Talking Expat Taxes

In this episode of "Talking Expat Taxes," host Alex McGowin sits down with Michael Maxwell of Ariete Capital to break down Italy's investor visa - better known as the golden visa - and what it actually gets you. Michael explains the two routes most people take, including the €250,000 innovative startup investment, and why Italy's process stands apart: you get pre-approved before you invest, and you can hold a visa in six to seven months rather than waiting years.

Alex and Michael also compare Italy to Portugal in the wake of the NHR changes and the shift from five to ten years for citizenship, walk through Italy's four special tax regimes for new residents, and cover the piece most people miss - that immigration residency and tax residency are two different things. If you're a U.S. citizen weighing a move, a plan B, or simply more time in Europe, this conversation lays out the trade-offs clearly.

The 2025 tariff landscape has fundamentally changed how foreign businesses should structure their US operations. In this essential episode, Alex McGowin sits down with Eran Shif, founder of Incodox and former Ernst & Young transfer pricing expert, to unpack the complex intersection of transfer pricing, customs duties, and international tax strategy.

Learn why US expats need specialized cross-border financial planning. Join Alex McGowin as he sits down with Ariel Tucker, CFP and enrolled agent, to explore the critical gap in financial planning for US expats in Europe. Discover how traditional US advisors often miss crucial cross-border considerations, why Switzerland's cantonal tax system changes everything, and how to avoid costly mistakes when investing abroad. From currency management to inheritance tax planning, this conversation reveals why specialized expertise matters more than ever for Americans building wealth overseas.

Thinking about investing in Costa Rica real estate? Get the insider's guide to tax compliance and proper setup from local experts Cathy and Nadia from Done Deal Costa Rica. Learn the critical steps for VAT filings, income tax obligations, and how to structure your investment correctly from day one. In this episode, we break down the complex world of Costa Rican property taxes, banking requirements, and compliance obligations that every foreign investor needs to know. Whether you're planning to buy rental property or considering short-term rentals through Airbnb, this conversation covers the essential tax strategies and common pitfalls to avoid.

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is reshaping the tax profession? In this episode of Talking Expat Taxes, host Alex McGowin sits down with Felipe Salinas, founder of Tax Flow, to explore how AI is revolutionizing international tax practice. Felipe shares his unique journey from working with venture capital firms in Latin America to developing AI solutions specifically for tax professionals.

Transfer pricing isn't just for Fortune 500 companies. Whether you're running a US business with overseas operations, managing cross-border transactions, or even operating between different US states, understanding proper intercompany pricing could save you thousands in taxes while protecting you from costly IRS penalties. Learn transfer pricing essentials with tax experts Alex McGowin and Jinkan Khatadia. Discover arm's length standards, documentation strategies, and optimization methods for businesses of all sizes.

In this episode of Talking Expat Taxes, Alex McGowin sits down with franchise expert Adam Goldman to explore how he's been helping foreign investors obtain E-2 visas and franchise businesses to get to break into the U.S. market. Adam details a starting invest of $125,000 - significantly less than other visa pathways. Also covered, are the practical aspects of finding E-2-friendly franchises, coordinating visa applications with business investments, and leveraging service-based businesses for successful applications.

Join us as Scott Haslett, an experienced tax attorney and CPA, dives deep into the world of 1031 exchanges. Whether you're investing in commercial or residential properties, Scott explains how 1031 exchanges can help defer taxes on property sales by leveraging the services of a qualified intermediary like his firm, Mission Exchange. Learn the critical steps involved, from closing dates and identifying replacement properties to navigating complex rules for foreign transactions. This episode is packed with essential information for anyone considering a 1031 exchange. Watch and become an informed investor!

In this insightful episode of Talking Expat Taxes, Alex McGowin sits down with Matt Calhoun, Director at Equity Institutional, to explore the powerful opportunities and important considerations of self-directed IRAs for alternative investments. Whether you're considering international real estate, precious metals, or private equity, this discussion provides crucial guidance on structuring retirement investments beyond traditional assets. Learn about the practical steps, compliance requirements, and strategic planning needed to leverage your retirement funds for alternative investments while maintaining tax advantages.