1. The 3 Phases of a FIRPTA Transaction

Most foreign sellers think FIRPTA begins at the closing table. By then, it is often too late to avoid costly delays or unnecessary withholding.

 

Every U.S. real estate sale involving a foreign seller moves through three distinct compliance stages. Missing a deadline in Phase 1 or Phase 2 can lock up 15% of your gross sales price with the IRS for over a year.

 

Through our FIRPTA Document Preparation Services, FIRPTA Refunds assists closing attorneys, title companies, settlement agents, and title insurers with the proper preparation and filing of FIRPTA withholding documentation.

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• Phase 1 — Before Closing: Determine whether an exemption applies, apply for an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or submit Form 8288-B to reduce withholding before closing day.

 

• Phase 2 — At Closing: Prepare accurate Form 8288 and Form 8288-A remittance packages, buyer affidavits, and escrow instructions so funds are properly reported within 20 days of closing. At FIRPTA Refunds we refer to this service as the FIRPTA Buyer's Closing Package.

 

• Phase 3 — After Closing: File your U.S. non-resident tax return (Form 1040-NR or Form 1120-F) to claim your actual tax liability and recover excess withheld funds from the IRS.

 

• → Read the Full 3-Phase FIRPTA Timeline 

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2. Why Choose FIRPTA Refunds

 

FIRPTA compliance sits at the intersection of international tax law and U.S. real estate closing deadlines. General tax preparers rarely handle Form 8288-B applications or stamped IRS Form 8288-A discrepancies.

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• Dedicated Focus Since 2008: We have guided thousands of foreign sellers, title companies, and real estate attorneys across all 50 states.

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• IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA): We verify your passport and identity documents directly so you never have to mail your original passport to the IRS.

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• → Read Why Clients & Closing Agents Trust Us

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3. Transparent Flat-Rate Pricing Policy

You should never have to guess what tax compliance will cost or give up a percentage of your IRS refund. We publish clear, flat-rate fees before you commit to any engagement.

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• No Percentage-Based Fees: Our fees are based on the complexity of your filings—never a cut of your real estate proceeds or tax refund.

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• Upfront Quotes: After a brief review of your contract or closing statement, you receive a written flat-fee quote with zero hidden charges.

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• → Review Our Pricing Policy

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4. Don't Be Fooled: Common FIRPTA Traps 

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Improperly prepared forms, unverified preparers, and missing IRS-stamped Form 8288-A copies are the top reasons foreign sellers lose or delay their refunds.

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• Protect Your Principal: Learn how to spot unlicensed preparers, avoid invalid residency affidavits, and verify that withholding funds are actually remitted via EFTPS.

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• →  Read Our Consumer Protection Guide: Don't Be Fooled 

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5. Free No-Obligation Initial Consultation

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Not sure which forms apply to your sale? Share a few basic details about your property and closing timeline, and a senior FIRPTA specialist will outline your exact options at no cost.

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• →  Start Your Free Consultation With Our 90-Second Inquiry Now

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