Must I claim foreign retirement benefits?

[ulla1762]

Must I claim foreign social security on my tax return?

[KarenJ · Accepted solution]

Most tax treaties reserve taxation of pension and social security distributions to the country of residence (which for you would be the US if you meet the substantial presence test).  

Foreign pensions and tax can be quite complicated.  They operate differently in every country. There may be trust reporting requirements.   I would suggest you work with a CPA experienced in foreign retirement benefits.

Also, retirement benefits are usually reportable as reportable foreign financial assets / foreign financial accounts for FinCEN 114 (FBAR) and Form 8938.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/comparison-of-form-8938-and-fbar-requirements

Publication 519 US Tax Guide for Aliens