U.S.-India Tax Planning: Key Issues, Tax Treaties, FATCA/FBAR Reporting, Passive Income, and Pitfalls to Avoid

Mr. Bhatia is an experienced Tax Professional with a demonstrated history of working in the Tax Advisory and Compliance. He is skilled in Income Tax, International Tax, PE and VC Funds, M&A and Corporate Re-organizations, Cross-border Transactions, and Tax Advisory. 

Mr. Navani serves as Practice Leader of the firm’s International Commerce Group and Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals practices. He advises emerging and established businesses in the life sciences, software, manufacturing, and closely held business sectors. Mr. Navani provides income tax planning throughout a company’s “formation to exit” lifecycle, helping clients navigate capitalization, entity selection, retirement planning, charitable giving strategies, tax examinations, business sales, and post-transaction planning matters. A significant portion of his practice focuses on international tax matters, including the U.S. tax implications of cross-border business operations, transfer pricing, and international mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Navani advises both foreign companies entering the U.S. market and U.S.-based businesses operating internationally, helping clients navigate complex tax and operational considerations across jurisdictions. He also works extensively with middle-market multinational businesses to develop practical and tax-efficient global structures. Mr. Navani also chairs the firm’s U.S.–India Practice group and has extensive experience advising businesses and individuals with operations and financial interests in both countries. He frequently works with global families on cross-border financial and tax planning matters and coordinates closely with a network of Chartered Accountants, attorneys, and other professionals throughout India.

Mr. Patel’s expertise is in all stages of tax controversies including international tax law, foreign bank accounts and disclosures, tax audit defense, and tax appeals. He has counseled over 1000 voluntary tax matters for assets before the US Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Patel is a Board-Certified Tax Law Attorney, Board Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist, Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, and frequent speaker on legal issues affecting tax, offshore tax planning, and estate planning. He is a New Jersey Super Lawyer by New Jersey Magazine for tax and estate planning. Mr. Patel has also received an AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating System. He is the Chairman of the Tax Law Committee of American Bar Association’s GP Solo and Small Firm Division. Mr. Patel also serves as Municipal Court Judge for Westfield Township and Edison Township Municipal Courts, with jurisdiction of vehicular violations, temporary restraining orders, criminal and ordinance offenses.

Ms. Shah provides tax compliance and planning services to closely held businesses with international operations, as well as to individuals with foreign income, assets, and filing requirements. Drawing on her background as a small business owner, she brings a practical understanding of day-to-day operational challenges and uses that perspective to help clients navigate complex cross-border tax issues and optimize their overall tax position.