FIRPTA Withholding Support
Start before closing
Identify the seller’s status, transaction details and records needed while there is time to coordinate responsibilities.
Connect closing and reporting
Keep the closing figures, withholding records and preparation package aligned.
For foreign sellers of U.S. real property interests, buyers, real estate professionals and closing teams seeking accounting and tax-reporting support.
What We Review & Prepare
Transaction intake
Review seller information, ownership, the purchase agreement, expected closing date and available taxpayer identification details.
Withholding review
Assess the applicable withholding questions, including exceptions or potential certificate considerations, with the transaction’s tax and legal advisers.
Forms 8288 and 8288-A support
Organize the data and documentation for agreed preparation and reporting responsibilities. Coordinate payment evidence and closing figures.
Post-closing reconciliation
Keep a clear record of amounts withheld and submitted for coordination with the seller’s tax-return preparer.
How We Work Together
Identify
Confirm parties, property and expected timing.
Review
Evaluate withholding questions and documentation.
Coordinate
Agree on closing, payment and reporting responsibilities.
Reconcile
Match closing statements and withheld amounts to supporting records.
Prepare for Your First Conversation
Bring the purchase agreement, draft or final closing statement, ownership information, seller tax-status documentation and correspondence about withholding. Identify an upcoming closing date at the first conversation.
Discuss Your Compliance Needs →
The engagement defines the deliverables, fees, reviewer and filing responsibilities before work begins. Preparation support does not mean a return has been filed or accepted. Outcomes depend on the facts and applicable rules.
Common Questions
What is the general FIRPTA withholding rate?
Generally, withholding is 15% of the amount realized on a foreign person’s disposition of a U.S. real property interest, subject to exceptions and special rules. It is not simply a percentage of profit.
Is FIRPTA withholding the seller’s final tax?
Not necessarily. Withholding and the seller’s final tax liability are different. Reconciliation depends on the return and supporting records; a refund is not guaranteed.
Can withholding be reduced?
An exception or IRS withholding certificate may apply in some circumstances. Eligibility, documentation and timing require review; a reduction or approval cannot be promised.
Do you replace the closing attorney or title company?
No. This service supports accounting and tax-reporting coordination. The parties must agree on who handles withholding, remittance, submission and legal closing responsibilities.
Related Services & Resources
Official references: IRS: FIRPTA withholding. Reviewed September 28, 2026.