Common Estate Planning Mistakes for Non-Citizens

If you’re living and building wealth in the U.S. but are not a citizen (perhaps a Green Card holder or legal resident) there are a few estate planning pitfalls that are easy to miss - and potentially costly.

Here are some of the most common:

1. Assuming the Same Tax Rules Apply to You

U.S. citizens benefit from a high federal estate tax exemption.
Non-citizens may not and this can create unexpected estate tax exposure on U.S.-based assets.

2. Owning U.S. Assets Without Proper Structuring

Real estate, investment accounts, and business interests in the U.S. can all be subject to estate tax depending on how they’re held.

Ownership structure matters more than most people realize.

3. Not Accounting for Cross-Border Complexity

Tax treaties, residency status, and domicile rules all play a role.

Without coordinated planning, families can face delays, legal complications, or unnecessary tax burdens.

4. Waiting Too Long to Plan

The biggest mistake is often inaction.

The earlier you review your situation, the more options you typically have to protect your assets and your family.

Estate planning for non-citizens isn’t one-size-fits-all but with the right structure, many of these risks can be managed.

If this applies to you, I’m always open to a conversation for the areas where I can help