Tax4Us Weekly

Ben Ginati
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Your weekly guide to tax planning and strategies for small business owners. Get practical, actionable advice on maximizing deductions, staying compliant, and making smart tax decisions. Hosted by Tax4Us LLC, the Texas-based tax experts who understand the challenges of running a small business. New episodes every Thursday.

Episodes

  1. FEB 25

    March 20, 2026

    Here is a 10-15 minute podcast script for Tax4US on the impact of tax law changes on gifts and inheritances between Israel and the US: Intro (1-2 mins): Emma: Welcome to the Tax4US podcast! I'm your host, Emma, and today we have a special episode on the impact of tax law changes on gifts and inheritances between Israel and the United States. Joining me is Ben Ginati, a leading tax expert who specializes in cross-border tax planning. Welcome, Ben. Ben: Thank you, Emma. I'm excited to discuss this important and complex topic with you and our listeners today. As you know, the rules around estate planning and wealth transfer can be tricky, especially when you're dealing with two different tax systems like the US and Israel. But there are also some really valuable opportunities if you understand how to navigate it all. Emma: Absolutely, this is an area that a lot of people struggle with. I know I certainly did when my family started talking about estate planning and passing assets between the two countries. So let's dive right in - what are some of the key changes we need to know about on the US side? Segment 1 - Changes to the US Estate and Gift Tax Exemption (2-3 mins): Ben: Well, the big news is that the estate and gift tax exemption in the US has nearly doubled in recent years. In 2017, the exemption was $5.49 million per person. But starting in 2018, it jumped to $11.18 million and has continued to rise with inflation, reaching $12.06 million per person in 2022. Emma: Wow, that's a massive increase. I remember when the exemption was just a few million dollars. So what does this mean for families? Ben: It opens up a lot of planning opportunities, but also requires more careful estate planning to maximize the benefits. Let me use an analogy that might help explain it. Imagine the estate and gift tax exemption is like climbing a mountain - the higher the peak, the more room you have to maneuver. Before 2018, the mountain was only about 5,500 feet tall. Now it's over 12,000 feet! That gives families a lot more space to strategically transfer wealth without triggering US estate or gift taxes. Emma: I see, so you have a much bigger "sandbox" to play in when it comes to gifting and passing on assets. But I imagine there are still some important rules and considerations, right? Ben: Absolutely. And that's where the US-Israel tax treaty comes into play. Understanding how that fits into the picture is crucial. Segment 2 - The US-Israel Tax Treaty (2-3 mins): Ben: The US-Israel tax treaty is a critical piece of the puzzle. It establishes the rules for how estates and gifts are taxed when assets are transferred between the two countries. The key principles are: - Assets located in the US are subject to US estate/gift tax rules - Assets located in Israel are subject to Israeli estate/gift tax rules - To prevent double taxation, a credit is available for taxes paid in one country against the liability in the other. Emma: Okay, that makes sense. So it's really about coordinating the tax treatment on both sides. But I'm guessing that can get pretty complex, especially with all the reporting requirements involved. Segment 3 - Reporting Requirements: FBAR and FATCA (2-3 mins) Ben: You're absolutely right. There are two main reporting obligations that come into play - FBAR and FATCA. FBAR requires US citizens and residents to report foreign bank and financial accounts if the total value exceeds $10,000. FATCA, on the other hand, requires foreign financial institutions to identify and report on accounts held by US persons. Emma: I remember when FATCA first came out - it caused a lot of confusion and headaches for people with cross-border financial holdings. What kind of penalties are we talking about for non-compliance? Ben: The penalties can be pretty severe, unfortunately. Failure to file an FBAR can result in fines of up to $12,000 per violation, plus potential criminal charges. And FATCA non-compliance can trigger penalties of

    8 min

  2. FEB 25

    March 20, 2026

    Intro (1-2 mins) Emma: Welcome to Tax4US, the podcast that makes complex tax issues simple. I'm your host, Emma, and today we have a very special guest - Ben Ginati, a tax expert specializing in U.S.-Israel tax affairs. Ben, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell our listeners a bit about why we're discussing U.S.-Israel estate taxes on this episode? Ben: Absolutely, Emma. The reason this topic is so important is that we're about to see some significant changes to U.S. estate tax laws in 2026 that will directly impact Israelis with assets in the United States. So it's crucial for anyone in that position to understand how their estate planning may need to evolve to account for these changes. Emma: That's great, Ben. I'm really looking forward to diving into the details with you. Let's start with the first major change - the increase in the U.S. personal gift and estate tax exemption. Segment 1: Increased U.S. Personal Gift and Estate Tax Exemption (2-3 mins) Ben: Sure, Emma. This is a big one. The U.S. personal gift and estate tax exemption amount has been gradually increasing over the past few years, and it's set to keep climbing even higher. Back in 2017, the exemption was $5.49 million per individual. But thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017, that exemption has steadily risen. In 2022, it reached $12.06 million per individual. Emma: Wow, that's a huge jump! So what does this mean for Israelis with U.S. assets? Ben: It means there's a tremendous planning opportunity. With the exemption now over $12 million, many more Israelis will be able to pass on their U.S. assets to their heirs without triggering any U.S. estate taxes. However, there's a catch - this increased exemption is set to expire at the end of 2025. So in 2026, the exemption is scheduled to revert back to the pre-2017 level, which could be as low as $5 million or even less, depending on future legislation. Emma: I see. So Israelis really need to take advantage of this higher exemption while they still can? Ben: Exactly. Anyone with U.S. assets, whether real estate, investments, or even business interests, should review their estate plan now to ensure they're maximizing the current $12 million exemption. This could involve things like gifting assets during their lifetime or restructuring their holdings to minimize the future tax burden. The key is being proactive, because once 2026 rolls around, the planning landscape will look very different. Segment 2: The U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty (2-3 mins) Emma: That makes sense. Now, you mentioned the U.S.-Israel tax treaty earlier. Can you explain how that factors into estate planning for Israelis? Ben: Absolutely. The U.S.-Israel tax treaty is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to estate planning for Israelis with U.S. assets. The basic principle of the treaty is that assets located in the U.S. are taxed in the U.S., while assets located in Israel are taxed in Israel. And to prevent double taxation, a credit system is in place. So for example, if an Israeli owns a vacation home in the U.S., that property would be subject to U.S. estate taxes. But any Israeli assets they own would be taxed in Israel, and they'd get a credit for the U.S. taxes paid. Emma: I see. So it's important for Israelis to really understand where their assets are located and how the treaty applies. Ben: Exactly. Failing to properly account for the treaty provisions in your estate plan could lead to unexpected tax consequences. That's why it's so crucial for Israelis to work with tax professionals who are well-versed in the nuances of the U.S.-Israel treaty. Emma: Got it. So what other key considerations should Israelis keep in mind when it comes to their U.S. assets and estate planning? Segment 3: Reporting Requirements on Foreign Assets (2-3 mins) Ben: Another critical factor is the reporting requirements for foreign assets, both in the U.S. and in Israel. In the U.S., there are forms like the FBAR and FAT

    9 min

  3. FEB 25

    March 20, 2026

    Here is a complete, high-engagement 10-15 minute podcast script for Tax4US: [Upbeat intro music] Emma: Hello and welcome to the Tax4US podcast! I'm your host, Emma Goldstein. Today, we're diving into a topic that's become increasingly relevant in recent years - the tax implications of remote work between the US and Israel. To help us navigate this complex issue, I'm joined by Ben Ginati, a leading tax expert specializing in cross-border taxation between the US and Israel. Welcome to the show, Ben! Ben: Thanks so much for having me, Emma. I'm excited to discuss this timely and important topic. The rise of remote work, especially since the pandemic, has created some unique tax challenges for both US and Israeli workers. But with the right guidance, they can ensure they're in full compliance and maximizing their tax benefits. Emma: Absolutely. I think a lot of people, myself included, don't fully grasp the tax implications of working remotely across borders. So let's start with the basics - what do US employees working in Israel need to be aware of when it comes to reporting their income? Ben: Great question. As a US citizen, the key thing to understand is that you have to report your income in both the US and Israel. The good news is that there's a foreign tax credit system, which allows you to claim a credit for any taxes paid in Israel against your US tax liability. The tricky part is making sure you properly document your foreign income and deductions to claim that credit. And you also have to be mindful of your Israeli tax residency status, because that can impact your eligibility for certain Israeli tax benefits. Emma: Hmm, that sounds a bit complicated. What kind of issues could someone run into if they're not considered an Israeli tax resident? Ben: Well, let's use a simple analogy. Think of the different tax brackets in each country as mountains you have to climb. If you're considered a full Israeli tax resident, you get to use the easier hiking trails up that mountain. But if you're just a non-resident, you might have to take the steeper, more challenging paths. For example, non-residents typically don't qualify for certain Israeli tax deductions and credits that residents can claim. So their overall Israeli tax bill could end up being higher. It's important to consult with a tax professional to understand your specific residency status and plan accordingly. Emma: I see, that makes sense. Okay, let's flip it around - what about Israeli employees working remotely for US employers? What do they need to be aware of on their end? Ben: For Israelis working remotely for US companies, the reporting requirements are actually a bit more straightforward. Since they're earning their income from a US source, they only need to report and pay taxes on that income in the US. They generally don't need to report it back in Israel, unless they have other business activities or investments there that would make them considered an Israeli tax resident. So in that sense, the compliance burden is a bit lighter compared to the US employee in Israel scenario. Emma: That's good to know. But I imagine there are still some tricky areas when it comes to proper tax withholding, right? Ben: Absolutely. The withholding piece is where things can get really complicated, especially for remote workers. The employer, employee, and tax authorities in both countries all need to be closely coordinated to ensure the right amounts are being withheld. For example, the US employer may need to register with the Israeli tax authorities to properly withhold Israeli income tax. And the employee has to make sure they're providing the correct information to both the US and Israeli governments. It's a delicate dance, which is why seeking professional tax advice is so critical in these situations. Emma: Wow, that does sound like a headache. Are there any other key tax implications remote workers should be aware of? Ben: Yes, one important area is the

    7 min

  4. FEB 25

    March 20, 2026

    Here is a 10-15 minute podcast script for Tax4US on "The Tax Implications of Remote Work Between the US and Israel": [Intro Music] Emma: Welcome to the Tax4US podcast, where we break down the complexities of taxation to help you make the most of your money. I'm your host, Emma, and today we're diving into a topic that's becoming increasingly relevant: the tax implications of remote work between the US and Israel. To help us navigate this, I'm joined by Ben Ginati, a tax expert who has been guiding individuals and businesses through the ins and outs of cross-border taxation for over a decade. Welcome, Ben! Ben: Thanks, Emma. I'm excited to be here and share my insights on this important topic. Remote work has become the new normal for many, and it's crucial for US and Israeli citizens to understand the tax implications when working across borders. Emma: Absolutely. Let's start with the basics. How does remote work impact income reporting and tax deductions for US employees in Israel and Israeli employees in the US? Ben: Great question, Emma. The key thing to understand is that when you're working remotely, you're likely earning income in both countries. For US employees in Israel, that means you'll need to report your income in both the US and Israel. The good news is that there are relief measures, like the foreign tax credit, to help avoid double taxation. Emma: Okay, so it's not as simple as just reporting your income in one country. What about Israeli employees working remotely in the US? How does that work? Ben: For Israeli employees in the US, the process is a bit different. They'll need to report their income to the US tax authorities and potentially pay US taxes, depending on the length of their stay and other factors. But they may also be able to claim a credit for taxes paid in Israel to offset their US tax liability. Emma: I see. So it's really important to understand the nuances and keep track of where your income is coming from and where you're paying taxes. Ben: Exactly. And that's where the challenges really start to emerge, especially when it comes to tracking tax withholdings. Emma: Yes, let's dive into that. What are some of the key issues with tracking tax withholdings for remote workers? Ben: Well, it can get pretty complex. The employer, the employee, and the tax authorities in both countries all need to be in close coordination to ensure the proper tax withholdings are happening. For example, if a US employee is working remotely in Israel, the employer needs to withhold taxes in both countries, and the employee needs to keep track of it all. Emma: Wow, that sounds like a lot to manage. No wonder people often get confused or end up paying more taxes than they need to. Ben: Absolutely. That's why it's so important for remote workers to seek professional tax advice, especially when navigating the complexities of cross-border employment. Emma: Speaking of complexities, how does remote work affect the eligibility for tax incentives in both Israel and the US? Ben: That's a great point, Emma. Remote work can definitely impact your eligibility for certain tax incentives. For example, in Israel, the tax incentive on rental income is often contingent on residency. If a US remote worker spends too much time outside of Israel, they may lose that benefit. Emma: I hadn't even considered that. So it's not just about reporting income and withholdings, but also understanding how your work location affects your eligibility for various tax incentives and deductions. Ben: Exactly. It's a complex web of considerations, and it's easy for remote workers to get tripped up if they're not aware of the nuances. That's why it's so important to stay on top of the regulations and seek professional guidance. Emma: Absolutely. And I imagine the tax authorities in both countries are also having to adapt to these changes, right? Ben: Definitely. The rapid rise of remote work has presented some real challenges for tax en

    6 min

  5. FEB 25

    March 20, 2026

    Introduction (2 mins) Emma: Welcome to the Tax4US podcast! I'm your host, Emma, and today we're diving into a crucial topic that is reshaping the tax landscape for Israelis working remotely – the impact of remote work on US-Israel tax obligations. To help us navigate this complex issue, we've brought in tax expert Ben Ginati. Welcome, Ben! Ben: Thanks, Emma. I'm excited to discuss this timely and important topic with you and our listeners. Segment 1: The Changing Definition of Tax Residency (3 mins) Emma: Ben, let's start with one of the core challenges presented by remote work – the evolving definition of tax residency. How has this impacted Israelis working across borders? Ben: The traditional "183-day rule" for determining tax residency has been significantly disrupted by remote work. Israelis may now spend extended periods in Israel while earning income in the US, or vice versa, blurring the lines of where they are considered tax residents. Emma: So the concept of "center of vital interests" has become much more complex to pinpoint. Can you explain the "tie-breaker" tests that come into play when an individual is deemed a tax resident of both countries? Ben: Absolutely. The US-Israel Tax Treaty outlines these tie-breaker tests, which look at factors like the location of the permanent home, center of vital interests, and habitual abode to determine the individual's primary tax residency. It's like climbing a mountain with multiple paths – you need to carefully evaluate which route is the best fit for your unique circumstances. Emma: That's a great analogy, Ben. It really highlights the complexity of navigating these residency rules in the remote work era. Segment 2: Navigating the Maze of Income Sources (3 mins) Emma: Another key challenge is the taxation of various income sources for Israelis working remotely. Can you walk us through the different types of income and how they need to be handled? Ben: Sure. Earned income like salaries and wages from US-based employers are generally subject to US federal income tax, but the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion may provide relief. It's like having a special coupon that can shave off a chunk of your tax bill. Investment income, self-employment income, and rental income all need to be carefully reported and taxed in both countries to avoid double taxation. It's like threading a needle – you have to be precise to get it right. Emma: That's a lot to keep track of. What are some of the reporting requirements Israelis need to be aware of, like FBAR and FATCA? Ben: The FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements are crucial for Israelis with foreign financial accounts and assets. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, so it's essential for remote workers to understand these obligations and seek professional guidance. It's like navigating a maze – you need a map and a guide to make sure you don't get lost. Segment 3: Claiming the Foreign Tax Credit (3 mins) Emma: One key strategy for mitigating double taxation is the foreign tax credit. Can you explain how this works and the factors Israelis need to consider? Ben: The foreign tax credit allows Israelis to offset their US tax liability with taxes paid to the Israeli government. But it can be a complex area, especially for remote workers with income sources in both countries. Factors like the type of income, applicable tax rates, and timing of payments all need to be carefully evaluated to maximize the credit. It's like playing a game of chess – you have to think several moves ahead to position yourself for success. Emma: So it's not as straightforward as just claiming a dollar-for-dollar offset. Israelis really need to be proactive in managing this process. Ben: Absolutely. Seeking guidance from a cross-border tax professional is highly recommended to ensure Israelis are taking full advantage of the foreign tax credit. It's like having a personal trainer – they can help you navigate the terrain and reach your g

    7 min

  6. FEB 10

    Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Border Retirement Planning: Optimizing Tax Strategies for Israeli-Americans

    Here is a 10-15 minute podcast script for Tax4US: Intro (1 min) Emma: Welcome to the Tax4US podcast, where we dive deep into the complexities of cross-border tax planning for Israelis and Americans. I'm your host, Emma, and today we have a special guest - Ben Ginati, a leading tax expert specializing in the unique challenges faced by Israeli-Americans. Ben, thanks for joining us. Ben: It's my pleasure to be here, Emma. As an Israeli-American myself, I know firsthand the intricacies of navigating the tax systems of both countries, and I'm excited to share my insights with our listeners. Segment 1: Reporting Requirements for Israelis-Americans (3 mins) Emma: Let's start with one of the key compliance obligations for Israelis-Americans - the requirement to report foreign bank accounts to the IRS. Can you tell us more about this rule and the potential penalties for non-compliance? Ben: Absolutely. Under IRC Section 6038D, US citizens and green card holders must report any foreign financial accounts that exceed $50,000 for an individual or $200,000 for a married couple. This is done through the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) form, which must be filed annually by April 15th. The penalties for failing to comply can be severe, ranging from $12,400 to $124,000 per violation. And with increased IRS enforcement in recent years, the stakes are higher than ever. Israelis-Americans need to be vigilant about meeting this reporting requirement. Emma: That's a significant risk. What are some best practices you would recommend for Israelis-Americans to stay compliant? Ben: The key is to be proactive and work closely with a tax professional who specializes in cross-border issues. They can help ensure all the proper forms are filed on time and that you're taking advantage of any available exemptions or exclusions. Segment 2: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (3 mins) Emma: Another important tax provision for Israelis-Americans is the foreign earned income exclusion under IRC Section 911. Can you explain how this works and what the requirements are? Ben: The foreign earned income exclusion is a valuable tool for Israelis-Americans living in Israel. It allows them to exclude up to $112,000 (as of 2026) of their foreign-earned income from US federal income tax. To qualify, they must meet the "bona fide residence test" or the "physical presence test," which essentially means they need to be outside the US for at least 330 days in a 12-month period. They also have to file Form 2555 with the IRS annually. Failing to meet these requirements can result in significant US tax liability, so it's critical that Israelis-Americans work closely with their tax advisor to ensure they're fully compliant. Emma: That's a really important benefit, but also a complex set of rules to navigate. What are some common pitfalls you see Israelis-Americans encounter with this provision? Ben: One of the biggest challenges is documenting their time spent outside the US. The IRS is increasingly scrutinizing these claims, so Israelis-Americans need to meticulously track their travel and maintain detailed records. Errors or omissions can quickly lead to problems. Segment 3: Passive Income and Investments (3 mins) Emma: Another area that requires careful attention is the treatment of passive income and investments. How do Israelis-Americans need to approach this? Ben: Passive income, such as interest, dividends, and capital gains, is a prime example of the complex interplay between the US and Israeli tax systems. These types of income are generally subject to reporting and taxation requirements in both countries. For example, capital gains realized on the sale of an asset in Israel must be reported on the US tax return, even if the gain has already been taxed in Israel, per IRC Section 861. Conversely, interest and dividends from Israeli mutual funds may be exempt from US tax under certain circumstances. Navigating these nuances requires a deep understanding of b

    10 min

  7. 11/09/2025

    FBAR Reporting: Everything US-Israeli Taxpayers Need to Know

    In this first episode of the Tax4Us Podcast, host Emma is joined by Ben to break down FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) reporting requirements for US citizens and green card holders living in Israel or with foreign accounts. Key topics covered: • What FBAR is and who needs to file it • The $10,000 threshold and how it's calculated • Filing requirements and deadlines (April 15th deadline with automatic extension to October 15th) • Common mistakes that can cost thousands in penalties • Real-world examples and case studies • Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures for catching up on missed filings • Types of accounts that need to be reported (bank accounts, investments, pensions, crypto, PayPal, etc.) • Signature authority requirements • Action steps for compliance Penalties discussed: • Willful violations: Up to $100,000 or 50% of account balance per account per year • Non-willful violations: Up to $10,000 per violation • Importance of voluntary disclosure before IRS investigation Resources mentioned: • FinCEN website for electronic filing • Treasury exchange rates for currency conversion • Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures This episode is essential listening for any American citizen or green card holder with foreign accounts, especially those living or working in Israel. For help with FBAR compliance and other US-Israeli tax matters, visit tax4us.co.il or schedule a consultation.

    9 min
  • 7 Episodes

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Your weekly guide to tax planning and strategies for small business owners. Get practical, actionable advice on maximizing deductions, staying compliant, and making smart tax decisions. Hosted by Tax4Us LLC, the Texas-based tax experts who understand the challenges of running a small business. New episodes every Thursday.

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    Ben Ginati
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    © Copyright 2026 Ben Ginati
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