1 U.S. International Tax Framework

U.S. Tax Law Essentials · 4:37

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
If you're a U.S. citizen no matter where you roam
Uncle Sam will tax your income even far from home
Worldwide taxation is the rule we must obey
Green card holders too must file and pay

From New York to Tokyo, London to Mumbai
American tax law follows you across the sky
Every dollar that you earn around the globe
Gets reported to the IRS back home

[Chorus]
Eight-sixty-one to eight-sixty-five
Source rules keep your taxes alive
Nine-oh-one gives credit for foreign tax you paid
Nine-eleven lets some income fade away
Remember these numbers, they're your guiding light
In the world of international tax law tonight

[Verse 2]
Where your income comes from matters more than you might think
Source-of-income rules create that vital link
Salary from services where the work was done
Investment income follows different rules under the sun

Real estate income stays where the property lies
Interest and dividends have their own disguise
Personal services income goes to where you worked
These sourcing rules cannot be shirked

[Chorus]
Eight-sixty-one to eight-sixty-five
Source rules keep your taxes alive
Nine-oh-one gives credit for foreign tax you paid
Nine-eleven lets some income fade away
Remember these numbers, they're your guiding light
In the world of international tax law tonight

[Verse 3]
When foreign countries tax your income too
Section nine-oh-one helps see you through
Foreign tax credit reduces what you owe
But limitations keep it in control

Direct credits for taxes that you paid
Deemed-paid credits when corporations trade
Carry forward five years, carry back one
When your credits exceed what can be done

[Bridge]
If you live abroad and meet the test
Nine-eleven gives your income rest
Foreign earned income exclusion's sweet
Up to the limit, tax-free treat

Housing costs excluded too
For expats living far from view
Physical presence or bona fide
These tests determine who qualifies

[Chorus]
Eight-sixty-one to eight-sixty-five
Source rules keep your taxes alive
Nine-oh-one gives credit for foreign tax you paid
Nine-eleven lets some income fade away
Remember these numbers, they're your guiding light
In the world of international tax law tonight

[Outro]
Worldwide taxation is the starting point
But credits and exclusions help anoint
Your global income with some relief
International tax law beyond belief

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