Held back at closing, settled on your tax return
The 15% is a deposit, not your final tax bill. A U.S. tax return works out what you really owe and gives credit for what was already paid.
15% is held back
The buyer keeps 15% of the sale price and sends it to the IRS within 20 days. This is called FIRPTA withholding.IRS
The buyer files Form 8288You get a stamped copy
The IRS stamps a copy of Form 8288-A and sends it to you. Think of it as your receipt for the tax paid on your behalf.IRS
Form 8288-A is your receiptWe file your return
We report the sale on a U.S. tax return for non-residents and claim the money already paid. If more was held back than you owe, the IRS refunds the difference.
Form 1040-NR is the returnNo U.S. tax number yet? If your number is missing from Form 8288-A, the IRS can't send you the stamped copy.IRS We can apply for your ITIN at the same time.
See how much may have been held back
The buyer holds back 15% of the sale price. Your tax is worked out on your profit. Move the sliders to see the gap.
Illustration only, not tax advice. The buyer may hold back less: 10% for a home the buyer will live in at $1,000,000 or less, and nothing at $300,000 or less.IRS Your real tax depends on your costs and your situation.
This is for you if…
- You don't live in the U.S. and you sold a house, condo or land there.
- The buyer or the closing lawyer held back money from what you were paid.
- You're not sure if you can get any of it back, or how to ask.
- You don't have a U.S. tax number yet. We can help with that too.
You may be able to ask the IRS to hold back less, before closing
The form is called 8288-B. Send it to the IRS on or before the closing date, and tell the buyer in writing that you did. If the IRS agrees, less money is taken from the sale.IRS
What to have ready
Nothing fancy. If you're missing something, tell us. We'll work out the next step with you.
The sale paperwork from the closing lawyer or title company. It shows the price and what was held back.
The IRS-stamped copy. Not here yet? That's common. Tell us and we'll check what is missing.
The purchase price, plus big costs since: renovations, legal fees and selling costs.
Only if you need an ITIN. We check it with you on a video call.
One clear price, in U.S. dollars
- Your Form 1040-NR, the U.S. return for non-residents, prepared and filed
- The money held back claimed using your stamped Form 8288-A
- Updates until the IRS has processed it
- An ITIN is the U.S. tax number you need on the return
- Filed together with your return
- Identity checked on a video call with an IRS-approved agent
See all our prices.
Read the full FIRPTA guide.
Everything on this page, with the forms, the rates and the timing explained step by step. Every number links to an IRS page.
- Six steps to get your money back
- How to hold back less before closing
- 12 questions answered in plain words
Listed by the IRS as an acceptance agent
Nolly Services Inc, known as Nolly.com, appears on the IRS's published list of acceptance agents in Canada. You can check it yourself.
See our listing on IRS.gov
Common questions about FIRPTA refunds
When someone who isn't a U.S. resident sells U.S. property, the buyer has to keep 15% of the amount realized, mostly the sale price, and send it to the IRS. It is a deposit toward your tax, not the final bill.IRS
The IRS says to allow up to 6 months for refunds of tax shown on Form 8288-A. Before that you wait for the buyer's filing and the stamped copy, and the IRS sets that pace. Nobody can promise a date.IRS
The buyer may be liable for the tax, plus penalties and interest.IRS You still need to report the sale and pay any tax on your profit. Don't skip the return because nothing was held back.
Yes. FIRPTA applies to any foreign person. A Canadian selling a Florida or Arizona condo usually has 15% held back and files Form 1040-NR to settle it.IRS Our guide to getting an ITIN from Canada covers the tax number.
We prepare and file your Form 1040-NR and claim the money held back, using your stamped Form 8288-A. Our fee starts at $499, in U.S. dollars, and is confirmed before we start. An ITIN is $199 extra, only if you need one.
Sources: FIRPTA withholding · Instructions for Form 1040-NR (2025) · Form 8288-B and instructions (Rev. 12-2025) · Instructions for Form 8288 and Form 8288-A · Exceptions from FIRPTA withholding. Checked October 1, 2026. General information, not tax advice.