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April 21, 2025
Question

Foreign Business Ownership of Property Rental Income

  • April 21, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

I am a US citizen and intend to partner with someone on starting a foreign company.  My ownership will be < 10%. The company will own a real estate/properties like apartments, town-homes etc. which will generate rental income. All rental income will be deposited into the company bank account. I will initially be based in the foreign country and then relocate to the US.

 

1. Since my ownership is < 10%, do I need to file 5471? 
2. If I do not receive any distribution from the foreign company, do I still need to report the company's
rental income on my personal tax return? 
3. If I receive a distribution will I then need to declare it on my personal return?

4. While I am based in the foreign country, will I be able to claim the foreign earned income exclusion to exclude the distribution earnings from the company?
5. Are there any additional considerations?

Thanks.

1 reply

April 25, 2025

1. No, you need to own at least 10% to have to file 5471.

2. No, only earnings paid to or received by you need to be reported on your personal tax return.

3. Yes.

4. You may have requirements for reporting foreign accounts if the value of your shares in this company exceed $10,000.

 

@Haris_n 

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