My understanding of the rules is that legal fees incurred in connection with applying for a work-related visa are deductible as a professional expense, but fees paid in connection with obtaining permanent residency or citizenship, which are more personal in nature, aren't deductible.




Please let us know if you have heard or read otherwise.

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Replying to:

Im a non-US citizen Resident currently on a temporary work visa in the process of applying for a permanent one. However it involves using an immigration lawyer. Im wondering if the cost of hiring an immigration lawyer is deductible as a business expense or something similar?

Zip Code: cpa@mdtaxes.com

I agree with your statement. About 15 years ago I claimed a deduction for the fees paid to a lawyer for changing my status from H1 to Permanent Resident. That year I happened to be audited by the IRS, and that was the only item that was disallowed, and had to pay back taxes.


FT

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Replying to:

My understanding of the rules is that legal fees incurred in connection with applying for a work-related visa are deductible as a professional expense, but fees paid in connection with obtaining permanent residency or citizenship, which are more personal in nature, aren't deductible.




Please let us know if you have heard or read otherwise.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Replying to:

Im a non-US citizen Resident currently on a temporary work visa in the process of applying for a permanent one. However it involves using an immigration lawyer. Im wondering if the cost of hiring an immigration lawyer is deductible as a business expense or something similar?

Zip Code: ftausk@jhmi.edu