Foreign Investments & PFIC Tax Services


U.S. tax and reporting support for individuals holding foreign mutual funds, ETFs, and other foreign investments.


Foreign investments can create U.S. tax consequences that are significantly different from similar investments held in the United States.


Schmid CPA helps individuals identify foreign investments that may be subject to special U.S. tax rules, understand potential reporting requirements, and coordinate those investments with their overall U.S. tax return.

PFIC Identification & Review

  • Review of foreign mutual funds, ETFs, and other foreign investment holdings to identify potential Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) reporting requirements.

Form 8621 Reporting

  • Preparation of Form 8621 for applicable PFIC investments and coordination with the individual’s U.S. income tax return.

Foreign Mutual Funds & ETFs

  • U.S. tax reporting support for mutual funds, ETFs, and similar investment products organized outside the United States.

Foreign Brokerage Accounts

  • Review of investment activity held through foreign brokerage accounts and coordination with applicable income and foreign account reporting.

Foreign Investment Income

  • Reporting of foreign dividends, interest, capital gains, distributions, and other investment-related income.

Ongoing International Tax Support

  • Assistance as foreign investments are acquired, sold, distributed, or otherwise change over time.

Many individuals moving to the United States already own investments that were completely ordinary in their home country.


For U.S. tax purposes, however, certain foreign corporations can be classified as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Foreign mutual funds and ETFs are common investments that may require PFIC analysis.



PFIC rules can result in additional tax calculations and reporting requirements, including Form 8621. The appropriate treatment depends on the particular investment and the individual’s circumstances.

A foreign investment may affect more than one part of the U.S. tax return.


Schmid CPA can assist with:


★ Foreign mutual funds and ETFs
★ PFIC identification and analysis
★ Form 8621 reporting
★ Foreign brokerage accounts
★ Foreign dividends and distributions
★ Foreign capital gains and losses
★ Foreign tax credit considerations
★ FBAR reporting when applicable
★ Form 8938 reporting when applicable
★ Coordination with the individual’s U.S. tax return



Understanding the investment itself is an important first step in determining the appropriate U.S. reporting.

Foreign investments should be reviewed before assuming they receive the same U.S. tax treatment as comparable U.S. investments.


Schmid CPA helps individuals understand the U.S. reporting implications of their foreign investment holdings and how those investments fit into their broader international tax situation.


Own mutual funds, ETFs, or other investments outside the United States?


Schedule a consultation to discuss your investments and potential U.S. tax reporting requirements.