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October 30, 2024
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Buying a home outside of the US

  • October 30, 2024
  • 1 reply
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Hello!

 

If I purchase a home outside of the United States this year, are there any tax implications I should be aware of? For example, I know that FBAR reporting is required for bank accounts, but does it also apply to foreign assets (i.e., a house?). Is there anything I would need to report?

 

Thank you!

    Best answer by marctu

    The purchase of real estate abroad doesn't generally have to be reported to the IRS.  However, you have to report any transfers of funds over $10,000 that you make to a foreign bank account intending to buy a property abroad, though.

     

    If this is a second personal home you can deduct, to the extent you itemize your deductions, the mortgage interest.  Since 2017, you are unable to deduct the taxes. 

     

    Thank you for your question @cmallow17 

     

    All the best,

     

    Marc T.

    TurboTax Live Tax Expert

    27 Years of Experience Helping Clients

    1 reply

    marctu
    marctuAnswer
    October 30, 2024

    The purchase of real estate abroad doesn't generally have to be reported to the IRS.  However, you have to report any transfers of funds over $10,000 that you make to a foreign bank account intending to buy a property abroad, though.

     

    If this is a second personal home you can deduct, to the extent you itemize your deductions, the mortgage interest.  Since 2017, you are unable to deduct the taxes. 

     

    Thank you for your question @cmallow17 

     

    All the best,

     

    Marc T.

    TurboTax Live Tax Expert

    27 Years of Experience Helping Clients

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
    cmallow17Author
    October 30, 2024

    Dear Marc,

     

    Thanks for the quick reply! Do you happen to know which form I would need to use to report the transfer of money? Will TurboTax prompt me to fill out that form when I file with TurboTax, or is that a separate form I will need to find and file on my own?

     

    Thanks!

    marctu
    October 31, 2024

    Last year we offered in a limited pilot the filing of the FBAR, though I am not sure that will continue this year.  You would file the form using the BSA E-filing system.  See this link:  Individuals Filing the Report of Foreign Bank & Financial Accounts (FBAR) 

     

    Thank you for your follow up question @  cmallow17

     

    All the best,

     

    Marc T.

    TurboTax Live Tax Expert

    27 Years of Experience Helping Clients

     

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"