Sirius Tax Group LLC

CAA training can sharpen your tax practice fast.

Many preparers still miss the compliance details that matter most. The right guidance changes how you handle ITIN cases, client documentation, and acceptance workflows. 💼

At Sirius Tax Group, Sydney R. Smith, MBA, CAA shares practical insights built from years of international tax and acceptance agent experience.

Want training that is clear, technical, and directly useful? Message us to learn more.

ITIN APPLICATIONS: 3 things I want every applicant to know before you file.

1) If you already have an ITIN, you may not need to apply again. Many issues are renewals or mismatched records, not “new ITIN” situations.

2) You do NOT have to mail your original passport to the IRS when you work with an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). We can verify your identity documents properly and help you submit with confidence.

3) Small details can create big delays: name formatting, dates, and supporting documents must match exactly.

If you’re a foreign national, international student, diplomat, or visa holder in the DC metro area and you’re unsure what applies to you, let’s walk through it together.

Book a consultation: https://www.siriustaxgroup.com

Business setup for founders with international ties (or global income) requires more than picking an LLC name.

Entity structuring is not just a legal decision. It is a tax strategy decision.

If you are building a business while navigating a visa pathway, cross-border income, or foreign assets, get the structure right early. It saves time, money, and stress later.

International Business Owners Road Map: Do this First

U.S. owners with foreign income/assets (foreign bank accounts, foreign entities, overseas contractors, or time abroad):

The 5 questions to answer first:

1) Where are you a tax resident right now? (This affects what income is reportable and which forms may apply.)
2) What entity do you have (or need)? (LLC, C-Corp, partnership, sole prop, structure drives filings.)
3) Do you have foreign bank accounts or signature authority? (Potential FBAR.)
4) Do you hold foreign financial assets? (Potential FATCA/Form 8938.)
5) Do you own or control a foreign business? (Potential Form 5471 and others.)

If you’re an international founder in the U.S.:
1) Start by confirming your U.S. filing obligation and whether you need an ITIN.
2) Make sure your entity is aligned with your visa/work authorization realities and your growth plan.

If you’re a U.S. owner with foreign ties:
1) Assume the U.S. expects reporting of worldwide income and certain foreign accounts/assets.
2) Build a documentation system now so you’re not scrambling at filing time.

If you want a clear roadmap for your specific facts, book an International Small Business Tax Roadmap consult.

Happy Enkutatash to our Ethiopian and Eritrean Family!

New year. New beginnings. Same commitment to your success.

We celebrate with Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the East African community. Your entrepreneurial spirit and resilience inspire us.

Let's make this year your best one yet—ITIN, taxes, business planning. We've got you.

ITIN QUESTION I GET ALL THE TIME:

“Do I have to mail my original passport to the IRS?”

In many cases, no.

As an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA), I can verify your identity documents in person and submit your ITIN application properly, so you can avoid mailing original passports and risking delays.

If you are a visa holder, foreign national, or international student in the DC metro area and you need an ITIN (or need to renew one), let’s talk through your situation and get you a clear plan.

Book a consultation or send a message.
https://www.siriustaxgroup.com

Business setup for international founders: the tax questions you should answer BEFORE you pick an entity.

I see this mistake all the time: choosing an LLC vs S-Corp based on what a friend did, before clarifying the cross-border facts.

Here are 5 items to confirm early:
1) Your immigration status and work authorization
2) Where the owners live (and where they are tax resident)
3) Whether you will have foreign owners, foreign contractors, or foreign bank accounts
4) How you plan to pay yourself (salary, distributions, management fees)
5) Whether you need a visa-based or investment-driven business plan that aligns with the tax structure

Entity structuring is not just a legal decision. It is a tax strategy decision.

If you are a startup founder or advisor supporting international entrepreneurs, what entity question comes up most in your conversations?

FOREIGN NATIONALS + U.S. REAL ESTATE: DO NOT MISS FIRPTA

If you are a foreign person selling U.S. real property, FIRPTA withholding may apply. This is one of those areas where a quick conversation early can prevent expensive surprises at closing.

A few practical notes:
* Timing matters: planning before the sale is key.
*Paperwork matters: the wrong form (or missing form) can delay refunds or create compliance issues.
* Your facts matter: residency status, treaty considerations, and the type of property can change the outcome.

If you are navigating a sale or purchase in the DMV area (or virtually), Sirius Tax Group can help you understand what applies to your situation.

Schedule a consult: https://www.siriustaxgroup.com

ITIN Q&A (Form W-7): What is the #1 reason applications get delayed?

In my experience, it is not the form itself. It is the documentation.

Common issues include:
 Submitting copies that are not acceptable for the applicants category
 Missing dates, signatures, or required supporting documents
 Name mismatches across passport, visa, and tax return
 Not aligning the W-7 reason code with the tax filing position

This is exactly why process matters.

If you are an applicant: what document question is holding you up right now?
If you are a tax pro: what part of the W-7 workflow feels most time-consuming in your firm?