Sell U.S. Real Estate as a Foreign Person? You need to understand FIRPTA.
❓What is FIRPTA?
FIRPTA = Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act
When a foreign seller sells U.S. real estate, the IRS requires the buyer to withhold a portion of the sale price for federal tax purposes.
📌 Standard FIRPTA Withholding Rules
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🗂 Foreign seller = up to 15% withholding of the sale price
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🧾 Withholding is sent to IRS in case tax is owed
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💰 Overpayments can be refunded only when tax return is filed
👉 FIRPTA withholding is not a penalty.
It’s a prepayment of income tax on real estate gain.
👥 Who is considered a “foreign seller”?
You are subject to FIRPTA if you are:
✔ Non-U.S. citizen
✔ Non-U.S. resident
✔ Holding ITIN / no SSN
✔ Entity owned by foreign owners
You may still qualify even if you own property for many years.
🧾 What We Can Do — FIRPTA Tax + Withholding Support
曹氏会计事务所提供一站式服务：
1️⃣ Determine FIRPTA applicability
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We confirm whether FIRPTA applies
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Explore exemptions (e.g., residence < $300K)
2️⃣ Apply for ITIN (if needed)
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Seller without SSN must apply for ITIN
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We can prepare Form W-7 and supporting documents
3️⃣ Prepare FIRPTA Withholding Forms
✔ Form 8288
✔ Form 8288-A
✔ Buyer withholding calculation
✔ Mailing guidance or submission review
4️⃣ Request Reduced Withholding (optional)
If seller profit is small or no gain, we can file:
📍 Form 8288-B (Withholding Certificate Application)
5️⃣ File Year-End Tax Return & Claim Refund
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Report sale gain (Form 1040NR or corporation return)
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Claim withholding credit
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Track IRS refund
6️⃣ Communicate with IRS on your behalf
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Track withholding posting
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Respond to IRS letters
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Assist with missing or delayed 8288-A processing
🎯 Why Work With Us
✨ Specialize in FIRPTA & foreign investor taxes
✨ IRS-authorized ITIN acceptance agent
✨ Clear timeline + bilingual English/Chinese service
✨ From withholding to refund — full cycle support
✨ Avoid costly mistakes that delay refunds 8–12 months
📌 Ideal Clients
⭐ Foreign investors selling U.S. property
⭐ Realtors who need a FIRPTA CPA backup team
⭐ Buyers who need FIRPTA withholding guidance
⭐ Property attorneys & escrow partners
📞 Contact Us
📍曹氏会计事务所（全美服务）
📱 电话：425-230-7538
📧 邮箱：info@caoandassociate.net
💬 微信：WACPA3
🧾 提供FIRPTA报价 & 免费初步文件评估
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