The Atlanta Lawyer February/March 2020 | Page 18

International Estate Planning for the Domestic Estate Planner The members of the Estate Planning and Probate Section thank the contributors for sharing their time and knowledge. CHRIS BENNER Bennett Thrasher, LLP [email protected] On January 8, 2020, the Estate Planning & Probate Section of The Atlanta Bar gathered to hear a partner in the Personal Financial Services, Chris Benner (Bennett Thrasher, LLP), discuss income and transfer tax issues in international estate planning. The United States taxes income based on 18 February/March 2020 MARTINA ECHEVERRIA The Saylor Law Firm, LLP MURRAY SAYLOR The Saylor Law Firm, LLP residency. It is generally preferable to be a nonresident for income tax purposes. A U.S. resident is taxed on worldwide income, while a nonresident alien ("NRA") is only taxed on U.S. sourced income. NRAs not only avoid U.S. taxation of foreign-source income, but in many cases, they also enjoy reduced income tax rates or exclusions under a tax treaty. Additionally, nonresident aliens are not subject to net investment income tax. mecheverria@saylorlaw. com [email protected] Benner explained that international tax issues are relevant to domestic estate planning. Seemingly, domestic-only matters often involve unexpected international estate planning issues. Additionally, with foreign