EB5 Investors Magazine Volume 2 Issue 1 | Page 42

• Over 200 years of combined escrow experience • All transactions processed by a licensed Attorney • Tailored escrow agreements to meet your specific needs • 24/7 secure online access to your escrow account activity • Established independent and licensed Escrow Company with branches in 7 locations • Nationwide Holding Escrow services with a specialized department for EB-5 transactions 1400 Newport Center Drive, Suite 250 | Newport Beach, CA 92660 | Tel: (949) 720-0110 | Fax: (949) 258-3328 | Email: [email protected] www.graniteeb5investors.com Granite Escrow Services is an Independent Escrow Company, licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO # 9632535) Continued from page 39 Pre-immigration tax planning should begin as soon as possible. Because many of the strategies described above require maneuvering that takes time and coordination, the process should be started at least six months before the investor plans on making her investment, if not sooner. Conclusion Although no EB-5 investor will be able to avoid taxes altogether, as she must prove a desire to permanently reside in the United States to obtain her green card, some pre-immigration tax preparation can mitigate the payment of unnecessary taxes. EB-5 investors are often very familiar with the benefits of permanent residency and citizenship, but these benefits are balanced with responsibility—paying taxes being among the chief requirements. Without tax revenue, the U.S. government would not be able to provide services that make the country so appealing to investors; infrastructure that supports business development and public education are two notable products of tax revenue. Nonetheless, investors are not expected to pay more than what they are legally obligated to pay, and tax planning can ensure that investors are making a fair contribution. This preparation can help balance the investors’ tax minimization interests with their immigration and business interests, allowing them to get their green cards and pay the least amount of tax necessary. While it may seem inconvenient in the short-term, consulting a tax professional can save an EB-5 investor hassle, 40 time, and money during a future in the United States and will help them understand the contribution that they are making to the country. ★ Mark Ivener Mark Ivener has focused on immigration law for the past 35 years, and is a founding partner of Ivener & Fullmer, a global immigration law firm that assists with all business-related immigration matters. He is also the founder of the Alliance of Business and Immigration lawyers, as well as the National Consortium of Immigration Law Firms, and is the only immigration lawyer to be named a Top 100 Wealth Advisers and Managers by Citywealth Magazine. The Wolfe Law Group represents U.S. taxpayers for IRS tax audits, U.S. investors who have international investments, and foreign persons who invest in the United States. We have over 30 years of experience, specializing in IRS tax audits and international tax matters, including international tax planning/tax compliance, and international asset protection. For more information, please visit our website, http://gswlaw.com. E B 5 I n v e s to r s M ag a z i n e Gary Wolfe