Form 3520: Foreign Trust and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts
Foreign trusts and foreign gifts can trigger some of the IRS’s most complex—and heavily penalized—reporting rules. This webinar breaks down the when, why, and how of Form 3520 compliance so you can confidently identify filing obligations and avoid costly mistakes. We’ll walk through the key distinctions between domestic and foreign trusts under IRC §7701, including how the Court Test and Control Test determine trust classification. You’ll also learn when foreign gifts and inheritances must be reported, how reporting thresholds apply, and how withholding and income tax rules impact foreign trust transactions. The program concludes with a practical, form-focused discussion of Form 3520 and Form 3520-A, covering filing responsibilities for grantors, trustees, and beneficiaries under IRC §§671–679, along with deadlines, extension options, and penalty exposure for noncompliance. Whether you’re advising clients with international connections or encountering Form 3520 issues for the first time, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need.
*Self-Study recording not available for NASBA CPE credit.
IRS Program #: 7Q3WU-T-00850-25
CTEC Course #: 6248-CE-00213
Rita Ryan
,
Esq., LLM
Rita Ryan is the Founder of RRITS and a seasoned Tax Attorney with more than 18 years of experience advising clients on cross-border personal/business taxation, international investment structuring, multi-jurisdictional estate planning, and U.S. tax compliance obligations arising from global activities and holdings. She is widely regarded for her ability to navigate complex international tax regimes and translate evolving regulatory requirements into practical, strategic guidance.
In addition to her client-facing work, Rita serves as a trusted advisor to fellow tax professionals, providing specialized support in identifying international reporting obligations, advising on complex filings, and reviewing workpapers and forms to ensure technical accuracy in an increasingly dynamic international compliance environment.
Prior to founding RRITS, Rita served as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Private Client Services at M+, where she focused on integrated tax, business, and wealth preservation planning for high-net-worth business owners and their families. Earlier in her career, she founded and led Wolf & Co.’s International Tax Services Practice, advising both individuals and entities on the tax planning and compliance aspects of international ownership structures. Rita began her legal career in private practice as an Associate Attorney at Vacovec, Mayotte & Singer, LLP, concentrating on international and domestic taxation, estate planning, and tax controversy matters.
Rita is also an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Tax Program at Boston University School of Law, where she co-founded and co-teaches the course Foreign Information Reporting and Withholding. In addition, she regularly teaches advanced international tax topics for Tax Practice Pros, LumiQ, and the National Association of Enrolled Agents, contributing to the education of practitioners nationwide.
Nicole Ramos
,
EA
I am an Enrolled Agent and also work with Continuing Education for tax professionals nationwide.
Recommended Webinars
Form 3520: Foreign Trust and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts
2 IRS CE/2 NASBA CPE*
This webinar equips tax professionals to navigate complex IRS rules for foreign trusts and gifts, covering Form 3520/3520-A compliance, trust classification, reporting thresholds, tax implications, and penalties to ensure accurate international tax reporting.
