FIRPTA Withholding Certificate Services
When a foreign person sells U.S. real estate, FIRPTA generally requires the buyer to withhold a percentage of the sales price. A Form 8288-B withholding certificate application can, in appropriate cases, request a reduced or eliminated withholding amount based on the expected tax. A licensed CPA prepares the application and coordinates with the parties involved.
Built for Every Party at the Closing Table
FIRPTA touches more than the seller. We coordinate with the people who need the numbers to be right.
Foreign sellers
Sellers who want to request reduced withholding and file the required returns.
Buyers and transferees
Buyers responsible for withholding who need the requirements handled correctly.
Realtors and closing professionals
Realtors, title companies, closing agents, and real-estate attorneys needing tax coordination.
FIRPTA Services
Withholding review and Form 8288-B
FIRPTA withholding review and preparation of Form 8288-B applications, including requests to reduce or eliminate withholding where appropriate.
Calculations and schedules
Withholding calculations and tax-basis and anticipated-gain schedules to support the application.
ITIN and forms coordination
ITIN coordination and coordination of Forms 8288 and 8288-A.
Seller return preparation
Preparation of the seller’s U.S. tax return to report the sale.
Party coordination
Coordination with the buyer, title company, and closing agent within the agreed scope.
Clear boundaries
We provide tax services only. We do not provide legal or title services.
What FIRPTA Work Does and Does Not Do
Filing Form 8288-B does not automatically eliminate the buyer’s withholding obligation unless the applicable rules and timing are satisfied. We do not guarantee that the IRS will approve a certificate or issue it within any particular time, and processing times are outside our control. We prepare and support the application accurately; the outcome depends on the facts and on IRS processing.
Pricing
FIRPTA engagements vary widely with the transaction, the parties, and the returns involved, so they are quoted as a custom fixed fee after we review the facts. Your scope and fee are confirmed in writing before work begins.
The Process
Review the transaction
We review the closing timeline, the seller’s U.S. tax status, the price, and the expected gain.
Confirm scope and fee
You receive a written scope and fixed fee, and we confirm what each party needs to provide.
Prepare and coordinate
We prepare the application and supporting schedules and coordinate with the parties through the process.
FIRPTA Questions, Answered
What is Form 8288-B for?
Can FIRPTA withholding be reduced?
Does the seller need an ITIN?
Who is responsible, the buyer or the seller?
Is IRS approval guaranteed?
Request FIRPTA Assistance
Tell us your role, the closing date, and the seller’s U.S. tax status. We will confirm whether it fits our services and the appropriate next step.