In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, WHVP’s Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof-Droese welcome Arielle Tucker, CFP® and IRS Enrolled Agent, founder of Connected Financial Planning (https://www.connectedfinancialplanning.com/). Together, they unpack one of the most complex financial decisions Americans abroad may face — renouncing U.S. citizenship.
Arielle shares her professional experience guiding globally mobile families through the U.S. expatriation process, explaining why more Americans are choosing to give up their passports, what the exit tax really means, and how to avoid common pitfalls along the way.
From navigating embassy appointments and understanding the Certificate of Loss of Nationality to planning for double taxation, currency risk, and estate restructuring, this conversation offers a clear and candid look at what it takes to formally — and financially — leave the U.S. system.
07:01 What is an IRS enrolled agent?
07:46 Who are the typical Americans considering renouncing their citizenship?
10:42 What motivates people to take this step — is it mainly about taxes or something deeper?
13:32 Can good planning help avoid double taxation, or is it inevitable?
14:48 What does the renunciation process actually involve?
21:21 Do you need another passport before renouncing U.S. citizenship?
23:32 Why is it essential to work with a specialist rather than a regular CPA?
24:53 How much might someone actually pay in exit tax?
28:40 Are Roth IRAs affected by the exit tax?
29:28 Do you still have reporting obligations after renouncing?
31:40 How does the exit tax apply to U.S. green card holders?
34:42 What are the biggest red flags or mistakes to avoid when expatriating?
38:45 What is the exit interview like at the embassy?
40:05 How does renunciation affect ongoing relationships with financial professionals?
42:24 Do people need to restructure their estate plans after renouncing?
🔗 Guest
Arielle Tucker, CFP® & Enrolled Agent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielletucker/
Founder, Connected Financial Planning (https://www.connectedfinancialplanning.com/)
Host of Passport to Wealth Podcast
📞 Contact WHVP
Website: https://whvp.ch/
Email: info@whvp.ch
Telephone: +41 44 315 77 77
Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-started
ℹ️ About WHVP
WHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities.
Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.