Traditional estate planning strategies generally are based on the assumption that all family members involved are U.S. citizens. However, if you or your spouse is a noncitizen, special rules apply that may require additional planning.
Defining ‘residency’ & ‘domicile’
If you are a U.S. resident, but not a citizen, you are treated similarly to a U.S. citizen by the Internal Revenue Code. You are subject to federal gift and estate taxes on your worldwide assets, but you also enjoy the benefits of the $11.58 million (for 2020) gift and estate tax exemption and the $15,000 annual gift tax exclusion. In addition, you can double the annual exclusion to $30,000 through gift-splitting with your spouse, so long as your spouse is a U.S. citizen or resident. (Special rules apply to the marital deduction, however, as will be discussed below).
Residency is a complicated subject. IRS regulations define a U.S. resident for federal estate tax purposes as someone who had his or her domicile in the U.S. at the time of death. One acquires a domicile in a place by living there, even briefly, with a present intention of making that place a permanent home.
Whether you have your domicile in the U.S. depends on an analysis of several factors, including the relative time you spend in the U.S. and abroad, the locations, and relative values of your residences and business interests, visa status, community ties, and the location of family members.
What if you are a ‘nonresident alien?’
If you are a nonresident alien — that is, if you are neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. resident — there is good news and bad news regarding federal estate tax law. The good news is that you are subject to U.S. gift and estate taxes only on property that is ‘situated’ in the U.S. Also, you can take advantage of the $15,000 annual exclusion (although you cannot split gifts with your spouse).
The bad news is that your estate tax exemption drops from $11.58 million to a miniscule $60,000, so substantial U.S. property holdings can result in a big estate tax bill. Taxable property includes U.S. real estate as well as tangible personal property — such as cars, boats, and artwork — located in the U.S.
Options for making tax-free transfers
The unlimited marital deduction is not available for gifts or bequests to noncitizens. However, there are certain options for making tax-free transfers to a noncitizen spouse. For example, you can use the transferor’s $11.58 million exemption (provided the transferor is a U.S. citizen or resident). You also can make annual exclusion gifts. (For 2020, the limit for gifts to a noncitizen spouse is $157,000.) And last, you can bequeath assets to a qualified domestic trust, which contains provisions designed to ensure that the assets are ultimately taxed as part of the recipient’s estate.
Consider your rights
Understanding federal estate tax laws can be complicated — even more so if you, your spouse, or both are noncitizens. Our licensed tax professionals can help you assess your planning options. Contact us today to see how we can partner with you.