Expat Wealth - Cross-Border Financial Advice for Expats in America and Americans Abroad

73. UK Pension and Inheritance Tax: What Legislative Changes in 2027 Mean for British-Connected Expats Abroad

Changes are coming to UK inheritance tax legislation. From April 2027, many expats with UK Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) could face a 40% UK inheritance tax hit on pension values above the £325,000 nil-rate band, but the way the new rules are drafted may allow non-long-term UK residents to structure their SIPPs so that non-UK underlying assets sit outside the UK inheritance tax net.    Richard Taylor, dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner, is joined by Tobias Gleed-Owen, Senior Associate at Birketts, to discuss the upcoming changes to SIPPs and inheritance tax. This episode of Expat Wealth explores how UK expats, or future recipients of a UK inheritance or pension, can prepare for the April 2027 changes. Richard and Tobias unpack how the draft UK rules will treat pensions for inheritance tax, why the position most people have assumed is likely wrong, and how looking through to the underlying investments in an SIPP may keep large portions of a UK pension outside the UK inheritance tax net.    In this episode, Richard and Tobias take a detailed look at:    The big picture: An overview of the 2027 UK inheritance tax change on pensions.    Practical planning opportunities: How to structure or restructure your SIPP investments.    What to do if you have an old defined benefit pension.    Pension Commencement Lump Sums: Whether or not the UK 25% “tax-free lump sum” is tax-free in the US.     --    Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.    https://planfirstwealth.com/    --    Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.      Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

72. Removing Tax Season Stress: The Hidden Risks of DIY Cross-Border Taxes

For expats, financial mistakes are not usually the result of bad decisions; they stem from incomplete information in an incredibly complex system. Different professionals can interpret the same treaty differently, and multiple defensible positions can coexist. In cross-border taxation, especially when tax treaties are involved, ambiguity is the norm.   In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by James Boyle – Lead Financial Planner at Plan First Wealth. They explore real-world examples of how even well-informed expats can misinterpret reporting requirements, sometimes resulting in costly mistakes, especially as retirement approaches. Richard and James also address listener questions on Pension Commencement Lump Sums (PCLS) and provide insights into Federal Reserve rates and the US financial markets.   Richard and James discuss: Pension Commencement Lump Sum confusion: Why tax professionals may give different answers on whether the UK 25% pension commencement lump sum is taxable in the US.   DIY cross-border taxes: Why handling the US system alone can be risky, given its complexity and the severe penalties for mistakes.   The danger of "scaremongering": How US offshore reporting penalties can compound through penalty stacking, and how working with cross-border tax professionals can help avoid costly mistakes. -- Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management. https://planfirstwealth.com/ -- Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.  Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

71. The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025: Inaction Could Mean Losing Your US Citizenship

Proposed policy changes in the US could result in increased taxation for American dual citizens, green card holders, and Americans living abroad. From forced loss of US citizenship by inaction, to deemed expatriations, exit taxes on worldwide assets and foreign pensions, and potential impacts on Social Security and even US military pensions, the ripple effects of the proposed Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 are far-reaching and, in many cases, devastating.    Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Virginia La Torre Jeker – US international tax attorney - to unpack what the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 could mean, even if it never passes through Congress. They explore how the proposal could transform the expat experience for Americans and other immigrants in the US, compare it to existing immigration and tax rules, and examine how exit taxes may apply to anyone who loses or renounces US citizenship or green card status.    In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard and Virginia discuss:    How the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 would require dual citizens in the US to renounce all non-US citizenship within 12 months or be deemed to have voluntarily lost US citizenship.    How Supreme Court precedent bars Congress from stripping citizenship without voluntary intent, and how this bill attempts to bypass that protection.     What forced expatriation could mean for dual citizens, Americans abroad, and green card holders, including exit taxes on worldwide assets, punitive treatment of foreign pensions, and potential loss of Social Security or military pensions.     --    Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.    https://planfirstwealth.com/    --    Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.      Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

70. Understanding Macroeconomics in 2026: What a Weaker Dollar and Global Turmoil Mean for Investors Abroad

In cross-border investing, where you invest matters just as much as how you invest. This is especially true for fixed income. Although 2026 has only just begun, it’s already shaping up to be a busy year on the macro front. A weaker US dollar could impact portfolios more than ever, and bonds may not be the ideal place to take on currency risk. How are global macroeconomics, geopolitics, and currency dynamics shaping investment decisions for cross-border expats?    In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Brian Dunhill – founder of Dunhill Financial – to take a big-picture look at currency markets and explore practical ways to mitigate risk as the US dollar fluctuates. Despite geopolitical noise, markets have largely shrugged off concerns about the dollar’s currency cycle. Richard and Brian explain why they remain constructive on global equities, and what steps they’re taking in portfolios for expats who live, earn, spend, and retire across multiple currencies.    Richard and Brian unpack:  Why your investment strategy needs to match your global lifestyle. Where you earn income, where you spend it, and where you plan to retire should all influence your investment decisions: the currency denomination of your bonds, your asset allocation, and your liquidity requirements.  The good news: markets are holding steady. Despite political uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, inflation is moderating, and tariffs have had limited impact. Potential interest rate cuts could support equity markets, particularly if the US dollar weakens.  Be cautious with high-risk strategies. Leveraged approaches like yen carry trades, cryptocurrency, and exotic private investments carry significant risks. As an expat, stay informed about these strategies but don't be drawn into them. Focus on liquid, transparent public markets where you have clear visibility and access to your investments.     --    Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.    https://planfirstwealth.com/    --    Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.      Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

69. Retiring Abroad: Will Your UK Tax-Free Lump Sum Be Taxed in the US?

Upcoming changes to financial legislation mean many British expats should seriously rethink how and when they access their UK pensions. From April 2027, unused UK pensions are expected to be included in the UK inheritance tax (IHT) net as UK‑situs assets. For long-term expats with sizeable pensions, this could mean a potential 40% tax hit on what’s passed to heirs.   In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Chris Hall – International Income Tax & Social Security Specialist at PKF O’Connor Davies – to discuss the upcoming UK IHT changes. They explore the importance of UK pension reporting upon arriving in the US, whether opening a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) makes sense, and how to design a coordinated retirement income and inheritance strategy.   Richard and Chris take a detailed look at: IRS pension reporting requirements and how they apply for expats in the US. Pension Commencement Lump Sums (PCLS) and whether they are truly tax-free for UK expats in America. UK inheritance tax changes and what they mean for unused UK pensions held by persons living abroad. Strategic financial planning before, during, and after moving abroad, including retirement and estate considerations.   --   Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.   https://planfirstwealth.com/   --   Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.  Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.