If you're a U.S. founder, you've probably heard two things about going offshore: “everyone's doing it” and “the IRS will destroy you if you get it wrong.” Both contain some truth.

Why Americans still use offshore structures

Even under worldwide taxation, smart structuring can: - Separate U.S. operations from foreign ones - Access lower tax rates abroad on non‑U.S. income - Protect assets from lawsuits and business risk

The goal isn’t to disappear-it’s to build a serious, compliant international structure that actually survives IRS scrutiny.

The big rules you can’t ignore

  • The U.S. taxes you on global income-but foreign tax credits and planning matter
  • Own too much of a foreign company and you hit CFC / GILTI rules
  • Hold passive investments offshore and you may trigger PFIC problems
  • Bank or hold assets abroad and you must report them (FBAR, Form 8938, etc.)

Offshore structures only work for Americans when tax law is respected from day one.

What a sensible structure can look like

A common pattern: a foreign operating or holding company in a business‑friendly jurisdiction (like the UAE or Singapore), combined with U.S. reporting that is done properly every year. You still file U.S. returns-but your global structure is built for longevity, not quick tricks.

Where Foreign Boss fits in

We don’t replace your U.S. CPA-we partner with them. Our role is to design and implement the international side (company, banking, substance, documentation) so your U.S. tax advisor can file confidently.

If you’re a U.S. owner who wants the upside of going offshore without waking up to nightmare letters from the IRS, talk to Foreign Boss. We’ll tell you which ideas are smart, which are dangerous, and how to structure your international business so it stays both efficient and compliant.