Jump to content
ATX Community

German inheritance, tax paid


Margaret CPA in OH

Recommended Posts

Client inherited about $500,000 from sister deceased in Germany. This was cash and proceeds from sale of house (still waiting on the information as the house was rented for a while - should be interesting). He had to pay 25% inheritance tax and wants to deduct it on his US return.

I think that, since the inheritance isn't included in income, he shouldn't get a tax deduction. Or is the inheritance, because it's foreign, to be included? New to me!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Client inherited about $500,000 from sister deceased in Germany. This was cash and proceeds from sale of house (still waiting on the information as the house was rented for a while - should be interesting). He had to pay 25% inheritance tax and wants to deduct it on his US return.

I think that, since the inheritance isn't included in income, he shouldn't get a tax deduction. Or is the inheritance, because it's foreign, to be included? New to me!

Check the tax treaty between US and Germany. Inheritance needs to be included in US taxes and a credit for foreign taxes paid should be taken. In any event, check the tax treaty.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No worries, that's why we have this forum.

I have noticed something... it is easy to guide people towards the correct treatment of taxable events, but it is very hard to prepare that one return. Can you share your findings, such as what forms you file, what credits you get, etc?

I have the feeling that I have a distant uncle in Germany and I will inherit millions in the near future and I want to be prepared.

As you can see, we are different because you stated " I'm just pondering so that I know what to do when I win the big one" when referring to lotto winnings.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...