It’s common for global families to own real estate in multiple countries. These can be vacation properties, homes for children or parents, commercial real estate for businesses, or even just to diversify portfolios. Ann Marie Regal, CFP at Avrio Wealth, tells us what we should know about owing real estate in the United States – whether you are a US or non-US taxpayer
Think long term when buying in the US
When it comes to owning property in the United States, it’s vital that the ownership structure be set up in a manner that aligns with your long-term goals – whether you’re a US taxpayer or a non-US taxpayer. Otherwise there can be unforeseen consequences.
As is often the case, we begin with the end in mind. That is, the property’s purpose and exit plan should determine the purchase strategy.
The easiest way to buy real estate in the United States is to own it in your name. However, for non-US taxpayers, there are three main disadvantages to this ownership structure:
#1 Estate Tax
The federal exemption for non-US taxpayers is only US$60,000. Upon death, value greater than this is taxed at 40%. Additionally, it can be subject to state inheritance/estate tax.
#2 Gift Tax
Transferring property to someone else, a trust or an entity may trigger a 40% gift tax on amounts greater than the allowed exemption. In 2023, the exemption to a non-US taxpayer spouse is $175,000 and transfers to anyone other than a spouse is $60,000.
#3 FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act)
In 1980, FIRPTA was enacted to ensure foreign persons/entities paid tax on gains when selling US real estate. The property buyer is required to withhold a portion of the sales price and remit it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure taxes owed by the non-US taxpayer seller are paid. The withholding rate is generally 15% of gross sales price but it may increase to 21% if the seller is a foreign corporation.
FIRPTA applies to a wide range of transactions involving foreign persons and US real estate. These include sales of residential and commercial properties, shares in US Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and other entities that hold US real estate. However, there are a few exemptions to FIRPTA. An example is when the sale price is under $300,000 and the buyer will use it as their primary home.
Issues faced by US taxpayers when owning property
For US taxpayers owning real estate in the United States, there is more flexibility with higher estate and gift tax exemptions. At the same time, there are liability, privacy, taxation and succession issues.
For liability, owning property outright means there is no legal separation between you and the property. If someone trips and falls on the premises, you can be sued, and your personal assets would be at risk. Rental property and commercial real estate could be owned in a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to help mitigate liability. Owning your personal residence in an LLC would mean a loss of the primary home capital gains exclusion.
In terms of privacy, if the property is owned outright, your information is public record. It can be easily sought out at the county recorder or clerk’s office. For persons with significant assets or those in the public eye, having property details private is often beneficial. Owning your personal home in a Revocable Trust, for example, keeps the ownership private and allows the homeowner to retain the primary home capital gains exclusion upon sale of $500,000 for a couple, $250,000 individual.
Lastly, if the residence owned in your name is set to be bequeathed via a Will, then the transfer is subject to probate. (Probate is the legal process of distributing assets according to your Will.) Unfortunately, probate can be both time consuming and expensive. Some states like California can be particularly burdensome, taking several years to pass assets to heirs.
Strategies and solutions
Fortunately, various strategies can be used to avoid the low estate/gift tax thresholds and FIRPTA. Depending upon whether you’re a US or non-US taxpayer, these can offer tax efficiency, liability protection, privacy and circumvent probate.
A solution for a non-US taxpayer may be to have a foreign corporation own the property. This avoids US situs rules and consequently the low estate/gift tax. A US taxpayer could own rental property in an LLC within a trust achieving both liability protection and privacy.
These different ownership structures have pros and cons. They must be carefully evaluated to select the appropriate arrangement to meet your long-term goals.
As wealth planners, Avrio assists clients with structuring real estate ownership to help them understand the implications, plan properly, and accomplish their personal and financial objectives.
What next?
Set up an online consultation to see if Avrio may work out a long-term solution for you.
Brought to you by Avrio Wealth Pte Ltd
9 Battery Road, #28-01
6240 6865 | avriowealth.com
This material is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Additionally, you should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor, or Attorney on your specific situation. The views expressed in the material are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of any market, regulatory body, State or Federal Agency, or Association. All efforts have been made to report or share true and accurate information. However, the information may become materially outdated or otherwise rendered incorrect due to subsequent new research or other changes, without notice. Neither the author nor the firm are able to always verify the content from third party sources. For additional information about the firm, visit the MAS Website at mas.gov.sg and the SEC Website at adviserinfo.sec.gov. For a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2 Brochure, contact us at info@avriowealth.com
