Form 1042-S is, conceptually, much like Form 1099 for US citizens and persons residing in the US. The difference being that the payments reported on Form 1042-S are amounts paid to foreign persons (including persons presumed to be foreign) that are subject to withholding, even if no amount is deducted and withheld from the payment because of a treaty or Code exception to taxation or if any amount withheld was repaid to the payee. Examples of payments to foreign persons include, but are not limited to: Corporate distributions; Interest; Rents; Royalties; Compensation for independent personal services performed in the United States; Compensation for dependent personal services performed in the United States (but only if the beneficial owner is claiming treaty benefits); Annuities; Pension distributions and other deferred income; Most gambling winnings; Cancellation of indebtedness; Effectively connected income (effectively connected income to the US); Notional principal contract income; and REMIC excess inclusions. To state the obvious, each situation is different and should be carefully analyzed. If you or your business needs assistance preparing Form 1042-S and 1042, or just discussing withholding requirements, contact Paul by clicking here.
A common practice in closely held businesses is to insure the life or lives of key employees or owners. When Congress enacted the Pension Protection Act in 2006, some requirements were imposed on these types of life insurance arrangements. First written notice must be given to any employee on whom a company purchases life insurance. If the proper notice is not given, then the insurance proceeds likely will be considered taxable. Employers are also required to file IRS Form 8925 annually with regard to these insurance policies. It seems that failing to report the policy on Form 8925 will likely result in the proceeds being taxable even if the Company did not deduct the premiums on its tax return. There are specific issues to consider with employer-owned life insurance policies. If you or your business need advice in this area, click here to contact Paul to discuss the issue.