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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Former Olympian Ryan Lochte owes $270,000 in debt after divorce from model Kayla Rae Reid
12-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte is in the news for all the wrong reasons. The former swimming sensation, whose career was severely dented following the scandal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, is now in serious financial trouble. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Divorce filings with estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid uncovered that Ryan Lochte is now in debt by more than $270,000, a stunning descent from greatness for one of America's most decorated swimmers. Ryan Lochte's divorce from Kayla Rae Reid exposes six-figure debt and unpaid taxes The swimmer and Kayla Rae Reid are in serious financial difficulties, US Weekly reports, citing the documents that were procured by the magazine. It is reported that they owe $270,000, including $99,696.06 (£73,305) in unpaid taxes for 2021 and 2022 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and additional medical bills of $167,697.88 (£123,305). The couple had been married for 17 years and had three children together. Their love story started in 2015 when they started seeing each other before getting engaged in 2016 and finally tying the knot in 2018. But their fairy tale didn't last long, as allegations of cheating led to their unfortunate split. Ryan Lochte and Estranged Wife Kayla Reid's Debt Revealed Amid Divorce | E! News 'Kayla and I both wish to keep this matter private for many reasons, most importantly, to protect our children,' Ryan Lochte had told PEOPLE in a statement earlier during their split. 'For that reason, I also won't be commenting on this matter or replying to allegations made by third parties.' Ryan Lochte had addressed the divorce on social media as well, writing, "This past year has brought major changes for both of us as we've come to the difficult decision to end our marriage. I'm deeply grateful for the life we've built together and especially for the love we share for our three children. I remain committed to healing, growth, and co-parenting with care and respect as we move forward separately." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also read: Once celebrated as a swimming legend, Ryan Lochte now has to fight another sort of battle—one of financial rebound and personal reclamation. As he becomes embroiled in a public divorce and accumulates debt, fans wonder if he can emerge from this chapter as strong as he was in the pool.
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
TINs Under FATCA and CRS: The Global Net Closing on Financial Secrecy
VANCOUVER, Canada | A new financial reality is taking hold. In the shadows of the world's most secure bank vaults, in the ledgers of Caribbean trusts, and within the metadata of cryptocurrency exchanges, one number is changing everything: the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Once an obscure tax filing tool, the TIN has become the spearhead of a global crackdown on financial secrecy, guided by the power of FATCA and the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). With over 120 countries now exchanging TIN-linked data across borders, the promise of anonymous wealth is vanishing fast. This comprehensive press release examines how TINs operate under FATCA and CRS, why they represent the new DNA of global finance, and how institutions—and individuals—are responding to the pressure of compliance in an increasingly transparent world. The TIN Revolution: From Local Filing Code to Global Financial Identifier A TIN, whether it's a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN), UK Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), or Indian PAN, is now more than an administrative tag. It is a globally traceable identifier used to link people and entities to offshore accounts, hidden trusts, shell corporations, and undeclared investment income. TINs allow tax authorities to: These outcomes are made possible by two robust global systems: the U.S.-driven Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the OECD's Common Reporting Standard (CRS). FATCA and CRS: Two Forces, One Net FATCA – U.S. Power, Unilateral Reach The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), enacted in 2010, requires foreign financial institutions (FFIs) to report information on U.S. persons to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Institutions that fail to comply are penalized with a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. U.S. persons—including citizens, green card holders, and certain corporations—must provide a valid U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to banks abroad, or risk having their accounts closed or reported as non-compliant. CRS – OECD's Multilateral Masterstroke The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) is a global information exchange initiative introduced by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2014. It functions similarly to FATCA but is multilateral and reciprocal in nature. More than 120 jurisdictions, including most of Europe, Asia, and Latin America, now share information on foreign financial accounts held by individuals and entities. At the heart of CRS? The TIN. TINs: The Anchor of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) Under FATCA and CRS, banks and financial institutions must report: Name Address Jurisdiction(s) of tax residence TIN(s) Date of birth Account number Balance or value Income generated (e.g., interest, dividends, proceeds from sale) If the TIN is missing, incorrect, or inconsistent with known residency information, the account may be reported to multiple tax authorities or flagged for audit. Case Study: The Dual Citizen Exposed by TIN Conflicts In 2023, a dual citizen of the United States and Australia opened investment accounts in Singapore using an Australian passport and declared only his Australian Tax Identification Number (TIN). However, the individual also held a U.S. Social Security number (SSN), and prior FATCA data had already flagged him in a separate filing. When Singapore's CRS data was cross-referenced with FATCA entries in the IRS's systems, the mismatch triggered an investigation. The individual was found to have underreported over $1.2 million in investment income over a five-year period and was fined heavily. The Death of Anonymous Offshore Banking In the past, an individual could hide assets offshore through: Shell companies with nominee directors Undisclosed trusts in Caribbean or Pacific jurisdictions Unregulated crypto wallets Anonymous bearer shares Tiered ownership across low-transparency countries Today, nearly all of these tactics have been rendered ineffective by FATCA and CRS due to one key requirement: the collection and reporting of TINs. Every shell company must now disclose its Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) along with their Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). Every trust must register the TINs of settlors, trustees, and beneficiaries. Every crypto platform subject to the OECD's new Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) must collect and transmit users' Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs). TINs and the Machine: AI-Driven Financial Surveillance Tax agencies and compliance institutions now utilize artificial intelligence to analyze the massive flows of TIN-linked data they receive annually. These systems identify: Duplicate or fraudulent TINs TINs registered to deceased persons TINs linked to multiple high-risk jurisdictions TINs used in accounts with transactional patterns indicative of layering or structuring These alerts lead to proactive audits, coordinated international investigations, and often criminal referrals. Amicus Advisory: The New Landscape of Legal Identity Amicus International Consulting offers strategic compliance services to clients worldwide, ensuring lawful restructuring in light of TIN-related risk. Services include: Global TIN consistency audits for individuals and businesses Rectification of mismatched, outdated, or invalid TIN records Advising on CRS/FATCA-compliant structuring of trusts, entities, and second residencies Guidance on voluntary disclosure to minimize penalties TIN-aligned offshore compliance strategies that preserve financial privacy without breaching the law 'Most exposure is unintentional,' says one employee of Amicus. 'We help clients rebuild their financial footprint around clarity and legality, not secrecy.' Case Study: Offshore Property Flagged by TIN Records In 2024, a British entrepreneur's offshore property in Portugal was flagged by HMRC after a Portuguese financial institution submitted a CRS report, which listed the entrepreneur's UK Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The individual had never declared the property on their UK tax filings. Using the TIN as the anchor, HMRC accessed transaction history, title records, and even a renovation loan registered to the same TIN, resulting in a full tax reassessment and retroactive penalties. CRS + FATCA + CARF: The Total Transparency Framework TINs are now central not only to FATCA and CRS, but also to the OECD's new Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), which takes effect as of January 2025. Under CARF, TINs are required for: Crypto wallet openings Tokenized asset purchases Staking and lending platforms DeFi (decentralized finance) protocols, if jurisdictionally covered The scope of TIN-linked tracking is now: REGIME SCOPE WHO REPORTS USE OF TIN FATCA U.S. Persons Foreign Banks Required for ID and enforcement CRS Global Participants Local Banks Matches with home tax returns CARF Crypto Platforms Exchanges and Wallets Connects users to tax obligations TINs and Risk Ratings: Why Institutions Monitor the Numbers Financial institutions now integrate TIN data into their client risk rating systems. For example: Clients with TINs from high-risk or sanctioned countries receive enhanced due diligence Clients with multiple TINs must explain overlapping residencies Clients with unrecognized or expired TINs may be denied account access This impacts not only account approvals but also transaction clearance times, credit issuance, and internal reporting to regulators. Legal and Financial Consequences of TIN Mismanagement Misuse, non-disclosure, or manipulation of TINs can lead to: Civil penalties of up to 300% of the tax owed Criminal prosecution for tax evasion or fraud Confiscation of assets linked to undeclared income Cross-border arrests and extradition (in extreme cases) Blocklisting of associated corporate or personal accounts Case Study: The TIN That Triggered a Tax Rebellion A South African executive's TIN, linked to a Panama-based trust, was disclosed in a 2023 CRS exchange. While the executive believed the structure was legally opaque, the TIN used during trust setup provided a direct link to his residency and triggered a significant investigation. Ultimately, the executive entered into a public settlement and became a case study for the risks associated with financial opacity. Amicus Case File: TIN Reconciliation to Avoid Disclosure Fallout A Canadian Israeli entrepreneur approached Amicus after receiving FATCA inquiries linked to a dormant U.S. LLC. Amicus performed a TIN alignment and voluntarily disclosed the entity under Canada's tax amnesty program. Outcome: Avoided criminal charges Paid penalties at a reduced rate Cleared the way for future CRS-compliant investment structures The Path Forward: Strategic Transparency with Legal Shielding True privacy no longer lies in secrecy, but in lawful clarity. TINs will continue to expand their reach as: Biometric TINs are adopted in high-fraud countries are adopted in high-fraud countries Digital wallets become tied to tax identifiers become tied to tax identifiers Residency and citizenship-by-investment programs adopt stricter TIN checks adopt stricter TIN checks TIN-based sanctions systems link individuals to national enforcement regimes Amicus continues to serve clients facing this new paradigm, not to avoid transparency, but to master it strategically and lawfully. 📞 Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Twitter/X 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram About Amicus International Consulting Amicus International Consulting provides strategic legal and financial restructuring services for global citizens, corporate entities, and high-net-worth individuals navigating the complexities of FATCA, CRS, CARF, and global transparency regulations. Amicus offers lawful pathways for protecting assets, ensuring compliance, and preserving cross-border mobility. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
IRS wants you to make payment by this date to avoid penalties: Who qualifies for tax relief and other benefits?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notified all taxpayers to file their second-quarter taxes by June 16 to avoid facing the risk of penalties. 'Taxpayers that receive income not subject to withholding, such as income from self-employment, gig work, interest, dividends, capital gains, rent or 1099 earnings, may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. This includes freelancers, retirees, investors, businesses, and corporations,' said a news release on the official website. Those who fail to pay by the deadlines for this financial year (April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15 of next year) will face interest-based penalties which compound daily. To avoid facing underpayment penalties, the IRS provided some safety thresholds: • Pay 90% of your 2025 total tax liability • Pay 100% of your 2024 total tax (if income was under $150,000) • Pay 110% of your 2024 total tax (if income was above $150,000) For those who failed to meet the deadline, the recently introduced IRS Fresh Start Program can provide alternate opportunities. For those who are already flailing on their tax payments, the IRS Fresh Start Program provides a safe mechanism to obtain potential relief through a settlement but only if the beneficiary is able to satisfy the extensive documentation and information requirements. An applicant is required to provide income verification (pay stubs, profit & loss statements, Social Security, or pension income), asset summary (all property, vehicles, bank accounts, and retirement funds), and expense breakdown (detailed monthly expenses including rent, food, insurance, and utilities). The IRS uses this information to calculate your Reasonable Collection Potential, in other words, what it deems you capable of paying. Lack of transparency in the application process can lead to disqualification of your appeal. Hence, it's important for those applying to take a thorough look at all that's required to be eligible for the program.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
IRS Change Proposed In Senate Finance Bill
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Republican Senators have proposed getting rid of two of the Internal Revenue Service's free tax filing programs, which allow millions of Americans to file their taxes free of charge. The Senate Committee on Finance has unveiled its amendments to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was approved by the House of Representatives in May. It includes a proposal to "terminate" the IRS Direct File, as well as investigating whether that and the Free File program could be replaced. Why It Matters The Associated Press reported earlier this year that the Trump administration plans to end the Direct File program, which is only in its second year. In February, former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk said he had "deleted" an arm of the General Services Administration, known as 18F, which helped build and run the program, as part of his sweeping cutbacks across federal agencies. What To Know IRS Direct File is available in 25 states and allows taxpayers with relatively simple tax returns to file without the need for a third party. According to the IRS, some 30 million taxpayers were eligible to use Direct File to file 2024 federal tax returns during the 2025 tax filing season. Stock image/file photo: Internal Revenue Service sign at the IRS Building in Washington, DC in March 2018. Stock image/file photo: Internal Revenue Service sign at the IRS Building in Washington, DC in March 2018. GETTY Free File helps taxpayers with adjusted gross income under $84,000 per year file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software. The proposals include a provision that would direct the Treasury Department to "terminate the current Direct File program at the IRS," as well as "author a report evaluating the establishment of a public-private partnership between the IRS and private sector tax preparation services to offer free tax filing, potentially replacing both the existing Direct File and Free File programs." Direct File has only been running for two years and was piloted in 12 states in 2024 for the 2023 tax season. The IRS described the initial launch as a success, with 140,803 taxpayers using it in its inaugural year and more than 3.3 million taxpayers across all states using the eligibility checker. It was later expanded to 25 states for the 2024 season. No information is publicly available for how many used the service this year. Newsweek has contacted the IRS via email for the figures. Democrats have previously expressed concerns over ending the program. A letter signed by approximately 200 lawmakers was sent to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in April of this year, requesting that the program be extended for the 2025 tax year. While the program is designed to help lower tax preparation costs for Americans, it has attracted some criticism. In May 2024, Tania Mercado, spokesperson for TurboTax's parent company Intuit, told Newsweek that the program is "a solution in search of a problem and every American can already file their taxes for free, without any cost to the government or taxpayers." What People Are Saying Democratic lawmakers in their letter to Bessent: "Ending this free, easy-to-use, and popular program would be an insult to American taxpayers, eliminating an important alternative to commercial options provided by the tax prep industry." Mercado, speaking to Newsweek in February 2024: "Direct File is not free tax preparation, but rather a thinly veiled scheme where billions of taxpayer dollars will be unnecessarily used to pay for something already completely free of charge today." What Happens Next No date has been given for when the termination of Direct File could begin. The Senate is looking to pass its amendments on the bill by Independence Day—July 4—at which point it would return to the House for a final vote before being signed by the president.
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
How the U.S. Uses Foreign TINs to Track Citizens Living Abroad
VANCOUVER, BC — In 2025, American citizens living abroad are under closer financial surveillance than ever before. While many expats believe their move overseas shields them from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), one critical detail ensures they remain visible: their foreign Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). These numbers, assigned by foreign governments for local tax purposes, are now the digital breadcrumbs used by the U.S. government to track, audit, and penalize American citizens, regardless of their location. Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in legal identity change, second citizenship services, and international compliance solutions, reveals how the U.S. uses foreign Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) to track its citizens overseas. This press release explores the evolving role of FATCA, international banking agreements, and TIN-linked data in transnational enforcement. The Foreign TIN: What Is It and Why Does It Matter? A country's tax authority assigns a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to individuals and legal entities for reporting and taxation purposes. Examples include: NIF in Spain in Spain SIN in Canada in Canada CPF in Brazil in Brazil USt-IdNr. in Germany in Germany AFM in Greece When an American citizen opens a bank account, rents property, applies for a mortgage, or declares income in a foreign country, they are often assigned a local Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). These foreign TINs are increasingly shared with the U.S. under global transparency agreements. FATCA: The Engine of U.S. Global Tax Surveillance The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), enacted in 2010, remains the most powerful financial surveillance tool the U.S. government has ever created. FATCA requires all foreign financial institutions (FFIs) to: Identify account holders with U.S. citizenship or U.S. indicia Collect and report personal details, including foreign TINs Share account balances, transactions, and identifying data with the IRS More than 110 countries have signed Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), making compliance mandatory. The result? Foreign TINs of American expats are now tied directly to IRS databases. How the IRS Uses Foreign TINs The IRS cross-references foreign TINs with U.S. tax records to: Confirm foreign income and assets are properly declared Detect undisclosed offshore accounts Enforce Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) compliance compliance Track dual citizens with undeclared foreign residency Audit Americans who claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) In essence, the foreign TIN acts as a fiscal tracer, providing the IRS with a second, non-U.S. data point to verify or challenge expatriate tax filings. Case Study: The U.S. Teacher in Germany In 2024, a U.S. citizen working at an international school in Berlin registered with German tax authorities and received an Identifikationsnummer (IdNr). She opened a German bank account, reported her local salary, and filed German taxes. Despite filing U.S. tax returns with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), she failed to include her foreign Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or file an FBAR disclosing the German account. Under FATCA, her German bank automatically reported her ID number, account balance, and address to the IRS. Result: a $10,000 FBAR penalty and a triggered IRS audit for three years of filings. The Role of CRS in Supporting U.S. Surveillance Although the U.S. is not a direct participant in the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS), it benefits from overlapping data flows. Many CRS-participating countries also have FATCA IGAs, meaning dual compliance results in foreign TIN and account information being shared with the U.S., even indirectly. This is especially relevant for: Dual nationals using a foreign passport to open accounts using a foreign passport to open accounts Green card holders abroad who claim non-U.S. residency abroad who claim non-U.S. residency Expats who assume foreign income is out of the IRS's reach Foreign TINs submitted to local banks are now matched against U.S. records, enhancing IRS enforcement. TIN Matching and Biometric KYC in 2025 By 2025, most foreign financial institutions are expected to utilize biometric KYC tools in conjunction with TIN verification. When a U.S. citizen provides: A local TIN A U.S. passport or green card A U.S. phone number or address … the system triggers a compliance alert under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). These digital onboarding systems now: Automatically log foreign TINs with IRS-mandated data Connect biometric records to known U.S. tax filers Track dual usage of TINs and passports across accounts U.S. citizens living abroad are often unaware of this, mistakenly believing their 'foreign status' gives them privacy or exemption. It does not. Multi-TIN Dilemma: When Two Numbers Create Double Exposure U.S. citizens living abroad often hold: A U.S. SSN A foreign TIN in their country of residence Both numbers are now required in most tax and bank filings. However, improper or incomplete reporting can result in: Double taxation CRS/FATCA data mismatch alerts Frozen accounts or denied access to local services IRS audits due to 'undeclared residency' suspicion Amicus International specializes in TIN harmonization, helping clients legally reconcile and manage multi-TIN obligations across borders. Case Study: The Digital Nomad Flagged in Two Jurisdictions A dual U.S.-French citizen opened a freelance income account with a bank in Lisbon using a French passport and TIN. The bank flagged the account due to U.S. indicia (a U.S. mailing address), triggering FATCA compliance. The U.S. IRS received his foreign TIN, account data, and declared residency—none of which were disclosed on his U.S. tax filings. The IRS initiated an audit for unreported income and foreign accounts. Amicus intervened, assisted in amending tax returns, and coordinated filings under the IRS Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedure to avoid criminal exposure. Penalties for Failing to Declare Foreign TINs The IRS has grown aggressive in enforcing reporting obligations. U.S. citizens who fail to declare accounts, foreign TINs, or foreign income face: $10,000+ FBAR penalties per account, per year per account, per year Foreign Account Compliance Act violations Civil and criminal fraud penalties Loss of eligibility for foreign income exclusions In rare cases, loss of passport under IRC § 7345 (Revocation of Passport in Case of Certain Tax Delinquencies) The burden is on the citizen, not the IRS, to ensure foreign TINs and accounts are properly declared. Amicus Solutions: TIN Strategy for American Expats Amicus International offers tailored solutions for U.S. citizens abroad who seek to protect themselves from: Regulatory overreach IRS audits and penalties Unwarranted data exposure TIN mismanagement or duplication Services include: Legal second citizenship that may allow renunciation of U.S. citizenship that may allow renunciation of U.S. citizenship TIN harmonization to align U.S. and foreign filings to align U.S. and foreign filings Multi-jurisdictional audit defence and voluntary disclosure navigation and voluntary disclosure navigation Cross-border estate and tax planning using compliant foreign structures using compliant foreign structures Secure identity transition services for whistleblowers or politically exposed individuals Amicus does not assist with tax evasion or illegal offshore structuring. All strategies comply with U.S. and international law. Can You Avoid FATCA Reporting by Refusing a Foreign TIN? No. FATCA compliance is built into the onboarding systems of most global banks. If you do not provide a valid local TIN: The bank may refuse to open your account The account may be frozen or closed You may be labelled 'recalcitrant' and reported anyway U.S. fines or enforcement may be applied regardless of your location TIN transparency is now a non-negotiable element of financial participation in the international system. Final Word: The TIN Tells the IRS Where You Are—Even If You Don't In 2025, foreign TINs will be how the U.S. IRS finds, profiles, and penalizes citizens abroad. The illusion of offshore privacy has evaporated. Every financial institution you deal with—from Dubai to Dublin—now collects, verifies, and shares your TIN if you're an American. But there are legal, strategic ways to navigate this new world: Restructure your legal residency Declare your foreign assets properly Consider second citizenship if appropriate Align your U.S. and foreign TINs with professional help Amicus International Consulting helps clients worldwide protect their identities, remain compliant, and preserve their financial freedom in the face of growing U.S. extraterritorial surveillance. Contact InformationPhone: +1 (604) 200-5402Email: info@ Website:
