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Subpart F Income Tax Planning for U.S. Shareholders of Foreign Corporations

In today’s increasingly globalized business environment, U.S. investors and companies often hold ownership stakes in foreign corporations. The implications of Subpart F income are closely tied to corporate income tax regulations, especially following recent legislative changes. However, such ownership comes with complex tax obligations, especially under Subpart F of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

Understanding Subpart F income is essential for U.S. shareholders of Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) to ensure compliance with U.S. tax laws and avoid penalties. This article provides an in-depth guide to Subpart F income, focusing on tax planning and compliance strategies for U.S. shareholders.

CONTENT ON THIS BLOG:

  1. Who is Subject to Subpart F Income?
  2. Tax Implications for U.S. Shareholders
  3. Compliance Requirements for Subpart F Income
  4. 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) Impact
  5. Key Exceptions and Exclusions to Subpart F Income
  6. International Information Reporting Requirements
  7. FAQ

 

Subpart F Income

Subpart F income is a category of foreign income earned by Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) that U.S. shareholders must include in their taxable income, regardless of whether the income has been distributed. Established to prevent U.S. taxpayers from deferring taxes on certain types of foreign earnings in low-tax jurisdictions,

The types of income included under Subpart F are referred to as “Subpart F income” and are codified in IRC section 952. The key categories of Subpart F income are:

  • Foreign Personal Holding Company Income (FPHCI): Subpart F inclusion typically encompasses a Controlled Foreign Corporation’s income from sources such as dividends, interest, annuities, rents, and royalties, among others.

  • Foreign Base Company Income (FBCI): This includes Foreign Base Company Sales Income (FBCSI) and Foreign Base Company Services Income (FBC Services), which are derived from sales and services involving related parties.

  • Insurance Income: Income earned by foreign insurance companies that meet specific criteria.

  • International Boycott Factor Income: Income derived from operations in countries that participate in international boycotts.

  • Illegal Bribes and Kickbacks: Income obtained through illegal means, such as bribes and kickbacks.

US shareholder reviewing his Subpart F income

Who is Subject to Subpart F Income?

To be subject to Subpart F income rules, a U.S. taxpayer must be a U.S. shareholder of a Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC). CFC income, which includes undistributed earnings, is treated as deemed dividends for U.S. shareholders and is subject to specific taxation rules.

Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC)

A CFC is defined as any foreign corporation in which U.S. shareholders own more than 50% of the voting power or total value of the stock. Ownership is determined through direct, indirect, or constructive ownership (using family or related party attribution rules).

U.S. Shareholder

A U.S. shareholder is defined as any U.S. person (individual, corporation, partnership, estate, or trust) who owns 10% or more of the total voting power or value of the foreign corporation. Attribution rules under IRC sections 958(a) and 958(b) apply when determining ownership, meaning ownership by family members or related entities may be attributed to the taxpayer.

Key Ownership Thresholds

  • 50% Ownership Rule: A foreign corporation is considered a CFC if more than 50% of its stock (by vote or value) is owned by U.S. shareholders. Income generated from the buying and selling of tangible personal property by Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) can be categorized as Foreign Base Company Sales Income (FBCSI) under certain conditions.

  • 10% Ownership Rule: Any U.S. person who owns at least 10% of a CFC’s stock is subject to Subpart F income inclusion.

Calculating and Reporting Subpart F Income

Calculating and reporting Subpart F income can be a complex process, requiring careful consideration of various factors. To determine Subpart F income, taxpayers must first identify the types of income that are subject to Subpart F taxation. These include insurance income, foreign-based company income, and certain other types of income.

Once the types of income have been identified, taxpayers must calculate the amount of Subpart F income that is attributable to each controlled foreign corporation (CFC). This involves applying the rules of Internal Revenue Code section 952, which defines Subpart F income and provides guidance on how to calculate it.

In addition to calculating Subpart F income, taxpayers must also report it on their U.S. tax returns. This typically involves filing Form 5471, Information Return of U.S. Persons concerning Certain Foreign Corporations, and attaching Schedule J, Accumulated Earnings and Profits (E&P) of Controlled Foreign Corporation.

 

Tax Implications for U.S. Shareholders

U.S. shareholders of Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) face significant tax implications when dealing with Subpart F income. This type of income, which includes items such as insurance income and Foreign Base Company Sales Income (FBCSI), is subject to U.S. taxation at ordinary income tax rates, even if it has not been distributed as a dividend. This contrasts with the typically lower qualified dividend tax rate. Once Subpart F income is taxed, it becomes Previously Taxed Income (PTI), meaning it will not be subject to U.S. tax again when distributed as a dividend, though local taxes in the foreign jurisdiction may still apply at the time of distribution.

For U.S. shareholders who rely on CFCs to defer taxes on passive income, the tax deferral benefits are often unavailable due to Subpart F provisions. As a result, shareholders must pay taxes on this income in the year it is earned, regardless of whether they receive any distributions. Given these complexities, U.S. shareholders need to implement effective tax planning strategies to manage and potentially mitigate the impact of Subpart F income taxation.

10 Subpart F Income Tax Planning Strategies

Given the complexity and potential tax impact of Subpart F income, U.S. shareholders of Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) should employ a variety of tax planning strategies to minimize their exposure. Here are ten tax planning strategies to effectively manage Subpart F income:

1. Deferral of Non-Subpart F Income: While Subpart F rules prevent the deferral of certain types of income, U.S. shareholders can still defer taxation on non-Subpart F income. Structuring foreign operations to minimize Subpart F inclusions helps defer U.S. taxes on other foreign earnings. For instance, income from active business operations or manufacturing in the same country as the CFC may not trigger Subpart F inclusion. Moreover, using the high-tax exception can exclude foreign income already subject to a higher tax rate from U.S. taxation under Subpart F.

2. Maximizing Foreign Tax Credits (FTC): Using foreign tax credits (FTCs) is one of the most effective ways to reduce the U.S. tax burden on Subpart F income. By claiming a credit for foreign taxes paid, U.S. shareholders can offset their U.S. tax liability and avoid double taxation. FTCs are especially useful in situations where Subpart F income is subject to immediate U.S. taxation, helping to reduce the overall tax impact.

3. Check-the-Box Regulations: Under the check-the-box regulations, U.S. taxpayers can choose how certain foreign entities are classified for U.S. tax purposes. This election allows shareholders to structure their foreign operations in a way that avoids unnecessary Subpart F income. For example, foreign entities classified as disregarded entities may avoid Subpart F inclusions, particularly if income qualifies for exceptions such as the same country manufacturing exception.

4. Same Country Manufacturing and Sales Exceptions: Two important exceptions to Subpart F income are the same country manufacturing exception and the same country sales/use exception. The manufacturing exception allows income from the sale of goods to be excluded from Foreign Base Company Sales Income (FBCSI) if the goods are manufactured in the same country as the CFC. Similarly, income from the sale of goods for use or consumption within the CFC’s country of incorporation can also be excluded from FBCSI. These exceptions are valuable for businesses with operations in the same country as their CFC, helping them avoid Subpart F inclusions.

5. Leverage the De Minimis Rule: The de minimis rule provides a simple way to avoid Subpart F income classification. If the total foreign base company income and insurance income of a CFC is less than the lesser of $1,000,000 or 5% of the CFC’s gross income, none of the income will be treated as Subpart F income. This rule can be useful for U.S. shareholders with small amounts of income that would otherwise trigger Subpart F tax consequences.

6. Utilize the High-Tax Exception: The high-tax exception is a powerful tool for avoiding Subpart F income inclusion. If foreign income is subject to an effective foreign tax rate higher than 90% of the U.S. corporate tax rate (currently above 18.9%), it can be excluded from Subpart F. This exception helps U.S. shareholders in high-tax foreign jurisdictions avoid additional U.S. tax on income that has already been significantly taxed abroad.

7. Monitor Passive Income to Avoid Subpart F Classification: Subpart F primarily targets Foreign Personal Holding Company Income (FPHCI), which includes passive income such as interest, dividends, rents, and royalties. To reduce Subpart F exposure, U.S. shareholders should carefully manage the amount of passive income generated by their CFCs. Shifting to more active income sources can help minimize the Subpart F impact.

8. Understand GILTI Interactions: While GILTI (Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income) and Subpart F are separate provisions, they often interact in complex ways. Taxpayers should develop strategies to minimize exposure to both GILTI and Subpart F. GILTI applies to active income from CFCs, while Subpart F targets passive and related-party income.

9. File Form 5471 Accurately and On Time: U.S. shareholders of CFCs are required to file Form 5471 to report ownership and income from their foreign corporations. Missing the filing deadline or submitting incomplete information can result in substantial penalties, including a $10,000 penalty per form. Ensure that all required information is included and that the form is filed by the tax deadline to avoid compliance issues.

10. Seek Professional Tax Advice: Given the complexity of Subpart F rules and their interaction with other international tax provisions like GILTI, it’s crucial to work with an experienced tax advisor. Professional advice ensures that you are fully compliant with U.S. tax law and that you are taking full advantage of available exceptions, credits, and deferral strategies to minimize your overall tax liability.

 

Compliance Requirements for Subpart F Income

Compliance with Subpart F rules involves detailed reporting to the IRS, including filing specific forms and maintaining accurate records. To avoid penalties, U.S. shareholders must ensure they comply with all reporting obligations for such income, including different types of foreign income.

Filing Form 5471

One of the primary compliance requirements for U.S. shareholders of CFCs is the filing of Form 5471. This form is used to report the ownership of a foreign corporation, as well as the shareholder’s share of the CFC’s Subpart F income.

Form 5471 is complex and requires detailed information about the CFC’s income, assets, and transactions with related parties. Accurate completion is crucial to avoid significant penalties.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

Maintaining accurate records of foreign transactions, income, and tax payments is critical for Subpart F compliance. Proper documentation ensures that U.S. shareholders can substantiate their foreign tax credits and other deductions, as well as accurately report their share of Subpart F income.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Penalties for non-compliance with Subpart F income regulations can be severe and include both monetary fines and other consequences. U.S. shareholders of Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) are required to accurately report their share of Subpart F income on their tax returns. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations can result in the following penalties:

  1. Failure to File Form 5471: U.S. shareholders of CFCs are required to file Form 5471 with their tax returns to report their ownership and income from the CFC. Failure to file this form can result in a penalty of $10,000 per year, perform, for each CFC. If the failure continues for more than 90 days after receiving a notice from the IRS, additional penalties of $10,000 per month (up to a maximum of $50,000 per form) can be imposed.

  2. Failure to Report Subpart F Income: If a U.S. shareholder does not report Subpart F income on their tax return, the IRS can assess taxes on the unreported income, as well as interest on the unpaid taxes. Additional penalties may apply, including accuracy-related penalties of up to 20% of the underreported tax amount, depending on the circumstances.

  3. Underpayment Penalties: Failure to pay the correct amount of tax due to unreported Subpart F income can result in underpayment penalties. These penalties generally apply when a taxpayer fails to pay at least 90% of the taxes owed by the tax filing deadline.

  4. Civil Fraud Penalties: In cases where non-compliance is deemed fraudulent, the IRS can impose civil fraud penalties, which can be as high as 75% of the underpaid tax.

  5. Criminal Penalties: In extreme cases of willful non-compliance or tax evasion, criminal penalties may apply, including fines and potential imprisonment.

Current Year vs Prior Year Non-Compliance

Taxpayers who missed the tax and reporting requirements for prior years should be cautious before submitting their information to the IRS in the current year. Making a quiet disclosure, which involves submitting amended returns without notifying the IRS, can result in significant fines and penalties. Instead, taxpayers should consider participating in one of the IRS’s offshore disclosure programs to avoid these penalties.

The IRS has developed various offshore amnesty programs to assist taxpayers in safely getting into compliance. Prior-year non-compliance can have serious consequences, including penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. Therefore, taxpayers should prioritize compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations to avoid future issues.

2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) Impact

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) introduced significant changes to the taxation of foreign income, particularly with the introduction of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI). GILTI is similar to Subpart F income but applies to a broader category of foreign income, especially intangible income.

Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI)

Under the TCJA, U.S. shareholders of CFCs must include their share of GILTI in their taxable income each year, regardless of whether the income is distributed. GILTI is intended to prevent U.S. companies from shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions by taxing foreign intangible income at a lower effective rate.

The interaction between GILTI and Subpart F can significantly impact the tax planning strategies of U.S. shareholders. It is essential to consider both provisions when structuring foreign operations and making tax planning decisions.

GILTI and Subpart F Treatment of Distributions

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) introduced a new tax regime known as Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI). GILTI is designed to prevent U.S. taxpayers from shifting intangible income to low-tax foreign jurisdictions.

GILTI and Subpart F income are related but distinct concepts. While Subpart F income is focused on certain types of foreign income, GILTI is focused on intangible income that is earned by CFCs.

When a CFC makes a distribution of appreciated property to its U.S. shareholder, the tax treatment of the distribution can be complex. Under Internal Revenue Code section 311(b), the distributing corporation is treated as having sold the property to the distributee at its fair market value, resulting in gain recognition.

The IRS has issued private letter rulings indicating that this gain should be treated as foreign personal holding company income (FPHCI) subject to Subpart F taxation. However, the GILTI regime provides a clearer answer, as GILTI includes all gross income, including gain from the deemed sale of appreciated property.

Orange doll among whites symbolizing the "exception"

Key Exceptions and Exclusions to Subpart F Income

While Subpart F rules are designed to prevent deferral of foreign income, several exceptions and exclusions can help U.S. shareholders reduce their Subpart F exposure. Earnings and Profits (E&P) are used to determine the taxable income of U.S. shareholders from a CFC.

De Minimis Rule

Under the de minimis rule, if a CFC’s total Subpart F income and insurance income is less than the lesser of $1,000,000 or 5% of the CFC’s gross income, none of the CFC’s income will be considered Subpart F income.

High-Taxed Income Exclusion

The high-tax exception allows U.S. shareholders to exclude income from Subpart F treatment if it is subject to an effective foreign tax rate that is greater than 90% of the U.S. corporate tax rate. Under current law, this means foreign income taxed at more than 18.9% is excluded from Subpart F.

Same Country Manufacturing and Sales Exceptions

As mentioned earlier, income from goods manufactured in the CFC’s country of incorporation or sold for use in that country can be excluded from the Subpart F treatment.

The same country manufacturing and sales exceptions also apply to tangible personal property, meaning that income generated from the buying and selling of such property by Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) can be excluded from Subpart F treatment under certain conditions.

Anti-Deferral Measures and Tax Avoidance

Anti-deferral measures are rules imposed by jurisdictions to limit the deferral of income recognition. Deferral is the practice of delaying the recognition of income for tax purposes, often by shifting income to other jurisdictions. These measures are designed to prevent taxpayers from exploiting low-tax jurisdictions to defer taxes on certain types of income, such as foreign base company income (FBCI) or effectively connected income.

While tax avoidance is a legitimate practice, taxpayers need to comply with all relevant tax laws and regulations. Techniques such as transfer pricing and offshore accounts can be used to minimize taxes, but taxpayers must be cautious not to cross the line into tax evasion.

Offshore Disclosure and Voluntary Compliance Programs

In addition to complying with Subpart F income rules, U.S. taxpayers with foreign investments must adhere to offshore reporting requirements, including FBAR and FATCA. Failure to report these foreign accounts and assets can result in substantial penalties.

U.S. shareholders who have failed to report foreign accounts or comply with Subpart F rules may be eligible for one of the IRS’s offshore voluntary disclosure programs. These programs provide a path for taxpayers to come forward, report their foreign income, and avoid the harsh penalties associated with non-compliance.

FBAR Reporting

The FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is used to report foreign bank and financial accounts to the U.S. government. U.S. taxpayers with foreign accounts exceeding $10,000 must file this form annually. The due date for FBAR is April 15, but an automatic extension is granted until October.

Form 8938 and FATCA Reporting

Form 8938 is used to report foreign assets under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). It is filed with the taxpayer’s income tax return and is due on the same date as the return. Taxpayers who extend their tax return filing deadline automatically extend the deadline for Form 8938.

 

International Information Reporting Requirements

U.S. taxpayers with foreign investments, accounts, pension plans, and life insurance policies may be required to report the values of their overseas assets, along with any income generated from them, to the Internal Revenue Service.

The reporting requirements for international information vary depending on the type of asset or account. For example, taxpayers with foreign bank and financial accounts must file the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114), while taxpayers with foreign corporations must file Form 5471.

Taxpayers who miss the deadline for filing international information returns may be subject to fines and penalties. However, these penalties can often be avoided or abated through one of the offshore voluntary disclosure programs or other IRS amnesty procedures.

Seeking Professional Tax Advice - International Tax Advisors

Given the complexity of Subpart F income rules, the high stakes involved in international tax compliance, and the potential for significant penalties, seeking professional tax advice from an experienced international tax advisor is essential. A qualified advisor can help you navigate the intricacies of U.S. and foreign tax laws, ensuring you meet all compliance requirements while maximizing the use of available tax-saving strategies, such as foreign tax credits and Subpart F exceptions.

With the constant changes in international tax regulations, such as GILTI and other provisions introduced under recent tax reforms, professional guidance ensures that your global operations are structured efficiently, minimizing tax liabilities and protecting your business from costly errors.

Conclusion

Compliance with Subpart F income regulations is a critical responsibility for U.S. shareholders of Controlled Foreign Corporations. The rules are complex, and non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including steep fines, interest on unpaid taxes, and even criminal liability in extreme cases. Ensuring accurate and timely reporting of Subpart F income is essential to avoid these consequences.

How H&CO Can Help with Subpart F Income Tax Planning & Compliance

At H&CO, we understand the intricacies of Subpart F and other international tax regulations, and we are committed to helping our clients navigate these challenges. With tailored tax planning strategies and expert guidance, we can assist you in minimizing your tax liability while ensuring full compliance with U.S. tax laws. If you are a shareholder in a foreign corporation, contact H&CO today for comprehensive support and solutions to your international tax needs.

With offices in the US in Miami, Coral Gables, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Melbourne, and Tampa as well as offices in over 29 countries, our CPAs and International Tax Advisors are readily available to assist you with all your income tax planning, tax preparation and IRS representation needs. To learn more about our accounting firm services take a look at our individual tax services, business tax services, international tax services, expatriate tax services, SAP Business One, entity management, human capital and audit and assurance services.

Our services include:

  • Subpart F Income Tax Planning and Compliance: We provide comprehensive tax planning strategies to minimize Subpart F income and ensure compliance with U.S. tax laws.

  • Foreign Tax Credit Planning and Optimization: We help clients maximize their foreign tax credits to reduce U.S. tax liability and avoid double taxation.

  • Transfer Pricing Strategy and Implementation: Our experts develop and implement transfer pricing strategies to ensure that transactions between related parties are conducted at arm’s length prices.

  • Structuring Investments to Avoid Subpart F Income: We assist clients in structuring their foreign operations and investments to minimize Subpart F inclusions and optimize their tax position.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exceptions to Subpart F income?
Subpart F income has several exceptions that U.S. shareholders can utilize to reduce their tax burden. One common exception is the high-tax exception, which allows shareholders to exclude Subpart F income if it is subject to a foreign tax rate exceeding 90% of the U.S. corporate tax rate (currently above 18.9%). Other exceptions include the de minimis rule, which excludes Subpart F income if the total foreign base company income and insurance income is less than $1,000,000 or 5% of the CFC’s gross income, as well as exclusions for goods manufactured or sold within the same country where the CFC is incorporated.

Is Subpart F income subject to the NIIT?
Yes, Subpart F income is typically subject to the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), which imposes an additional 3.8% tax on certain types of passive investment income. Since Subpart F often includes passive income, such as interest, dividends, and capital gains, it generally falls within the scope of the NIIT if the taxpayer's income exceeds specific thresholds. This means that U.S. shareholders who earn Subpart F income may face an additional tax liability on top of their regular income tax obligations.

What is the difference between Subpart F and GILTI income?
While both Subpart F and GILTI aim to prevent deferral of foreign income, they differ in scope and the types of income they target. Subpart F applies specifically to passive income, such as dividends, interest, rents, and royalties, and income from related-party transactions, requiring immediate taxation. GILTI, in contrast, applies to a broader category of active income from intangible assets, focusing on preventing U.S. companies from shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions. Subpart F is more narrowly targeted, whereas GILTI covers a wider range of foreign income, particularly active income that exceeds a routine return on tangible assets.

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