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In this article, we’ll explore obtaining the IRS transfer certificate and explain how Form 706NA and form 5173 apply to these cases. Obtaining the IRS transfer certificate
is a crucial step in the process of handling estates with non-resident aliens. Form 706 NA is the United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return for estates of
non-resident non-citizens, while Form 5173 is the request for a certificate of release of a federal estate tax lien. Understanding the intricacies of these forms is essential for ensuring
a smooth and compliant transfer of assets. This article will provide a comprehensive guide, shedding light on the nuances of these processes and helping you navigate the
complexities of estate management for non-resident aliens.
When a non-US Person passes with US situs financial assets, it often creates issues for descendants.
1. They are unable to access the accounts until they have an IRS Transfer Certificate.
2. They cannot get an IRS Transfer Certificate until they have a closing letter.
3. They cannot get a closing letter until they file the Form 706 NA
This is what a Closing Letter looks like
Let’s go through this step by step
Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 2101 imposes a transfer tax on the estate of any non-resident, non-citizen, of the U.S. Form 706-NA , United States Estate (and Generation Skipping
Transfer) Tax Return, is used to compute estate- and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax liability for all non-resident alien decedents. Form 706NA must be filed within nine
months of the date of the decedent’s death. The taxpayer can request an automatic six-month extension by filing Form 4768 by the original due date. If Form 706 NA is not
promptly filed, or the tax payment is not remitted by the original due date, penalties will be levied against the estate.
Form 706-NA is used to compute estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax liability for nonresident not a citizen (NRNC) decedents. The estate tax is imposed on the
transfer of the decedent’s taxable estate rather than on the receipt of any part of it.
For information about transfer certificates for U.S. assets, write to the following address.
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: E&G, Stop 824G
7940 Kentucky Drive
Florence, KY 41042-2915
In order to complete this return, you must obtain Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, and its instructions. You must attach schedules
from Form 706 if you intend to claim a marital deduction, a charitable deduction, a qualified conservation easement exclusion, or a credit for tax on prior transfers, or if you
answer “Yes” to question 5, 7, 8, 9a, 9b, or 11 in Part III. General Information. You will need the Instructions for Form 706 to explain how to value stocks and bonds. Make sure
that you use the version of Form 706 that corresponds to the date of the decedent’s death.
Form 706-NA applies only to non-resident alien decedents – individuals whom, upon their death, are not U.S. residents or citizens. For purposes of determining estate and gift tax,
residency is not determined by the residency rules for income-tax purposes (Sec. 7701(b)(6)). For estate and gift-tax purposes, U.S. residency requires physical presence at some
place in the U.S., and the intention to make that place a fixed and permanent home (Christina de Bourbon Patino, 51-1 USTC ¶9123 (4th Cir.), aff’g, 13 T.C. 816 (1949)). If the
facts and circumstances support the preceding notion of residence, the executor of the decedent’s estate must file Form 706.
The executor of a non-resident alien decedent’s estate must file Form 706-NA if the date-of-death value of the gross estate located in the U.S. exceeds the filing limit of $60,000.
The executor must file Form 706-NA if the date of death value of the decedent’s U.S.-situated assets, together with the gift tax-specific exemption and the amount of adjusted
taxable gifts, exceeds the filing threshold of $60,000. The gift tax-specific exemption refers to the amount allowed for gifts made by the decedent between September 9, 1976, and
December 31, 1976, inclusive. The amount of adjusted taxable gifts refers to the amount of adjusted taxable gifts made by the decedent after December 31, 1976.
Form 706 NA: United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return must be used to figure out the generation-skipping transfer tax (GSTT) liability for estates of
non-residents of the United States. The generation-skipping tax is levied upon the transfer of the decedent’s estate rather than when it is received by a beneficiary.
A non-resident is someone who does not live in the United States and is not a citizen. The IRS has specific rules for how a person meets the criteria of a resident. Taxpayers
are considered residents if they meet the green card test or if they fulfill the substantial presence test in the United States. Individuals who do not satisfy these requirements are
considered non-residents.
U.S.-based assets that are considered part of an estate include things like:
.Real estate
.Physical personal property
.Securities of U.S. companies
.Debt obligations within the U.S
.Bonds4
One important point to note is that any American-based stocks would be subject to U.S. estate taxes even if the certificates were physically stored outside of the country.
Although Form 706-NA: United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return must be filed within nine months following the person’s death, you may request a six-
month deadline extension. This would allow the estate a total of 15 months to submit its tax return paperwork. Failure to file and remit payment on time may result in fines and
penalties.
File Form 706-NA within 9 months after the date of death unless an extension of time to file was granted.
If you are unable to file Form 706-NA by the due date, use Form 4768, Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping
Transfer) Taxes, to apply for an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. If you have already received a 6-month extension and are an executor who is out of the country, you
may apply for an additional extension of time to file by filing a second Form 4768 and completing the form and attaching a written statement of explanation as instructed. For
both extensions, check the “Form 706-NA” box in Part II of Form 4768.
Form 706-NA: United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return is a tax form used to calculate tax liabilities for the estates with U.S.-based assets and generation-
skipping transfers of non-resident decedents. Form 706-NA, which is distributed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), must be filed nine months after the death of the individual
by their executor if the estate’s value exceeds the filing threshold of $60,000.
Gross estates of non-resident aliens with property located in the U.S., and valued at $60,000 or more, might be subject to estate tax. This is before taking into account any
“allowable deductions” or estate-tax treaties between the U.S. and the non-resident alien’s home country. The value of the decedent’s gross assets is determined at the date of the
decedent’s death or, six months later, on the alternate valuation date.
For real estate and tangible personal property, “located in the U.S.” is determined by physical presence in the U.S. (regardless of where the owner resides). If a non-resident alien
buys stock in a U.S. corporation (e.g., General Electric), the stock is considered located in the U.S., regardless of where the stock certificates are held. Furthermore, any debt
obligations that a U.S. citizen, corporation or governmental agency issues to a non-resident alien are treated as gross assets, which need to be included within the decedent’s gross
estate.
From their gross assets, the decedent’s estate is entitled to deduct any and all “allowable deductions.” These include charitable contributions to U.S. charities designated as such by
the IRC. The decedent’s estate also is entitled to certain expenses, losses, indebtedness or taxes incurred by the estate. These expenses must be prorated by the U.S.-share of the
decedent’s worldwide estate. Assuming the decedent is not married to a U.S. resident, one deduction that is not allowed to a non-resident alien is the marital deduction, unless it
meets the provisions of a Qualified Domestic Trust (Sec. 2056).
Non-resident aliens are entitled to a unified credit of $13,000, reduced by any lifetime gifts. Non-resident decedents whose gross assets are less than $60,000 upon their death may
still have to file a Form 706-NA if they have used any part of the $13,000 unified credit during their lifetime.
When determining a non-resident decedent’s tax liability, the estate must take into account whether the decedent resided in a country governed by an estate-tax treaty with the U.S.
If the non-resident alien is from a treaty-based country, he or she must attach a statement to Form 706-NA indicating the return was prepared based on a treaty with the U.S. (Reg.
Sec. 301.6114-1). Non-treaty based estate tax returns (i.e., Form 706-NA) are governed by the estate-tax provisions for non-resident aliens in IRC § 2101-2108.
When determining a non-resident decedent’s tax liability, the estate must take into account whether the decedent resided in a country governed by an estate-tax treaty with the U.S.
If the non-resident alien is from a treaty-based country, he or she must attach a statement to Form 706-NA indicating the return was prepared based on a treaty with the U.S. (Reg.
Sec. 301.6114-1). Non-treaty based estate tax returns (i.e., Form 706-NA) are governed by the estate-tax provisions for non-resident aliens in IRC § 2101-2108.
Executors of estates that would be required to complete Form 706NA must file a tax return if the fair market value (FMV) of the “U.S.-situated assets, together with the gift tax
specific exemption and the amount of adjusted taxable gifts, exceeds the filing threshold of $60,000.”6 In some cases, estates may still be required to file a tax return even if the
estate value is less than that, namely if the deceased made large lifetime gifts of U.S. assets that took advantage of the unified credit exemption.
Several countries have death tax treaties with the United States, and executors reporting information on an estate from one of those countries may have to attach a statement stating
that the death tax treaty is being applied.1
This form has been revised and updated numerous times since 1962. Form 706-NA is available to taxpayers by requesting Form 706: United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return.2 Citizens of U.S. possessions, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, are not considered citizens in Form 706-NA.1
How To Complete Form 706-NA
Complete Form 706-NA in this order.
1.Part I
2.Part III
3.Schedule A and B
4.Part II.
The estate tax is imposed on the decedent’s gross estate in the United States, reduced by allowable deductions. Figure the gross estate in the United States on Schedule A. Reduce the Schedule A total by the allowable deductions to derive the taxable estate on Schedule B, and figure the tax due using
Part II. Tax Computation.
Here is the IRS link, which includes instructions as well as the downloadable Form 706-NA: United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return.
You can use certain PDSs designated by the IRS to meet the “timely mailing as timely filing/paying” rule for tax returns and payments.
File Form 706-NA at the following address.
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Kansas City, MO 64999
If using a PDS, use this address.
Internal Revenue Submission Processing Center
333 W. Pershing
Kansas City, MO 64108
Section 6651 provides for penalties for both late filing of returns and late payment of tax unless there is reasonable cause for the delay. There are also penalties for willful attempts
to evade or defeat payment of tax.The law also provides for penalties for valuation understatements that cause an underpayment of tax. See sections 6662(g) and (h) for more
details.
If you receive a notice about penalties after you file Form 706-NA, send an explanation, and we will determine if you meet reasonable-cause criteria. Do not attach an explanation
when you file Form 706-NA. Explanations attached to the return at the time of filing will not be considered.
Estate tax return preparers who prepare any return or claim for refund that reflects an understatement of tax liability due to an unreasonable position are subject to a penalty equal
to the greater of $1,000 or 50% of the income earned (or to be earned) for the preparation of each such return. Estate tax return preparers who prepare any return or claim for
refund that reflects an understatement of tax liability due to willful or reckless conduct are subject to a penalty of $5,000 or 75% of the income earned (or income to be earned),
whichever is greater, for the preparation of each such return. See section 6694(a) and 6694(b), the related regulations, and Announcement 2009-15, 2009-11 I.R.B. 687.
Death tax treaties are in effect with the following countries.
Australia
Ireland
Austria
Italy
Canada*
Japan
Denmark
Netherlands
Finland
South Africa
France
Switzerland
Germany
United Kingdom
Greece
*Article XXIX B of the United States–Canada Income Tax Treaty
If you are reporting any items on this return based on the provisions of a death tax treaty or protocol, attach a statement to this return indicating that the return position is treaty
based. See Regulations section 301.6114-1 for details.
So once the Form 706 NA is submitted within 9 months of the passing, it takes a while to be processed. Sometimes 6 months or more.
We have had issues where the estate tax check is cashed by the IRS but the funds are posted to some sort of suspense account as opposed to being matched to the correct taxpayer
account. We then need to contact the IRS international line on 267-941-1000 where we are given another number such as +18593203456. On this second number, callers are
invited to leave a message on the voice mail as the mailbox is cleared daily. However, there are times when the mailbox is unavailable. So we need to send an email to the IRS to
ensure that the check is matched to the correct return – sbse.eg.intl (at) irs.gov
If everything goes well, the IRS may issue a letter explaining that it was processed. Sometimes it may not send any letter so one would need to contact them accordingly. If they
send a letter, they may issue a temporary tax ID to use when communicating with them
Then the next step is to contact the IRS to request a Transfer Certificate. Here’s the process for requesting the Transfer Certificate is as follows –https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/transfer-certificate-filing-requirements-for-the-estates-of-nonresidents-not-citizens-of-the-united-states
Estates and their authorized representatives may request an account transcript by filing Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Currently, Form 4506-T can be filed
with IRS via mail or facsimile (per the instructions on the form). Although account transcripts for estate tax returns are not currently available through IRS’s online Transcript
Delivery System (TDS), the IRS website, www.irs.gov, will have current information should an automated method become operational.
To allow time for processing the estate tax return, requests should be made no earlier than four months after filing the estate tax return.
The IRS says that estates and their authorized representatives who wish to continue to receive estate tax closing letters may call IRS at (866) 699-4083 to request an estate tax
closing letter no earlier than four months after the filing of the estate tax return.
Instead of securing a closing letter to send with the request for a transfer certificate, it is now possible to send a transcript –https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/transcripts-in-lieu-of-estate-tax-closing-letters
1. To call the IRS at (866) 699-4083 to request an estate tax closing letter
2. Request a transcript of the tax return by using a Form 4506-T – https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506-t
or https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/transcripts-in-lieu-of-estate-tax-closing-letters
You need to verify that any examination has been completed. Once you have one of these items use it to send a formal request for Form 5173 or Transfer Certificate using the
following address:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: E&G, Stop 824G7940
Kentucky Drive
Florence, KY 41042-2915
.Form 706-NAis used to calculate tax liabilities for estates of individuals with U.S.-based assets that are part of their estate who are not citizens.
.U.S.-based assets that would be considered part of an estate include things like real estate, physical personal property, and securities related to U.S. companies.
.Executors of estates that would be required to complete Form 706-NA must file a tax return if the fairmarket value of the estate was at least $60,000.
.The form must be filed within nine months of the death of the individual.
.The generation-skipping tax is imposed when the decedent’s estate is transferred rather than upon receipt of the beneficiary.
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