Could Competing Internationally Cost U.S. Athletes 100% of Their Income?

Imagine training your entire life, stepping onto a podium, and winning a medal on the global stage—only to be told you owe the IRS every single dollar you earned.

That scenario could soon become a reality. A recent proposal introduced in Congress aims to slap a 100% excise tax on specific income earned by U.S. citizens and permanent residents who compete for certain foreign nations.

In short, some athletes might be forced to surrender all of their international earnings.

Breaking Down the Proposed OLYMPICS Act

Officially known as the Officially Limiting Yearly Money Procured by Individuals Concerning Sportmanship (OLYMPICS) Act, this bill does not pull any punches. If passed, it would impose a massive 100% tax rate on revenue stemming from:

  • International competition appearances
  • Prize money and athletic awards
  • Sponsorships tied directly to representing a foreign nation

Currently, lawmakers have focused the bill on athletes competing for four specific nations: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. However, the legislative language could easily evolve to include other countries, affecting athletes at the Olympics, the World Cup, and beyond.

The Catalyst Behind the Legislation

Tax bills rarely appear out of thin air. This proposal is closely tied to the 2026 Winter Olympics and high-profile competitors like American-born snowboarder Eileen Gu, who chose to compete for China.

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Gu represents a massive shift in how lucrative international representation can be. Her decision was not just about athletic opportunity; it involved staggering financial figures:

Switching National Allegiances Is Common Practice

While the spotlight is currently on athletes like Gu, changing the flag on your uniform is deeply woven into the fabric of global sports. Athletes make these moves due to dual citizenship, a better chance of qualifying, or access to superior funding and coaching.

Look across the sports landscape, and you will see top-tier talent representing nations outside their primary residence. Golfer Rory McIlroy plays for Ireland on the international stage while competing mostly on the U.S. PGA Tour.

NBA stars regularly represent countries connected to their heritage, such as Joel Embiid considering multiple nations before his final choice, or Luka Dončić shining for Slovenia. Track and field star Bernard Lagat ran for both Kenya and the United States. Geography is just one part of the equation.

Navigating the Global Tax Net

Even without the OLYMPICS Act, our team at Christiansen Accounting knows firsthand that U.S. expats and international earners face a steep climb. The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where the work takes place.

An American athlete competing for a foreign flag often owes taxes to the U.S. while simultaneously facing tax liabilities in the country they represent. As one analysis points out, dual-national competitors frequently navigate conflicting tax obligations from two or more governments at once, creating serious double taxation risks.

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Taxation as a Tool for Behavior

At its core, this legislative push reflects a broader trend: using the tax code to steer behavior rather than just fund the government. We see it constantly, from sin taxes on alcohol aimed at public health, to tax credits designed to put more electric vehicles on California highways.

But when Congress targets professional decisions and global mobility with a 100% tax, it blurs the line between a financial levy and an outright penalty. It raises serious questions about how taxation intersects with citizenship rights.

The Logistics of Enforcement

If passed, policing this law would be a monumental task. The IRS would need to untangle deeply complex international financial structures. Open questions include:

  • How do you accurately trace a foreign endorsement deal back to national representation?
  • What stops a dual citizen from routing payments through offshore entities?
  • Could athletes avoid the tax simply by renouncing their U.S. citizenship altogether?

What This Means for Everyday Taxpayers

You probably are not negotiating a multi-million-dollar snowboarding sponsorship. However, the underlying lesson is highly relevant: cross-border income is never straightforward, and the IRS expects its share of your global earnings.

If your career or investments cross international borders, the tax exposure can catch you off guard. Whether you are managing offshore accounts or expanding your operations globally, proactive planning is your best defense.

Navigating global or local tax obligations requires a strategic approach. Reach out to the team at Christiansen Accounting in California today. Let our experts handle the heavy tax lifting so you can focus on running your business.

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