Across the Pond

Plan First Wealth

A podcast for Brits living in the US to learn about how to best navigate the American financial system so they can protect and grow their life's work, and securely and happily live their American dream.Across the Pond is hosted by Richard Taylor and Thomas Quinn, and produced by Plan First Wealth LLC.

  1. Social Security & Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) - (Across The Pond - Ep. 10)

    17/02/2023

    Social Security & Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) - (Across The Pond - Ep. 10)

    In this episode of Across the Pond, we're discussing the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision, with the aim of providing useful information to British expatriates living in the US. While Social Security is a real political hot potato, it's one that is unlikely to be dropped - so it's worthwhile to understand these concepts fully before making decisions about your retirement.  Social Security is more generous than most people think, with the retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivors' benefits involved. Benefits are based on taxes paid on an individual's wages, with an entitlement built up over time. However... The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) can affect British expatriates who have earned state pension benefits in the UK and are also eligible for US Social Security, and could impact expats in unexpected ways. WEP reduces the Social Security benefits for those who have not paid into the US Social Security system for a certain number of years.  The good news is that the WEP reduction will not apply if you have been paying into Social Security for 30 years (i.e. your contribution record is 30 years or more). If you are interested in reducing your WEP penalty, then consider continuing to work and make SS contributions for the full 30 years (or as close as you can get). Both of these are relevant and important topics for our clients and are very poorly understood, but Plan First Wealth is here to help! We hope you will listen and subscribe to learn more.

    41 min
  2. NT Tax Code & US Reporting Compliance (Across the Pond Podcast - Ep. 7)

    21/12/2022

    NT Tax Code & US Reporting Compliance (Across the Pond Podcast - Ep. 7)

    Many US taxpayers who grew up in foreign tax systems, like in the UK, are unaware of some unique features to the US tax code. For that reason, in Episode 07 of Across the Pond, we're covering two important topics: NT Tax Code (a UK thing) and US Reporting Compliance (a very American thing) which are markedly separate considerations, but both have implications for British expats. An NT tax code relates to UK tax withholding. US reporting compliance deals with correctly filing your tax returns in the US. If you assume that just because your pension/income/asset is in the UK then you don’t have to report it or pay tax on it in the US, then you are making a huge mistake and setting yourself up for much bigger problems down the line. Please note: we are not tax advisers and we do not give tax advice. That being said, due to our relationship with our clients and the vantage point we have over their affairs, we are often the first ones to spot possible issues, including the ones we are discussing here. Plan First Wealth LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser. 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 Clients seek their own advice in these areas.

    45 min

About

A podcast for Brits living in the US to learn about how to best navigate the American financial system so they can protect and grow their life's work, and securely and happily live their American dream.Across the Pond is hosted by Richard Taylor and Thomas Quinn, and produced by Plan First Wealth LLC.