International tax companies not only help you avoid the headache of international tax preparation, but also reduce the possibility of double taxation — paying one tax in the U.S., another in the country where you earn income. Saving money encourages reinvestment in corporate growth and motivates individuals and businesses to comply with tax policy.

Regardless of where you earn your money, all international tax consultants confirm that corporations and individuals alike are subject to foreign and domestic tax laws.

Rely on the following for international tax information:

1. Resources for individuals or corporations

2. International tax specialists

3. International tax software and resources

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Benefit as a corporation or individual using international tax consulting

Depending on earnings, U.S. citizens are required to file taxes in the U.S. even while living outside of the U.S. Whether it is for you own earnings or corporate earnings paid out as dividends, international tax consulting is country-specific and typically requires a professional to get it done right. An individual U.S. citizen must file using a social security number whereas corporations must file under their EIN, or employer identification number.

I recommend: Contact the Internal Revenue Service for an employer identification number application.

Trust the professionals for international tax info, whatever your needs

A long list of trusted international tax services is always available online. First time international tax filers, individual or corporate, should talk to the professionals. They are familiar with the intricate and delicate nature of international tax information, and offer tools to help you get a better idea of just how much help you need.

I recommend: Contact Protax Consulting Services, Inc. for professional individual international tax info. Contact Barron's International Tax Service for corporate international tax information and download a free tax organizer.

Use the Web to find free international tax resources and educational tools

Before you decide to work overseas or invest in a foreign corporation, invest some time in international tax seminars and bookkeeping techniques. Consult government websites for tax treaties and regulations, and refer back to those pages often to keep up with tax law changes.

I recommend: Go to the Internal Revenue Service for a country-by-country breakdown of income tax treaties. Download virtual international tax seminars from the Ernst and Young podcast directory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  International tax consultants in foreign countries will provide information about international tax that is just as valuable as that from U.S. tax consultants. It's a good idea to consult both, since you don't want to leave behind any unfinished business in a foreign county where you may later return to work.