Our Financial Services

As a South African expat in the US, you're now subject to the IRS's worldwide taxation rules, meaning all your income, whether earned in America, back home in South Africa, or elsewhere, must be reported on your US tax return. This can be particularly daunting for your first filing, with complexities like reporting South African-sourced income (such as pensions, rentals, or investments), navigating foreign bank account disclosures, and avoiding double taxation through the US-South Africa tax treaty. 

​

At FinSelect USA, we focus on making US tax compliance straightforward and beneficial for South African residents in the States. 

​

Our expertise lies in preparing and filing accurate US tax returns for South Africans in the US, with a strong emphasis on leveraging the US-South Africa Income Tax Treaty (effective since 1997) to prevent double taxation. This treaty allows for foreign tax credits, where taxes paid to SARS on South African-sourced income can often offset your US tax liability dollar-for-dollar, and provides tie-breaker rules for residency to clarify your obligations. 

​

We guide you through essential forms like Form 1040 for your worldwide income reporting, Form 1116 for claiming foreign tax credits, and disclosures for any ongoing South African assets. Common challenges we address include reporting rental income from properties in SA, pension distributions, or investment dividends, ensuring you claim all eligible treaty benefits to reduce or eliminate overlap taxation. Additionally, if you maintain financial ties to South Africa, we handle critical reporting requirements such as FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) for foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000 in aggregate value, and Form 8938 (FATCA) for specified foreign financial assets, avoiding hefty penalties that many expats unknowingly face. Our goal is precise, optimized filings that reflect your unique expat status, often resulting in significant savings.

​

What truly distinguishes FinSelect USA is our deep understanding of the specific US tax hurdles faced by South Africans relocating to or living in the United States.

​

We specialize in first-time US filers, explaining everything from W-4 withholding adjustments for your US job to streamlining prior-year compliance if you've only recently discovered your filing obligations. With flat-fee, transparent pricing, we provide culturally sensitive support, recognizing the South African perspective on finances while aligning with American requirements.  

​

Take the first step toward stress-free US tax compliance today. Contact FinSelect USA for a complimentary initial review of your situation as a South African in the States. We'll evaluate your income sources, residency status under the tax treaty, and any past filing needs, then outline a clear plan for your current and future US returns. 

​

Don't risk penalties or overpayments; partner with FinSelect USA to handle your US taxes confidently and efficiently, giving you peace of mind in your American chapter.