The US Tax Team New Zealand

30/05/2026

Mandatory KiwiSaver, mandatory US tax return?

One of the policies announced for the upcoming New Zealand election, was the mandatory creation of KiwiSaver accounts for New Zealand citizen children at birth.

But, for those who also become US citizens at birth, how might this policy impact them?

What would the implications of the NZ First KiwiSaver at birth policy have for US citizen children?

02/05/2026

One common concern that US taxpayers overseas have, is that the IRS may tax cash in bank accounts. Fortunately, cash in the bank is usually considered to be “post tax”, meaning it assumed that the cash was taxed when the income was earned, as opposed to tax on bank balances.

But, in what circumstances may US tax exist on bank balances, and when does the IRS consider income to be earned and US tax to apply?

15/04/2026

More than two years after the State Department proposed lowering the fee to renounce US citizenship, a reduction has finally come into affect as of 13th April 2026.

More than two years after the State Department proposed lowering the fee to renounce US citizenship, a reduction has finally come into affect as of 13th April 2026.

09/04/2026

Received a letter from your NZ bank asking for your Social Security Number? This is now standard practice for New Zealand based banks, is part of the obligations required of banks under the FATCA legislation.

But, one question we’re frequently asked, is whether New Zealand banks report accounts directly to the IRS?

Received a letter from your NZ bank asking for your Social Security Number? This is now standard practice for New Zealand based banks, is part of the obligations required of banks under the FATCA legislation. But, one question we’re frequently asked, is whether New Zealand banks report accounts di...

31/03/2026

In this busy US tax season, we encounter many clients with differing financial circumstances, but in 2026 one common US tax advice area for us has been on the implications of being a W-2 employee here in New Zealand.

05/02/2026

In our article today, we’ll discuss the new final regulations under Section 987 of the US tax code. This code section has been under development by the IRS for more than 30 years, partially due to its complexity but also in attempt to find fairness in its implementation. The regulations became final in December 2024, and as a result we will begin to see changes for the new US tax year, 2025.

In our article today, we’ll discuss the new final regulations under Section 987 of the US tax code. This code section has been under development by the IRS for more than 30 years, partially due to its complexity but also in attempt to find fairness in its implementation. The regulations became fin...

15/01/2026

Firstly, we’d like to wish all of our clients and readers a Happy New Year! Another year, and another new US tax season.

As many of us begin preparations for the new 2025 US tax filing year, a reminder today of the final 2025 US estimated tax deadline of 15th January 2026 (16th January in New Zealand).

As many of us begin preparations for the new 2025 US tax filing year, a reminder today of the final 2025 US estimated tax deadline of 15th January 2026 (16th January in New Zealand).

03/12/2025

Whilst there is a wealth of information online regarding different parts of the US tax system, and how it affects those in New Zealand, less often found is some guidance on the basics.

In our short FAQ style article today, we’ll go over the basics of filing a US tax return from New Zealand.

Whilst there is a wealth of information online regarding different parts of the US tax system, and how it affects those in New Zealand, less often found is some guidance on the basics.

13/11/2025

One of our main service areas at The US Tax Team, is US tax advice and consulting. In almost every appointment, the question usually arises of what tax implications exist during the difficult time of losing a loved one, and receiving inheritance in New Zealand.

This question has both a short, and a long answer, and its important to find out exactly what the US citizen client stands to inherit. But, fortunately in most cases, the inheritance is tax free.

One of our main service areas at The US Tax Team, is US tax advice and consulting. In almost every appointment, the question usually arises of what tax implications exist during the difficult time of losing a loved one, and receiving inheritance in New Zealand.

02/10/2025

A new US tax regulation, seventeen years in the making, has recently come into effect which may create a tax liability on the gifts made by former US citizens, even after renouncing US citizenship.

A new US tax regulation, seventeen years in the making, has recently come into effect which may create a tax liability on the gifts made by former US citizens, even after renouncing US citizenship. Whilst Section 2801 of the tax code came into being back in 2008, it has only this year become a final...