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U.S. Tax Planning For Foreign Trusts

Whether you’re a foreign trustee or a U.S. beneficiary, U.S. tax rules around foreign trusts are complex, punitive, and unforgiving. We help you stay compliant and minimize costly surprises through proactive planning and cross-border coordination.

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Long-Term International Tax Efficiency

What’s at Stake in U.S. Tax Planning for Foreign Trusts

  • Severe Reporting Penalties

    Failure to file Forms 3520, 3520-A, or FBARs can result in steep automatic penalties—even for unintentional mistakes.
  • Throwback Tax Exposure

    Improperly structured distributions can trigger punitive income tax and interest charges for U.S. beneficiaries.
  • Grantor vs. Nongrantor Misclassification Risks

    Misunderstanding grantor vs. nongrantor trust rules can lead to unexpected taxation or loss of planning benefits.
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Harbor Law Firm Expertise

Our Planning & Compliance Services

We partner and coordinate with foreign trustees and legal teams to provide clear, proactive counsel to navigate complex tax rules, reduce exposure, and ensure compliance.

  • Grantor vs. nongrantor trust classification

  • Form 3520, 3520-A, 8938, and FBAR compliance

  • Throwback tax mitigation strategies

  • Cross-border trust structuring for tax efficiency

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Ensure your trust structure is compliant—and efficient.

Partner with Harbor Law Firm to ensure your cross-border trust complies with U.S. tax law while minimizing risk and unnecessary tax exposure.

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