Recently in Asset Protection Category

On www.overseasradio.com 1PM to 2PM New York Time Monday-Friday

The Truth and Lies radio show, hosted by R David Finzer, the president and CEO of the Capital Conservator Group, is dedicated to revealing the truth and exposing the lies about:

• international living and expatriation,


• the pitfalls and rewards of the PT lifestyle,


• offshore companies, trusts, foundations and other structures, asset protection, and


• the implosion of the Western World and consequent collapse of the world financial system.

David does have a point of view. He is biased, opinionated and remorseless. He has lived in seven countries, survived multiple attacks by the US government, and for more than 25 years has built international asset protection structures, which to date have never been attacked nor pierced.

David describes himself as a "Christian Libertarian". He defines his philosophy in this way:

"The Judeo-Christian ethic and the societies which it has produced have provided the greatest amount of individual freedom and prosperity in the history of the modern world. A culture based on that ethic is essential for a truly free society. But, not everything that is a sin should be a crime! Despite the opinions or even the outrage of the majority, no action should be considered a crime unless there is a real victim of that action. Government should be limited to the protection of individual rights, not the arbiter of social disputes. Most especially, Government has no moral right to protect us from ourselves! In summary, the God who gave us life, gave us liberty as well, and preservation of that liberty should be the Government's highest goal."

Whether you love him or hate him, agree or disagree, are enlightened or outraged, you will not find David Finzer to be boring. He brings to Truth or Lies years of experience, the scope of which can be matched by few people.

For decades, individuals have been placing money outside of United States boundaries. As a way of securing their funds or investments, offshore accounts were a tax free means to earning interest on a sizable amount of money. But with recent developments from the White House, offshore banking has become more restricted--lessening the appeal of creating an offshore account due to the significant hassle involved.

In 2010, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, was enacted. As an arm of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act, the goal of FATCA was to eliminate tax evasion through bank accounts off American soil. According to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, citizens with any assets off of United States soil are responsible for reporting the accounts and claiming them for tax purposes to the IRS. For those taxpayers hoping to still get around the FATCA, the act also requires foreign banks to report any account or asset held overseas by a United States taxpayer.

Upon the enactment of FATCA, offshore asset protection became a critical point of tension for United States taxpayers with assets overseas. The question of what to do with those funds or assets became the point of many discussions. With recent discussions in Washington D.C. taking place regarding changes to offshore asset laws, the question is even more relevant.

If you have assets you wish to invest offshore, but don't want to pay the increasing annual tax (approximately 36.9% for offshore mutual funds), what are your options?

Through Private Placement Life Insurance, individuals are still given the chance to invest their money in a secure, manageable way. Considered a type of universal life insurance, Private Placement Life Insurance has a cash value attached to the performance of your investments. Meaning, if the accounts you've chosen to invest in within the policy are doing well, you do well. Whether through mutual funds or hedge funds, both great investment options, investors are likely to see better returns on their assets than through equity based investments.

The best part about Private Placement Life Insurance? It's completely tax free. Because of this incredible incentive, Private Placement Lift Insurance is a great option for estate planning. Through purchasing a mutual or hedge fund within an insurance policy, your investment will not only accrue interest tax free, but it will also be passed along to your heirs or beneficiaries tax free.

Whether you're just starting out and looking for the best way to invest offshore the money you've worked so hard to earn or you're simply looking over your portfolio to make some changes in your investment structure, consider Private Placement Life Insurance as a secure, tax free, legitimate choice for a solid offshore investment.

Many equity investors are often seen as naive optimists or gamblers in the stock market and a class of investor that is easily panicked when bad financial or political news makes headlines. The days of the dot.com bonanza, when the average investor was content to accept higher risk to obtain a compound return of 20 % p.a., has now been replaced with extreme caution, acceptance of next to zero interest concurrent with negative real returns from bank deposits - the perception being to protect capital. This is typical behavior of these investors during volatile markets driven by that herd instinct mentality seeking the 'safest' place to keep their hard earned money.

Paradoxically this 'conservative' strategy by investors' in fear of the present financial crisis is indeed doing the opposite. They are lending (depositing)their cash to the very institutions that are now extremely vulnerable to failure with banking collapses or big problems being experienced in the financial system. They fail to realize that the guarantees issued by governments is limited in value and is really only as good as the financial soundness of the government and reflects at best 'good intentions'. Should the government fail, this guarantee is worthless and that places deposits at risk.

Let us consider the governments both in Europe and the US. These are de facto bankrupt having increased their debts on a daily basis beyond what we would term financial prudence. Some governments have already declared bankruptcy (Greece, Portugal, Ireland etc).

The Financial system is already preparing for a 'hopefully only' possible failure of banks and countries. This is reflected in the downgrading of both sovereign and banks credit rating by the credit rating agencies. Thus to have blind confidence by handing over a big part of the family savings to this system is at best 'careless behavior'.

The conclusion to be drawn is very clear: In the case of a serious failure of the financial system the state would have little chance of fulfilling their verbal /'legalized' obligations. There is no legal right for compensation during a financial meltdown and that has serious implications for depositors. We can look no further than Iceland for confirmation of this.

It should be remembered by potential private investors that, as a shareholder with investment in hard assets such as Equities, Properties and/or Commodities, a longer term view should be taken for what they are strategically striving for. Investment in these hard assets benefits them in a number of ways; the increasing value of their shares as reflected in long term profitability of these multinational enterprises, diversification in terms of different sectors and countries. Therefore provided the investor is prepared to take a longer view, these investments represent a 'real safe haven' for the future both in terms of income, growth and capital protection. It is very unlikely that, as an example, 2,000 multinational companies will fail simultaneously and thereby wipe out ones hard earned money where as depositing hard earned money in one or two banks could.

For further questions about investing your capital please visit www.lapis-am.com or don't hesitate to contact us on info@lapis-am.com.

DECEMBER GOLD SETTLES $28.50 HIGHER TODAY and settles at $1788.10 for the week

Today's gold market ended the week strong after selling off the past two sessions. This week produced a $65.80 trading range as the week's economic data had traders liquidating long positions after failing to break through the $1805.00 resistance level and failing to hold the psychological $1800.00 level. The December Futures contract trade as low as$1736.60 on Thursday and provided a "bargain buying" opportunity as savvier investors are still choosing the precious metals as their "safe haven' currency of choice.

Today's veterans Day trade certainly had a Holiday feel ! The volume was very light in spite of a $28.50 rally. Today's December contract covered a $44.40 trading range, trading a HIGH of $1789.40 and a LOW of $1745.00.

Noteworthy News This Week:

Thursday:

The weekly report on Initial Jobless Claims is 390k this was expected to be 400k.

Bernanke is speaking to a group of soldiers and their families, says Fed focusing "intently" on supporting job growth "unemployment rate remains painfully high" US economic "problems are very serious" "inflation appears to be moderating" Inflation likely to stay close to 2% or less. Economy may have 5 to 6% unemployment without inflation. Fed shouldn't carry whole burden to ensure prosperity.

Wednesday:

The crisis in Italy is at the breaking point according to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel claims that "The plight of Europe was so unpleasant that deep structural reforms were needed quickly." Adding "the rest of the world would not wait" and "That will mean more Europe, not less Europe"....

The ECB is actively buying bonds in Italy. The probability of the ECB printing more EURO'S is growing.

Tuesday:

The fragility in the European Union continues and investors continue to choose Gold as their "safe haven" currency of choice. Today we learned that the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will step down once the new budget law is approved with the appropriate amendments demanded by the partners of the European Union. It appears his resignation was forced by Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano.

President Napolitano stated " Berlusconi was aware of the consequences of a vote in parliament on Tuesday in which his center/right coalition failed to secure a majority in the lower house.

Following was an article from Catholic Online :

Critics say Berlusconi was among the chief reasons for the financial attacks on Italy. Dogged by scandal, Berlusconi is on trial for corruption, tax fraud and paying for sex with a minor. Critics say Berlusconi has worn away what had been left of his international credibility. After months of parliamentary deadlock, Berlusconi has shown that he does not have the political backing to push through the measures that are required of Italy to remedy its financial ills.

Monday:

There is a sense of relief at least for now that Greece will remain a member of the European Union and the nation will form a new united Government which will force the present Financial Minister George Papandreou to resign. His successor is expected to be former vice President of the ECB and President of the Bank of Greece - Lucas Papademos. Mr. Papademos will inherit a debt ridden nation in need of a financial overhaul. Gold speculators are also concerned with the fragility in Italy and worry about a contagion chain reaction throughout the Euro Region.

As we Gold bugs are aware during times of economic stress investors globally choose Gold and Silver as they historically retain their value better than most commodities. Until investor confidence grows I expect these choppy and volatile ranges to continue!

MY SWING NUMBERS FOR 11/14

RESISTANCE # 2...............$1818.00
RESISTANCE # 1...............$1803.00
PIVOT ..............................$1774.00
SUPPORT # 1.....................$1759.00
SUPPORT # 2.....................$1730.00

Mike Daly / Gold Specialist
Research Division
PFGBEST.com

mdaly@pfgbest.com

312.563.8029
877.294.4669

There is a substantial risk of loss in trading futures and options. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information and data in this report were obtained from sources considered reliable. Their accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed and the giving of the same is not to be deemed as an offer or solicitation on our part with respect to the sale or purchase of any securities or commodities. PFGBEST, its officers and directors may in the normal course of business have positions, which may or may not agree with the opinions expressed in this report. Any decision to purchase or sell as a result of the opinions expressed in this report will be the full responsibility of the person authorizing such transaction.

If you have a substantial amount of money to safeguard it may be to your financial benefit to set up an offshore company to protect your assets. Simply put, an offshore company is a company that is incorporated in a country other than the one it does the majority of its business in.

There are many legitimate reasons to set up an offshore company but for many companies the main reason is to take advantage of tax laws that are more partisan than those in the United States. Setting up a legal offshore company is a good way to minimize your tax liability and keep more of your profits in your pocket. Setting up an offshore corporation does not alleviate the need to pay taxes in the country where the income was derived however.

The other benefits of incorporating an offshore company are; the ability to trade internationally, financial confidentiality, asset protection, business and land ownership in a foreign country, increased financial flexibility and privacy.

You may also find that offshore companies offer a higher quality of asset protection than setting up your company in the United States. In many offshore jurisdictions you can form an offshore corporation in such a way that your earnings are protected from future liability.

In jurisdictions such as Panama a person can incorporate an offshore company without using their real name. This can provide a level of anonymity that is not possible in the U.S. system of business. This type of corporation is known as an anonymous bearer share corporation. In today's banking world very few places outside of Panama still offer and enforce, through banking secrecy laws, this level of privacy.

Business owners can also form an offshore company with a minimum amount of cash equity in the business. Different countries have different rules for this, but overall upfront costs are much cheaper to set up an offshore company in a jurisdiction like Panama as opposed to Switzerland for example. Each offshore destination should be carefully researched and an asset protection lawyer consulted prior to making a jurisdiction selection.

In addition to the benefits, there are some disadvantages to setting up an offshore company that you should be aware of. If a person incorporates an offshore version of their company there is a chance that they won't be able to have employees on a payroll for that companies American counterpart.

There may also be restrictions on the type of company that a person may form in certain countries. For instance, a person may not be able to open a bank, insurance company, lottery or another entity in a strictly controlled industry.

Another drawback of going offshore is the necessity of putting your estate through a protracted probate process if you die suddenly. Even if you have a will, foreign countries will still look over your business dealings with a fine tooth comb before they release your assets to your heirs.

There are many countries where you can incorporate an offshore company. Some of the most popular are; Switzerland, the grandfather of offshore banking, the Isle of Man, which has favorable tax laws, Singapore, which has excellent investment potential and the Republic of Panama which is extremely favorable to incorporated companies.

After a time, you may choose to move your company from one location to another. You must incorporate your company in a country that allows for this type of cross border movement and you must also move to a country that has laws favorable to a move. If you file the proper paperwork utilizing the services of an asset protection lawyer, you will not lose your incorporation charter, no matter how many different jurisdictions you move your offshore company to.

If you decide that you would like to start an offshore company you need to do your research and be comfortable with the choice you make and its associated benefits and drawbacks. Learn more about offshore company formation and anonymous bearer share corporations at the author's website.

In these unclear times you should consider a few things before moving your capital to just one offshore location.

• Institutional Diversification: Many savvy investors have offshore accounts in more than one location. Just as you wouldn't want to have all of you money in one bank, even if you think it is stable (Lehman Brothers) it is smart to diversify your investments among a few financial institutions.
• Domicile Diversification: Change in government stability, regulations and policies can make it unattractive to have your investments there. This is why most investors move capital offshore in the first place! This is another reason many investors have brokerage accounts in different countries.
• Additional Products & Services: Each brokerage firm offers different products or has specialties. Having more than one investment account will get you access to a broader range of markets, products and services that can help you grow your wealth.
• Asset Protection: Client protection laws are different in each jurisdiction. In the event you are involved in a law suit, taking a multi-jurisdictional approach will make it more challenging and expensive to seize your capital.
• Time Zone: The difference in time zones can often make simple things a challenge.
• Language Barriers: When dealing with someone whose first language is not your own, sometimes things can get "lost in translation." When you are dealing with complex financial orders it is important to get things exactly right.

Don't sit back and watch things happen to you. Get the solutions you need to in these uncertain times! One solution for diversifying your capital is Bateman Financial. Bateman Financial is a fully integrated financial services company located in the Cayman Islands. They provide private asset management, ability to trade 80+ markets, precious metal storage, multi-currency accounts, and access to hedge funds. They also have a specialty in oil & gas and mining stocks. They are strategically located in a jurisdiction that provides asset protection and pure anonymity for your clients.

To take advantage of these offerings or for more information contact Josh at Bateman Financial. Phone: +1.345.934.4766 Email: josh.vandyk@batemanfinancial.com

Secrets of America's Ruling "Inflatocracy" Exposed - New Book: "The Inflation Deception" Offers Seven Ways to Restore Economic Stability

The "Inflatocracy" (government of, by and for inflation) and the huge welfare state it makes possible, have brought the United States and millions of Americans to the brink of bankruptcy. In the new book The Inflation Deception monetary expert Craig R. Smith and former think tank futurist and veteran investigative reporter Lowell Ponte team up again to track down how the Inflatocracy has taken over our government and explore seven ways We the People can take back our country.

American Exceptionalism is real. Scientists have found it in an unusual variant in the DNA of a disproportionate share of Americans. This self-selected "pioneering" and "entrepreneurial" DNA has helped make America "exceptional" in the world in both freedom and prosperity, according to The Inflation Deception: Seven Ways Government Tricks Us...And Seven Ways to Stop It!, a new book by businessman Craig R. Smith and futurist Lowell Ponte.

According to the authors, "Today America's economy seems trapped in a downward spiral of permanent high unemployment, sinking home prices, currency decline and near-zero economic growth."

"Worse yet, Americans now face a fast-approaching tidal wave of inflation that could sink our economy and the U.S. Dollar, and plunge our world into conflict and chaos."

Behind today's crisis is "the Inflatocracy, a new kind of government of, by and for inflation," that has staged a quiet coup d'etat and replaced the government of America's Founders," writes Smith, the founder and Chairman of Swiss America Trading Corporation.

In the globe of investments there are quite a few kinds, variations and kinds of investments that variety from the easy to the complex. You can choose upon using nearby investments, investments that are in the same country and even these investments that are across the ocean in a different region. Some countries have numerous guidelines and needs governing the sorts of offshore investments that citizens can participate in, but these policies and recommendations are typically completely achievable to nonetheless actively make offshore investments without having currently being limited.

One benefit to an offshore investment is you are in a position to find new types of investments that are not typically obtainable in the region wherever you reside. The specific definition of an offshore investment is investing in a country that is not the same nation in which you live. There are a number of positive aspects to employing offshore investments and the precise reasons differ commonly dependent upon the exact requirements and wishes of the investor.

Generally an offshore investment is very good for investors since of the decreased taxes that can be charged on the revenue from the investment. Although of training course the amount of advantages you can locate differ dependent on your precise tax standing as well as the sum of cash you are investing there are some techniques you can reduce your all round tax burden by moving the investment to an offshore investment instead than retaining it at home.

It is essential to make sure that you are watchful in producing certain all details is completely crammed out ahead of your tax procedure comes close to. A lot of men and women use offshore investments to conceal illegal cash or to interact in significantly less than ethical practices with money so the tax departments of a lot of governments are inclined to seem meticulously into these transactions to ensure that they are correctly legal and there is no illegal transactions taking spot. You should use an accounting if you are operating with offshore investments to make certain that you are adequately secured.

When making use of an accountant for your offshore investment it is a good thought to look for out an accountant who will supply audit safety in the event that they make a error so that you are not losing all of your likely profits to fines and penalties due to the fact your accountant has manufactured a mistake. This is really essential and most respected accountants supply this services to support supply clientele with reassurance. You can find out far more about investment and hedge money at www.vega-asset-management.com

There are a number of good factors why offshore investments are great, with a number of of the factors revolving all around fewer rules, tax savings and even greater privacy for the investor. These causes along with asset safety help inspire far more men and women to seek out offshore investments every single yr. One of the most well-liked locations to see offshore investments have a tendency s to be the Cayman Islands simply because of the openness and versatility of the investment and tax laws in the place.

Irrespective of your cause for looking to offshore investments it is often a wise thought to make certain that you are looking for investments with a good monetary professional who can help you make sure that you are producing good decisions with regards to investments before you spend your income. Watchful arranging will aid you reap the best rewards for your offshore investments.

About the Writer

Article by Dean Forster at www.vega-asset-management.com. More fantastic free of charge details on investing and hedge funds at Vega Asset Management

Investoffshore.com has seen an increasing number of clients worried about the drastic decline in the value of the US dollars, the health of the economy, the increasing debt levels and the tangible possibility of hyper-inflation. We have an established relationship with an offshore financial firm that takes a global view on investing. They can provide many solutions to hedge these growing concerns. Here are just a few investment options they offer:

Physical Precious Metals: Gold is the traditional "Safe-Haven‟ asset. Governments & corporation are expanding their use of Gold as a reserve asset and reducing their reliance on the USD. In addition, many investors use Gold as a natural hedge against inflation or USD depreciation. Purchase precious metals, such as Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium, and get actual bar numbers.

Multi-Currency Cash Accounts: Clients can have cash accounts in up to 10 major currencies. Clients can also purchase foreign bonds to potentially boost returns.

Fixed-term deposits: Attractive interest rates are available for certificates of deposit in the following currencies: GBP, EUR, CAD, & USD.

Equity Inflation Fund: This fund aims to provide strong gains through investments in equities that have fixed pricing power and should benefit from rising prices. Fund denominated in several currencies. Annualized return: 47%

Emerging Currency Fund: This fund aims to provide capital appreciation though investments in bonds, currencies & their derivatives in emerging Asian, Latin American, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and African countries. Fund is available in several currencies. Annualized return: 19.7%

Natural Resource Fund: Natural resources are a great way to gain global exposure and diversify a portfolio. With the increase in global energy demand and high margins on oil & gold, this fund is positioned for strong future growth. The fund has historically produced very robust returns through investing in pre-IPO junior resource companies. Fund is available in several currencies. Annualized return: 156%

Get all of these options in one account. For more information on these investments please contact investoffshore.com or Josh VanDyk |1-345-943-4766 | josh.vandyk@batemanfinancial.com

*All investments involve different degrees of risk. You should be aware of your risk tolerance level and financial situations at all times. Past results are not indicative of future results. Read any and all prospectuses carefully before making any investment decisions. As you know, a recommendation, which you are free to accept or reject, is not a guarantee for the successful performance of an investment and we are expressly prohibited from guaranteeing accounts against losses arising from market conditions.

Brazilian Personal Taxation in Brief

Under the Brazilian personal tax system, residents are taxed on their worldwide income, which includes interests and dividends from foreign sources.

An individual is considered Brazilian resident for tax purposes if he remains in the country for 183 days, consecutive or not, during the course of a calendar year. Those entering Brazil with a permanent visa are also deemed to be permanent residents for tax purposes as of the date of their arrival.

The personal income tax rate is progressive, up to a rate of 27.5% for annual income exceeding BRL 42,984 (around USD 25,500). Capital gains are subject to a flat tax rate of 15%.

Brazilian tax law applies a number of anti avoidance provisions, including transfer pricing, thin capitalisation and general anti-avoidance rules, which entails Brazilian tax authorities, under the "substance over form" test, to disregard acts performed with the purpose of dissimulating the occurrence of the taxable event of the tax.

Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules have also been introduced in Brazil under Art. 74 of the Provisional Measure 2158-35/2001, however the definition, as set forth under Law 6.4040, only applies to Corporations and not to individual investors, who may achieve tax deferrals.

In addition to the legal obligation to file annual income tax returns, Brazilian individuals must file an annual return (Declaracao Eletronica dos Capitais Brasileiros no Exterior, or CBE) with Brazil's Central Bank declaring all foreign assets held on December 31st of the preceding year. Despite this filing obligation, there is currently no wealth tax in place in Brazil and thus no tax is assessed and levied on the gross or net assets of a fiscal resident.

What are the benefits available to you from the world of offshore savings, investment, finance and banking?

We know that choosing the right strategy, the right investment and the right product is no easy task in this day and age! Whether its advice, investments or financial planning we are here to answer all your questions and facilitate all your financial needs.

Even in this day and age of enlightenment thanks to the pervasive nature of information dissemination via the internet, some people are still concerned about the legalities and legitimacy of the offshore world of finance and banking. For some reason others simply assume that onshore equates to a 'safe haven' for money and offshore equates to a 'risky tax haven.'

Well, you and I know that that is simply not the case! However, even though it is now clearer to more people that the offshore world holds many potential taxation benefits, there are still questions to be answered about why one should invest offshore and in this article we explore the benefits.

First things first...here's another myth I wish to dispel - some people say that offshore investments and bank accounts are more lightly regulated than their entity-type-counterparts onshore...now, that's not necessarily true!

Yes, certain jurisdictions give fund managers, bankers and investors pretty much free rein so that the rewards and risks are potentially far greater - but some jurisdictions are very highly regarded among financial professionals simply because of the incredibly high standards of protection they afford investors and account holders through insurance schemes and government regulation requirements for example:

The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are examples of offshore jurisdictions where offshore investment and saving policy or bank account holders are afforded high levels of protection. Just taking the Isle of Man - it offers policyholder protection schemes, it also has the highest financial services rating issued by the OECD, FATF and FSF and it has an independent Financial Services Ombudsman scheme not to mention the fact that both Standard and Poor's and Moody's have given the Isle of Man AAA ratings.

So - myth dispelled, let's move on.

By investing funds offshore of one's home country, there is an immediate benefit of protection against the troubles of the country's market or currency. Offshore investing can take many forms. Alternative investment vehicles often include a component of offshore investments, such as offshore real estate, or offshore farm land and agricultural production, or even offshore gold and silver storage.

Advantages of Offshore Investments as Alternative Investment Vehicles

Offshore investing once was for the ultra-wealthy, those sporting net worth's well North of $10 million. Now almost anyone can move funds into the more exciting and potentially profitable world of offshore investments. Knowledge of how to enjoy the advantages of offshore investing is much more expensive and rare than with standard home country investing however.

As an alternative investment, moving funds out of your country of origin has largely been a winning trade for the past decade when calculated with currency fluctuations. China, Brazil, and India have all offered higher returns during bulls markets then the U.S. stock indexes over the past decade for instance. While these markets can be played with ETF's, there are several key shares that must be purchased using offshore investing houses.

Some of the key advantages of offshore investing within an alternative investment framework include: higher potential returns than the domestic market, much broader range of stocks to choose from, often better pricing than domestic ETF's, early availability of smaller capitalized issues, protection against single market dependence in real estate, stocks, weather effects, political effects, and currency devaluations.

Much like domestic investing, offshore money management can steer towards main line investing in big projects or companies, or more towards alternatives to the main companies. While the risk can be greater with alternative investments, the rewards can be significantly higher and come much faster with a systematic approach to evaluating alternative investing ideas within an offshore portfolio.

Here are 6 ideas for moving funds offshore and potentially enjoying high alternative investment returns: offshore direct company investment, offshore private placements, offshore currency investment (FOREX), offshore fund investment, offshore gold and silver storage, offshore investment account denominated in a local currency, such as USA Dollar, Australian Dollar, Singapore Dollar, or GBP Pound.

These 6 offshore options for investing, can broaden a portfolio. Instead of only being dependent on major stock indexes, the above investments offer security against single market dynamics. Not only is there potential for higher returns, but potential for avoiding massive loses if all of your investments are based on one market and are susceptible to political, economic or natural disasters.

Dynamic Wealth Management Zurich, Switzerland is an independent investment advisory firm which focuses on global equities and options markets. Our analytical tools, screening techniques, rigorous research methods and committed staff provide solid information to help our clients make the best possible investment decisions. All views, comments, statements and opinions are of the authors. For more information go to www.dynamicwmanagement.com.

Elimination of Capital-Gains, Tax-Free Growth, Tax-Free Borrowing, Elimination of Estate Tax. This structure offers some of the best tax planning benefits available today. Investors with appreciated assets of at least $1 million (public or private stock, real estate, etc.) can use the FVUL structure to obtain significant tax savings.

The FVUL can eliminate 3 levels of tax:

• A. capital gains tax,


• B. tax on reinvested income, and


• C. estate tax.
  

Private Variable Annuity

The full FVUL structure contains several components. First, an investor transfers assets to an insurance company in exchange for a deferred private annuity.

The insurance company can be directed to either hold or sell such assets. For example, if an investor's closely-held company stock is transferred to the insurance company, the insurance company can then be directed to sell the stock to a third party. The third party pays for the stock in cash, notes or other consideration. The insurance company invests the cash into stocks, bonds, mutual fund, etc., for the benefit of the investor. Foreign insurance companies are used, to provide almost unlimited flexibility in structuring the annuity contract. Investments can be held in either U.S. or foreign brokerage accounts, at the investor's option.

No Tax on Sale or Growth

The sale of the assets from the insurance company to a third party does not trigger capital gains tax, because the sale is made by a foreign entity. Further, the investments accumulate on a tax-deferred basis until withdrawn.

Taxation of Withdrawals

The second component to the FVUL structure is combining the private annuity with a foreign variable life policy. The variable life policy allows the investor to take tax-free policy loans from the FVUL. If the private annuity were not combined with the FVUL, then the annuity payments would be partially taxable as ordinary income.

Long-Term Estate Planning

Combining the private annuity and foreign variable life insurance with a third component -- a U.S. life insurance trust, allows the investor's assets to pass to beneficiaires of the trust without tax. Upon the death of the investor, any assets inside the FVUL structure pass to surviving family members outside of the investor's estate, thus avoiding the 55% estate tax. Therefore, this strategy can effectively "double" the after-tax value of an affluent investor's estate.
The full FVUL structure is combining the private annuity, the foreign variable life insurance policy, and the life insurance trust, in a special way.

*To ensure compliance with U.S. law, and to provide comfort to the investor, an independent legal opinion can be obtained.

Since 2001 Vern Jacobs has been providing information for Americans who invest offshore, or want to learn about offshore investing, through his Yahoo Group list called the Jacobs Report, it's grown to over 1,700 members, I've been a subscriber since the beginning and watched dozens and dozens of people resolve questions they had about offshore investments.

The description on the Jacobs Report at Yahoo Group reads:

The Jacobs Report on International Tax Planning is a free e-mail Q&A service about international tax planning, asset protection and related offshore topics. The list is open to the public, but answers to questions by customers and subscribers of Offshore Press will be given priority in the selection of questions to answer. Answers to questions will be provided on a time available basis. The responses to questions are based on the author's interpretation of the relevant tax law and are not intended to constitute specific advice to any member of this Yahoo Group or to be a substitute for qualified professional advice. The information provided does not constitute authoritative support for any tax issue and may not be relied on to avoid potential IRS civil penalties for negligence.

If you're an American citizen and need advice regarding investing offshore, then I highly recommend learning more about Vern Jacobs. If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien who has (or wants to have) assets in a foreign trust, then you might appreciate the Vern Jacob's book: U.S. Tax Guide for Foreign Trusts. If you are the beneficiary of a foreign trust, then I suggest you read this book.

Even if you're a foreign trustee, or an attorney who facilitates the formation of foreign trusts, an investment advisor who manages the assets in a foreign trust or an accountant who keeps the books for a foreign trust owned by a U.S. person, then you also would appreciate the information contained in this book. Learn more at www.vernonjacobs.com

Patrick Cox, CEO of TaxMasters, Gives Tips on Some Common Taxpayer Mistakes That Can Lead to IRS Audits

HOUSTON, Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As we enter yet another tax season, many individual taxpayers and small business owners share fears about being audited by the IRS, often fueled by misconceptions concerning the audit process and a lack of information about how to avoid being selected for an audit. While audit regulations can be complicated, there are specific steps you can take to stay off the IRS's radar, according to Patrick Cox, CEO of TaxMasters.

According to Cox, "There is an increased chance of being audited by the IRS when taxpayers take aggressive deductions such as those for unreimbursed employee business expenses, large charitable deductions compared to income or large medical deductions compared to income. Unnecessary and untimely deductions for losses on a business or large losses claimed in one year compared to income from other sources can also raise red flags."

Cox added, "Other common deductions the IRS looks for are businesses with high mileage expenses, high meals and entertainment expenses and other large expenses compared to income for things like repairs, maintenance and supplies."

In fiscal year 2010, the IRS attempted to collect overdue tax liabilities from no fewer than 4.3 million taxpayers. With the effectiveness of aggressive IRS collections actions being called into question, the IRS may be forced to find additional revenue using other strategies. The IRS has increasingly used correspondence examinations, which are adjustments to a taxpayer's liability communicated by mail through an IRS notice, to effectively increase collections without all the drama and inefficiency of a field audit or desk audit.

So what's the lesson? If a taxpayer has any monsters hiding in his or her tax closet, the time to stop feeding that monster is now. The IRS may be slow to act, but when it does decide to pursue something, the agency does so with unrelenting vigor. Just ask Wesley Snipes, who wound up in prison years after failing to file only three tax returns.