Originally Posted by benhogan

No problem. They are not going to question the incoming funds because it is incoming. Do it in one lump sum and not in smaller amounts (to avoid being on the radar). If everything is on the up and up (which I am sure it is), just be ready to provide supporting documents if anyone asks. I doubt if they will ask.

The logic is this. They will gladly welcome any money coming into the US from Europe because they know that once it is here, they will get their cut (taxes, estate taxes) later on because he is a US citizen.

For completeness, let us assume that he is NOT a US citizen and the money gets wired in to his local bank. Let's say your friend lives for 50 years and the money grows exponentially. If he dies and all his heirs are back in Europe, the US has no estate taxes to collect because he is not a US citizen. The money will just go to the heirs (they might pay european estate taxes if any). The US will miss out on the tax even after the guy enjoyed the money for 50 years. Instead, they will want to tax it as it comes in or at least insist that the money be put in a US trust so it will be subject to taxes without any escape.

Hope that helps.

Lastly, I assume the money is coming from a 'friendly' country and not, well, you know what i mean.