At White Lighthouse we believe strongly in helping clients make good decisions and through the articles we write we generally take financial concepts that may be complicated and break them down into useful pieces of information that can support effective decision making. The articles are free to the general public and many have been published in the press. We like to write on topics that are not always widely covered and more specifically on cross border financial, tax and legal issues. We also publish a quarterly newsletter; though this is only for clients of White Lighthouse Investment Management. We hope you like our articles and feel free to pass them along to anyone who you think may find them interesting and useful. If you have an idea for an article, please feel free to contact us.
What is a DA-1 and should I be using it?
This is not an uncommon tax query in Switzerland. The quick answer is:
It’s a form that can be filed with the Swiss tax return to claim back foreign (i.e. non-Swiss) withholding tax (WHT) on foreign dividend and interest income.
It is filed by Swiss tax resident individuals who have incurred withholding tax on their foreign (non-Swiss)) dividend or interest income.
As one might anticipate however, the full answer is a little more involved. If you are a Swiss tax resident with investment accounts anywhere in the world, this article will be relevant to you.
June 2024
We are a week away from April 18, 2022, the US tax payment deadline. If you are a US taxpayer outside of the United States on April 18, 2022, you will receive an automatic tax-filing deadline through June 15, 2022. Important! This is an extension file, NOT an extension of time to pay.
March 2022
It is already the end of March, which means you have likely received all your tax documents and maybe even started the preparation of your 2021 US tax return. If you are worried about an unexpected tax bill, there are a few last-minute strategies you may be able to take advantage of.
March 2022
Each year the IRS provides updated information related to the new tax year. Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common dates and tax provisions for American Expats.
February 2022
“This article is part three of a three-part series. Each article will dive into one part of the Swiss pension system”
January 2022
“This article is part two of a three-part series. Each article will dive into one part of the Swiss pension system”
January 2022
“This article is part one of a three-part series. Each article will dive into one part of the Swiss pension system”
January 2022
“A Roth conversion is one of the most classic and effective tax planning tools available to U.S. taxpayers. If your taxes rise a Roth IRA conversion or contributions can save you a considerable amount of money in taxes over the long term. However, there can be major drawbacks to this strategy for U.S. citizens who are currently living abroad or planning to retire abroad.”
February 2021
“US citizens who live and work abroad are subject to an annual US tax filing requirement on their worldwide income. This may mean a tax liability in your resident country as well as in the US. Many Americans are surprised to learn they have this additional US tax liability. Making an estimated tax payment will help you avoid additional underpayment penalties. The IRS expects to receive its tax throughout the year, through estimated tax payments. If you do not pay enough tax through the year, you may be charged an additional underpayment penalty, even if you are due a refund when you file your tax return.”
January 2021
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