Business Details
Trusted Partner for IRS Withholding Tax Refunds
At Directs, we specialize in assisting non-US individuals recover IRS withholding tax refunds from US real estate transactions. Established to address the complexities of FIRPTA regulations, our team provides expert guidance on tax compliance, ITIN procurement, and rental income reporting. Led by California tax attorney Michael W. Brooks, we streamline the refund process, ensuring clients navigate IRS requirements efficiently. With decades of collective experience, we focus exclusively on rescuing funds trapped by the IRS, offering tailored solutions for foreign investors.Our services include expediting refunds through 8288-B applications, recovering prior-year withholdings, and preparing tax returns to mitigate mandatory withholding rates. We prioritize transparency, reliability, and client education, ensuring our clients understand every step of the process. Our commitment to resolving complex tax challenges has solidified our reputation as a trusted partner for international real estate investors.
Services
IRS Withholding Tax Refunds
ITIN Procurement
Rental Tax Returns
8288-B Applications
FIRPTA Compliance
Prior-Year Refund Recovery
Tax Filing Obligations
Withholding Rate Reduction
Highlights and features
- We specialize in IRS tax refund recovery for non-US real estate sellers since 1980.
- Led by a California tax attorney with deep IRS process knowledge.
- Expedite refunds through 8288-B applications for faster results.
- Assist with ITIN procurement critical to the refund process.
- Proven track record in recovering prior-year withheld taxes.
Services
IRS Withholding Tax Refunds
We specialize in recovering excess IRS withholding taxes for non-US sellers of US real estate. By leveraging 8288-B applications or standard filings, we reclaim up to 15% withheld at sale, regardless of profit. Our process ensures foreign investors receive refunds efficiently, even for prior-year transactions.
ITIN Procurement
Non-US sellers require ITINs to claim IRS refunds. We manage the application process, ensuring timely submission aligned with tax filing deadlines. Our expertise reduces delays in refund processing caused by incomplete or incorrect ITIN applications.
Rental Tax Returns
Foreign owners of US rental property face 30% withholding on gross income. We prepare detailed returns to net expenses against revenue, reducing or eliminating mandatory withholding. This ensures compliance while maximizing after-tax returns.
8288-B Applications
Our team expedites refunds through IRS Form 8288-B, reducing withholding retention from years to months. This service prioritizes rapid recovery of excess taxes, ensuring liquidity for foreign investors post-sale.
Prior-Year Refund Recovery
We recover withheld taxes from past real estate sales, even decades old. By navigating IRS archives, we reclaim funds deemed lost, applying specialized knowledge of audit trails and historical tax codes.
People
Michael W. Brooks
CEO and Tax Attorney
Michael W. Brooks, a California tax attorney, leads our team with over 20 years of expertise in IRS real estate tax compliance. His focus on FIRPTA regulations ensures clients receive strategic solutions for tax recovery.
Questions
How can non-US sellers recover IRS withholding tax refunds?
We assist through 8288-B applications or standard tax filings to reclaim excess withholding under FIRPTA.
What is FIRPTA and how does it affect foreign sellers?
FIRPTA mandates 15% withholding on US real estate sales by non-US persons; we help recover overpayments.
Can I get a refund if I sold property years ago?
Yes, we specialize in recovering prior-year withholdings long considered unrecoverable.
Why do I need an ITIN for a tax refund?
An ITIN is required to process IRS refunds; we streamline ITIN applications for foreign sellers.
How do you handle rental income tax compliance?
We prepare returns to reduce mandatory 30% withholding by netting expenses against rental income.
