Cali tax lawyer
For individuals and businesses in Cali, Colombia, who face US tax obligations, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides US-licensed counsel. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads the firm’s US tax practice, advising clients on federal income tax, reporting of foreign accounts, and IRS compliance. The firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, serves as a liaison for Spanish-speaking clients and assists with Colombian documentation. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Colombian law matters and liaison with US-licensed attorneys. All US tax advice is provided by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. To discuss your US tax matter, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
US tax representation for clients in Cali, Colombia
US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain non-residents with US-source income must comply with the Internal Revenue Code, regardless of where they live. For a client in Cali, this often means navigating complex rules on foreign bank account reporting (FBAR), the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), and the taxation of foreign business entities. The firm handles the US side of these matters—preparing returns, representing clients before the IRS, and advising on voluntary disclosure programs—while Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, facilitates communication and helps gather Colombian records. He is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; his work is limited to Colombian law and liaison support.
The firm does not practice Colombian tax law. Instead, it focuses on US federal tax obligations that affect Colombian residents. Common issues include the requirement to file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if the aggregate value of foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year, and the obligation to report specified foreign financial assets under FATCA on Form 8938. The firm also assists with the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures for taxpayers who have failed to report foreign income or accounts. For authoritative guidance, consult the IRS FBAR page and the IRS FATCA page.
Frequently asked questions
What US tax issues do Colombian residents face?
Colombian residents who are US citizens, green card holders, or who meet the substantial presence test must file US federal tax returns and may need to report foreign accounts. The most common issues are FBAR filing, FATCA reporting on Form 8938, and the taxation of foreign corporations or trusts. The IRS imposes significant penalties for non-compliance. A US tax attorney can help determine filing obligations, prepare accurate returns, and, if necessary, represent the taxpayer in an audit or voluntary disclosure. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle all US tax aspects; Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, assists with Colombian documentation. He is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar.
Do I need to file US taxes if I live in Cali?
If you are a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, you must file a US federal income tax return regardless of where you reside. The United States taxes its citizens and residents on worldwide income. Even if you pay taxes in Colombia, you may still have a US filing obligation. The foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credit can reduce or eliminate double taxation, but you must file to claim them. The firm can review your situation and advise on your filing requirements. Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What is FBAR and who must file?
FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) is required if you have a financial interest in or signature authority over foreign financial accounts with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. The form is FinCEN Form 114, filed electronically. The penalty for willful failure to file can be severe. The firm helps clients determine whether they have an FBAR obligation, prepare the form, and, if past years were missed, evaluate the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures. For official details, see the IRS FBAR page.
How does FATCA affect Colombian bank accounts?
FATCA requires US taxpayers to report specified foreign financial assets on Form 8938 if the total value exceeds certain thresholds. Colombian financial institutions may also ask you to certify your US tax status. The reporting threshold depends on your filing status and whether you live in the United States. The firm can help you understand your FATCA obligations and prepare Form 8938. For more information, visit the IRS FATCA page. Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, can assist with Spanish-language communication with Colombian banks. He is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar.
Can a US tax lawyer help with IRS audits from Colombia?
Yes, a US-licensed tax attorney can represent you in an IRS audit even if you live in Cali. The firm communicates with the IRS on your behalf, prepares responses, and can appear at audit meetings. Because the firm has a Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, it can coordinate the gathering of Colombian records and facilitate communication in Spanish. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Colombian law matters and liaison support. All US legal representation is provided by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys.
What is the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedure?
The Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures allow eligible US taxpayers residing abroad to catch up on missed tax returns and FBARs without facing certain penalties. To qualify, you must certify that your failure to file was non-willful. The program requires filing three years of federal tax returns and six years of FBARs. The firm can evaluate your eligibility, prepare the necessary filings, and guide you through the process. For official IRS guidance, see the IRS Streamlined Procedures page.
How do I report foreign business ownership?
If you own a foreign corporation, partnership, or trust, you may need to file additional IRS forms such as Form 5471, Form 8865, or Form 3520. These forms are complex and carry substantial penalties for late or incomplete filing. The firm can help you determine which forms apply, prepare them accurately, and advise on the US tax consequences of your foreign business structure. Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, can assist with Colombian corporate documents. He is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar.
Does the US have a tax treaty with Colombia?
The United States maintains income tax treaties with many countries; for the most current information regarding any treaty between the United States and Colombia, consult the IRS website or speak with a qualified US tax attorney. Tax treaties can affect withholding rates, residency determinations, and the availability of foreign tax credits. The firm stays informed of treaty developments and can advise on how a treaty, if applicable, may affect your US tax obligations. For the official list of US income tax treaties, visit the IRS tax treaty page.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring copies of your prior US tax returns (if any), Colombian tax returns, bank and investment account statements, and any correspondence from the IRS. If you own a business, bring organizational documents and financial statements. The firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, can help you gather Colombian records and explain them in context. He is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. The initial consultation will focus on understanding your US tax situation and identifying any compliance gaps. Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
How does the firm handle US-Colombia cross-border tax matters?
The firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle all US tax law aspects, while Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, serves as a liaison for Colombian documentation and Spanish-language communication. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Colombian law matters and support. This structure ensures that US tax advice comes from attorneys authorized to practice before the IRS, while Colombian records and client communications are managed efficiently. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is available by appointment only.
Can the firm represent me before the IRS?
Yes, Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys can represent you before the Internal Revenue Service in audits, appeals, and collection matters. Representation includes preparing written responses, attending meetings, and negotiating on your behalf. Because the firm has a Colombia Of Counsel, it can coordinate the gathering of Colombian financial records and provide Spanish-language support. Eric Duport Jaramillo is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; he does not provide US legal representation. All IRS representation is handled by the firm’s US-licensed attorneys.
What are the penalties for failing to file FBAR?
Penalties for willful failure to file an FBAR can be severe, including civil penalties up to the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the account balance, and potential criminal prosecution. Non-willful violations may incur a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. The IRS offers voluntary disclosure programs to mitigate penalties. The firm can assess your exposure and advise on the course of action. For official penalty information, see the IRS FBAR page.
How do I get started?
Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation with a US-licensed tax attorney. The firm will discuss your US tax situation, identify any filing obligations, and explain how it can assist. Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, is available to facilitate communication in Spanish and help with Colombian records. He is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is by appointment only. All US legal services are provided by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel network
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads the firm’s US tax practice, drawing on extensive experience representing clients in federal tax matters. The firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. His role is limited to Colombian law matters and serving as a liaison for Spanish-speaking clients. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is available by appointment only. For US tax counsel, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.