U.S. Return Preparation
Determine the appropriate U.S. individual or business filing work within the engagement.
Explore our services →Cross-border tax & compliance
Boutique CPA for International Tax
Foreign income, U.S. investments and overseas accounts can create overlapping questions. Get a coordinated U.S. tax review built around your residency, ownership and reporting facts.
Medina CPA, LLCTax & Accounting Services
8+ YearsExperience listed by the firm
200+ ClientsClients highlighted by Medina CPA
Secure & OnlineConvenient document exchange
A clearer financial picture
Cross-Border Decisions Need More Than a Generic Tax Checklist
International tax is not one filing. Your obligations can change based on U.S. tax status, where income is earned, what you own, how an entity is structured and whether foreign financial accounts or assets must be disclosed. Medina CPA works with global clients and foreign individuals on inbound and outbound U.S. tax planning and compliance. We start with the facts and define the reporting scope before drawing conclusions.
Quick answer: Medina CPA offers U.S. international tax planning and compliance support for foreign individuals, cross-border investors and clients with international income or ownership. A consultation determines which returns, disclosures and specialist input may be required.
- Clarify U.S. tax status and source of income
- Inventory entities, foreign accounts and relevant documents
- Review potentially separate return and disclosure obligations
- Coordinate deadlines and the agreed filing scope
One fact pattern, several rulesResidency, source, ownership and reporting all matter.
How we can help
International Tax Questions We Help You Navigate
The goal is a clear, defensible filing plan—not a promise that every cross-border case follows the same form list.
Inbound Investment Planning
Review U.S. business or real estate activity for foreign individuals and investors.
Explore our services →Outbound Tax Considerations
Discuss U.S. reporting for citizens and residents with income or assets abroad.
Explore our services →Foreign Asset Reporting Review
Screen whether obligations such as Form 8938 or FBAR may apply to your facts.
Explore our services →Entity & Ownership Review
Connect business-formation choices and ownership records with potential U.S. tax obligations.
Explore our services →Bookkeeping & Documentation
Organize transaction records and financial statements needed for accurate compliance.
Explore our services →Inbound & outbound matters
Start With Status. Then Map the Filings.
A U.S. person with foreign accounts, a foreign individual investing in U.S. real estate and an internationally active business can face very different obligations. We review the taxpayer’s status, ownership structure, income sources and records first. If the matter requires legal, treaty or highly specialized tax analysis outside the agreed scope, that should be identified early rather than hidden in a generic engagement.
U.S. persons abroadForeign investorsInternational incomeOverseas accountsCross-border entities
Focused attention
Common Cross-Border Starting Points
U.S. person living abroadReview worldwide income, foreign tax information and possible disclosure requirements.
Foreign owner of U.S. assetsClarify ownership, income and applicable U.S. filing questions.
Business with foreign tiesMap entity structure, transaction records and reporting responsibilities.
Uncertain account reportingCheck whether FBAR, Form 8938 or both may be relevant; they are separate obligations.
Specific challenges, specific questions
From Uncertainty to an Actionable Filing Scope
These are review areas, not a claim that every form applies to every client.
| Client question | What we examine |
|---|---|
| Do I have a U.S. filing obligation? | Citizenship, residency, entity status, income source and relevant tax years |
| What about foreign bank accounts? | Account ownership and balances; whether FBAR or Form 8938 screening is needed |
| Can foreign taxes affect my U.S. return? | Foreign-source income and tax records for possible relief analysis where applicable |
| I own U.S. real estate from abroad | Ownership vehicle, transaction history, U.S. income and reporting documents |
| My business operates across borders | Entity and owner information, books, intercompany records and specialist needs |
FBAR and Form 8938 Are Not the Same Filing
The IRS explains that Form 8938 does not replace the FBAR. The FBAR is filed separately with FinCEN, not attached to an income tax return. Whether either filing applies depends on the account or asset, the person or entity, location and relevant thresholds. This page is not a filing determination; the details must be reviewed.
A simple, streamlined approach
What Working With Medina CPA Looks Like
Request a consultationTell us what changed, what is due and where you need clarity.
Review your factsDiscuss income, ownership, records, prior filings and priorities.
Define the scopeAgree on the work, documents, timing and relevant limits.
Work securelyShare documents through the firm’s approved online process.
Plan aheadIdentify future checkpoints when ongoing support is included.
PersonalizedBuilt on your actual financial structure.
OrganizedClear documentation and defined next steps.
AccurateCompliance and records taken seriously.
Forward-lookingPlanning questions raised before filing when possible.
Frequently asked questions
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a CPA
Does Medina CPA work with both inbound and outbound international tax matters?
Yes. The firm states that it provides tax planning and compliance support for inbound and outbound international matters. The consultation establishes the particular returns and disclosures in scope.
Do U.S. citizens abroad have to report foreign income?
The IRS generally taxes U.S. citizens and resident aliens on worldwide income. Certain exclusions or credits may apply based on facts and eligibility, so the return requires individual review.
Are FBAR and Form 8938 interchangeable?
No. The IRS says Form 8938 does not replace FBAR. They have different rules, assets and filing methods; some taxpayers may need one, both or neither.
Can you help a foreign investor with U.S. real estate tax questions?
Medina CPA serves foreign individuals and real estate investors. We can review the U.S. tax and accounting questions and define an appropriate scope based on ownership and transaction facts.
What should I prepare for an international tax consultation?
Bring recent returns, a summary of residency and travel, entity ownership documents, income statements, and information about relevant foreign accounts or assets. Share sensitive documents through an approved secure channel, not a public form.
Related expertise
Explore More Medina CPA Services
Official references
Helpful Federal Tax References
These public resources provide background. Medina CPA can help assess how the rules apply to your individual circumstances.
Make Your Next Tax Decision With Better Information
Tell us about your situation, the approaching deadline and what you want the engagement to accomplish. We will help determine the appropriate next step.
General information only; not individualized tax, legal or investment advice. Services are subject to an agreed scope. A consultation does not establish a CPA-client relationship.