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The Expat Sage Podcast

The Expat Sage

26 episodes

6 days ago

A simple question—can a UK pension be rolled into a US IRA or 401(k)?—opens a door to some of the most punishing rules in cross‑border retirement planning. We walk through the hard stop that HMRC’s QROPS regime creates, why no US plans qualify, and how an “unauthorized payment” can unleash a 55% UK charge that vaporizes decades of savings. Then we pressure-test the popular third‑country workaround, showing how the 25% overseas transfer charge, US income tax, and foreign trust reporting can tu...

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Places & Travel,

Society & Culture,

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A simple question—can a UK pension be rolled into a US IRA or 401(k)?—opens a door to some of the most punishing rules in cross‑border retirement planning. We walk through the hard stop that HMRC’s QROPS regime creates, why no US plans qualify, and how an “unauthorized payment” can unleash a 55% UK charge that vaporizes decades of savings. Then we pressure-test the popular third‑country workaround, showing how the 25% overseas transfer charge, US income tax, and foreign trust reporting can tu...

Show more...

Places & Travel,

Society & Culture,

Episodes (20/26)

The Expat Sage Podcast

No, You Can’t Roll A UK Pension Into A US 401(k) or IRA

A simple question—can a UK pension be rolled into a US IRA or 401(k)?—opens a door to some of the most punishing rules in cross‑border retirement planning. We walk through the hard stop that HMRC’s QROPS regime creates, why no US plans qualify, and how an “unauthorized payment” can unleash a 55% UK charge that vaporizes decades of savings. Then we pressure-test the popular third‑country workaround, showing how the 25% overseas transfer charge, US income tax, and foreign trust reporting can tu...

6 days ago

14 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

How U.S. Expats In Ireland Can Take Retirement Money Without Paying Tax Twice

Two tax systems. One retirement account. If you’re a U.S. citizen living in Ireland, every withdrawal choice carries outsized consequences—and a few of them can quietly cost six figures. We break down the practical path to keeping more of your money while staying compliant on both sides of the Atlantic. We start with the core problem: the U.S. taxes based on citizenship while Ireland taxes residents on worldwide income. The treaty helps but the saving clause means the U.S. still wants its sl...

2 weeks ago

17 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

New Rules, Real Steps: Moving from the U.S. to Germany in 2024–2025

Thinking about trading a U.S. zip code for a German postcode? We break down the smartest routes to make that move real—what’s changed, what still trips people up, and how to land with confidence. From the Schengen 90-day entry window to the infamous Anmeldung loop, we lay out the sequence that actually works so you can avoid costly delays and circular paperwork. The big news shapes the whole journey: updated EU Blue Card rules with 2025 salary thresholds, plus a crucial opening for IT specia...

3 weeks ago

6 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Come to Italy, Keep More Money: The Tax Schemes You Need to Know

Wondering if Italy's tax incentives could be your ticket to la dolce vita? Today we unpack the four major tax schemes designed to attract specific types of new residents to Italy in 2024. The landscape has shifted dramatically. The popular Impatriates regime for skilled workers now offers a 50% tax exemption (60% with children) on income up to €600,000 for five years—but with much stricter qualification requirements than before. We break down the new educational prerequisites and the extende...

3 weeks ago

13 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Escape Double Taxation: Foreign Income Exclusion vs Tax Credit (FEIE vs FTC)

The nightmare of double taxation haunts countless Americans living abroad. That sinking feeling when tax season arrives—wondering if you'll truly have to pay taxes both in your new home and to the IRS—can overshadow the excitement of your international lifestyle. But there's powerful relief available that many expats don't fully understand or utilize effectively. This deep dive explores the two most important provisions designed specifically to alleviate this burden: the Foreign Earned Incom...

1 month ago

19 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Why your 'simple' TOD account might cost your heirs thousands in taxes

Ever wondered if those "simple" financial solutions actually create more problems than they solve? That's exactly what we discovered when examining Transfer on Death (TOD) and Payable on Death (POD) accounts for Americans living abroad. These accounts seem like perfect solutions - they transfer assets directly to beneficiaries and bypass probate. But cross borders, and suddenly their simplicity unravels dramatically. While technically valid under US state laws, they create a perfect storm of...

1 month ago

16 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

When Uncle Sam Follows You to Dublin: Mastering Cross-Border Investing

The financial complexities faced by American investors in Ireland represent a perfect storm of conflicting tax systems, hidden pitfalls, and reporting burdens. Caught between US citizenship-based taxation and Irish residency-based rules, many expatriates find themselves navigating a labyrinth of obligations that can significantly impact their investment returns. Our comprehensive discussion unravels the fundamental tension between these two systems and explores how they interact in real-worl...

1 month ago

17 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Navigating the US Expatriate Tax Labyrinth: Estate Planning Across Borders

Have you ever wondered what happens to everything you've built abroad when you're no longer around? For American expatriates, this question unlocks a labyrinth of complex tax implications that could dramatically affect your legacy. The United States stands almost alone in how it taxes citizens worldwide, regardless of where they live. This creates what estate planning experts call an "exemption cliff" – while US residents enjoy a generous $14 million estate tax exemption, this can plummet to...

1 month ago

6 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Beyond Borders: Protecting Your Legacy as a US Expat in France

Franco-American inheritance planning presents a complex web of conflicting tax systems and legal principles that can significantly impact expatriates' legacies without proper planning. • French inheritance tax focuses on beneficiaries, with tax rates varying dramatically based on relationship (0% for spouses, up to 60% for unrelated beneficiaries) • US maintains citizenship-based taxation, claiming worldwide assets regardless of residency • French forced heirship rules legally reserve portio...

2 months ago

28 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Croissants & Bureaucracy: The Honest Guide to Moving to France

Have you ever lost yourself in daydreams of charming French villages and Parisian cafés, only to wonder how to actually make that dream a reality? That fantasy of living in France quickly collides with complex immigration requirements, dual-country tax obligations, and cultural learning curves that can feel overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, we dissect the entire process of relocating to France as a US citizen or green card holder. We expose common misconceptions that trip up many Am...

2 months ago

38 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Green Card Exit: Tax Traps Explained

Surrendering your green card involves complex tax consequences that can lead to a significant exit tax. Timing is critical as the specific date you give up your Lawful Permanent Resident status directly impacts your tax situation and potential liabilities. • Form I-407 is the official document to abandon LPR status with no government fee • Timing of filing is crucial—mail from outside the US to control your expatriation date • Long-Term Resident (LTR) status applies after holding a green car...

2 months ago

7 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Navigating Portugal's Visa Maze: Your Complete Guide to Legally Moving from the US

Thinking about moving to Portugal? Before you start packing, you need to understand the critical two-step process that determines your success as an American relocating to this increasingly popular European destination. Portugal's immigration system isn't simply about getting a visa. It's a carefully structured journey that begins with obtaining a national D visa through Portuguese consulates or their partner VFS Global while still in the United States. This initial visa, however, is merely ...

2 months ago

23 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Tax-Efficient Investing for American Expats in Britain

The financial tightrope walk between two tax systems creates unique investment challenges for Americans living in Britain. This comprehensive exploration cuts through the confusion, offering clarity on navigating the complex terrain of cross-border investing. We begin by uncovering perhaps the most significant danger in your investment portfolio: Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). These seemingly innocent non-US funds can trigger punishing tax rates of up to 37%, additional intere...

3 months ago

21 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Essential Planning for Americans Moving to Britain

Dreaming of life across the pond? Our comprehensive guide breaks down the complex journey of relocating from the United States to the United Kingdom, making it more manageable by tackling the process step-by-step. We delve into the visa maze, exploring the most common pathways, including the Skilled Worker visa (requiring sponsorship from a licensed UK employer), the Health and Care Worker visa (for qualified medical professionals), Student visas, the prestigious Global Talent visa, and the ...

3 months ago

17 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

The Regulatory Pincer: Investing in Germany as a US Expat

We tackle the complex world of investing in Germany as a US expat, focusing on the "regulatory pincer" that creates significant financial challenges. Our deep dive reveals strategies for navigating dual taxation systems while avoiding costly investment traps that could derail your wealth-building efforts abroad. • US citizenship-based taxation combined with German residency-based taxation creates dual tax obligations • The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) is generally better than the Foreign Earned ...

3 months ago

18 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Crossing the Atlantic: Moving From America to Germany

Germany's immigration system underwent major changes in 2024, making it significantly easier for Americans to relocate and gain citizenship. These changes include allowing dual citizenship, reducing residency requirements for naturalization, and eliminating degree requirements for IT specialists applying for EU Blue Cards. • US citizens get 90-day visa-free entry to Germany to apply for residence permits • The Anmeldung (address registration) creates a catch-22 as you need housing to registe...

3 months ago

6 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

From America to France: Navigating the Expat Journey

We break down the essential steps for US citizens and green card holders looking to relocate to France, covering visa requirements, administrative processes, and cultural considerations to ensure a smooth transition. • US citizens can visit the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days, but longer stays require a pre-approved long-stay visa • Green card holders must follow visa rules based on their citizenship, not their US residency status • The Visitor visa (Visiteur) is for financially in...

3 months ago

8 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Escaping America: The Hidden Costs of Renouncing US Citizenship

We tackle the profound and often misunderstood process of renouncing US citizenship, breaking down the legal complexities and significant tax implications. This critical decision impacts not just your relationship with America, but reshapes your entire financial legacy and how your family interacts with the US going forward. • Renunciation is a two-part process involving both the Department of State (nationality) and the IRS (taxes) • Must already hold citizenship in another country to avoid...

4 months ago

7 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

What Every US-Italian Couple Should Know

US citizens married to Italian citizens while living in Italy face complex financial challenges requiring deep understanding of both countries' tax systems, property laws, and estate planning requirements. Thoughtful navigation of these interconnected systems can prevent double taxation and create financial harmony across international borders. • US citizens must file US taxes on worldwide income regardless of living in Italy • Italian residency means being taxed by Italy on worldwide income...

4 months ago

6 minutes

The Expat Sage Podcast

Tax Traps for British Investors

We dive into US federal tax on investment income for British nationals who count as non-resident aliens (NRAs) for US tax purposes. This comprehensive guide covers crucial topics from determining your tax status to navigating the complex US-UK tax treaty benefits that can significantly reduce your tax burden. • Confirming your US tax status is the critical first step – NRA vs. resident status changes all the rules • US taxes NRA investment income differently based on type – FDAP income (divi...

4 months ago

6 minutes