US Tax Explained: A Practical Guide for New Arrivals

James Ridley

James is the Managing Director for the Asia Pacific region and is an experienced financial planner who brings a multitude of skills and experience to the table when it comes to providing Australian expat financial advice. After completing university, James was an accountant for four years at which point he then moved into the financial services sector and became a financial planner. Combining his accounting skills with financial advice, James has advised individuals, families, and Self Managed Super Fund clients in the areas of retirement planning, debt reduction, cash flow management and portfolio management. James holds a Bachelor of Commerce with an accounting major, Bachelor of Business with a marketing major, Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning and is currently completing his Masters of Financial Planning.

Taxable Brokerage Accounts

Taxable Brokerage Accounts: How They Fit into an Expat’s Investment Strategy

Taxable Brokerage Accounts: How They Fit into an Expat’s Investment Strategy   Why these accounts matter when you live and invest across borders If you live, work, or invest across countries, you have likely encountered different labels for what is essentially the same type of account. In the US, people commonly call it a taxable

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Foreign trust US

Australian Family Trusts and the US Grantor Trust Trap

Australian Family Trusts and the US Grantor Trust Trap Australian discretionary trusts are a cornerstone of domestic tax planning, asset protection, and intergenerational wealth strategies. However, when a family has US connections, whether through US citizenship, green card status, or US tax residency under the substantial presence test, these same structures can become highly inefficient,

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US taxes for Australians

A Practical Guide to US Taxes for Australians Living in the United States

A Practical Guide to US Taxes for Australians Living in the United States For Australians living and working in the United States, the US tax system can feel needlessly complex. The challenge lies not only in meeting stricter compliance obligations but also in understanding when US tax rules apply, what you must report, and how

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Australian expat reviewing U.S. green card rules

Can Australian Expats Maintain Their U.S. Green Card When Returning Home?

Can Australian Expats Maintain Their U.S. Green Card When Returning Home? For many Australian expats living in the United States, holding a U.S. green card (lawful permanent resident status) opens doors to long-term residency, employment, and eventual citizenship. But what happens when life calls you back to Australia? Can you maintain your green card while

Can Australian Expats Maintain Their U.S. Green Card When Returning Home? Read More »

Group of seniors at airport looking at phone

Retirement Risks and Strategies for Australian Expats Living Overseas

Retirement Risks and Strategies for Australian Expats Living Overseas Planning for retirement is a significant undertaking, especially for Australian expats, who often navigate multiple financial systems and currencies. A common concern among retirees is ensuring that their investments will sustain their desired lifestyle throughout retirement. Understanding how much income you’ll need and how to structure

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