … Continue reading →

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Partouche Poker Tour Will Honor Guarantee

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Russ

After my last post on the Partouche Poker Tour electing to ignore a published guarantee, the people in charge either decided that the horrible publicity was bad or their attorneys let them know that French law on false advertising might … Continue reading →

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Flying 5,400 Miles and Finding an $882,000 Shortfall in a Prizepool Isn’t a Good Thing

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Russ

There’s a major poker tournament going on in France: The Partouche Poker Tournament Main Event. It had a €5 million guaranteed prize pool. Based on the actual number of entrants, the prize pool ended up being around €4.3 million. Normally … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, International | 2 Comments