Who We Serve · U.S.–Asia
From Hong Kong, we work with Americans living across Asia and with Asian families and businesses moving toward the U.S. We handle U.S. filings and planning through LCW Tax Advisory (HK) Limited, in Asian business hours.
Who This Is For
If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder, your Form 1040 is due wherever you live and work. We prepare U.S. returns that account for how income actually arises in Asia: housing allowances, MPF and local pensions, equity compensation, and the accounts the IRS requires you to report.
A Hong Kong limited company or Singapore Pte Ltd owned by a U.S. person can bring Form 5471, GILTI and Subpart F into your personal return. We handle both the reporting and the planning, including the elections that can reduce the result.
Investing in U.S. real estate, opening a U.S. subsidiary, sending children to study, or planning a move. We advise before U.S. tax residency or U.S.-source income begins, while more options are still available.
U.S. citizenship by birth, a green card from years ago, or a passport never renounced. Many people in Asia find out about their U.S. obligations late. The Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures are often a way to catch up, and we prepare the full package.
Scope
Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and beyond. We scope every engagement in writing before work begins.
Discuss your situationInsights
Hong Kong's low, territorial tax system is a blessing locally and a complication federally. What US citizens in Hong Kong need to know about the 1040, the missing treaty, MPF accounts, and local companies.
Read articleFor families moving from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan or Singapore to the United States, the months before US residency begins are a one-time planning window. What closes on day one — and what to do while it is still open.
Read articleFAQ
Often, yes, at least some. Because Hong Kong salaries tax rates are below U.S. rates, the foreign tax credit alone rarely eliminates U.S. tax. The foreign earned income exclusion covers much of a salary, but investment income, bonuses above the exclusion, and equity compensation can still produce a U.S. bill. This makes planning worthwhile in a low-tax jurisdiction.
Hong Kong MPF and many Asian pension schemes have no special treatment under U.S. law or treaty, so contributions and earnings are often taxable as they accrue, and the accounts are generally reportable on the FBAR and Form 8938. The result depends on the specific scheme, and it is one of the first items we review for clients in the region.
It is usually more fixable than people expect. If your non-compliance was non-willful, the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures generally require three years of returns and six years of FBARs. We can review your facts and prepare the filing.
Speak to a U.S. tax adviser before the move. Pre-immigration planning can address asset bases, company structures, and the timing of income before U.S. tax residency begins. After you become a U.S. tax resident, most of these options are no longer available.
Yes. LCW Tax Advisory (HK) Limited is based in Hong Kong, so clients across Asia work with us during the Asian business day rather than waiting for a U.S. office.
Work with us
Describe your situation in a few sentences. We will identify the U.S. filings it involves and respond from Hong Kong during your business day.
International US Tax
A specialist international U.S. tax firm providing trusted tax advisory, planning, and compliance services for individuals, businesses, and trusts.