Lost in Translation: Making Sense of PFIC Rules & Form 8621

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.