How can we assist you? Book an appointment with us today!

The OLYMPICS Act: Why Some U.S. Athletes Could Face a 100% Tax Rate

What happens when an American athletic star brings home the gold—but for a different country? Thanks to a new federal proposal, the answer might involve handing over every single dollar earned to the IRS.

Introduced in Congress in March 2026, the Officially Limiting Yearly Money Procured by Individuals Concerning Sportmanship (OLYMPICS) Act targets a very specific group: U.S. citizens and permanent residents who compete on the international stage representing certain adversarial nations.

If passed, this bill would impose a staggering 100% excise tax on their sports-related earnings. Essentially, the government would wipe out their profits entirely.

Inside the Proposed OLYMPICS Act

At Tangible Accounting, PLLC, we analyze complex tax legislation daily, and this proposal stands out for its sheer magnitude. The OLYMPICS Act aims to levy a 100% tax on:

  • Compensation from competing in international sporting events

  • Tournament and medal prize money

  • Sponsorships and endorsement deals tied to that specific national representation

Currently, lawmakers have narrowed the focus to athletes suiting up for China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The scope covers massive global stages like the World Cup and the Olympic Games, though future amendments could theoretically expand this list.

The Catalyst: Big Names and Bigger Money

Legislation like this rarely materializes without a high-profile catalyst. Much of the conversation stems from the 2026 Winter Olympics and athletes like Eileen Gu, a U.S.-born snowboarder representing China. Her phenomenal success on the slopes is matched only by her financial windfall.

  • Reports indicate she secured millions in payments directly tied to her Olympic performances from Chinese entities.

  • Over just a few years, those government-linked arrangements reached nearly $14 million.

  • Outside of official prize money, she pulls in over $20 million every year through massive corporate sponsorships.

Person pondering complex tax questions

A Common Playbook in Global Sports

While the financial figures in Gu's case are exceptional, switching allegiances is standard practice in international sports. Athletes often represent countries based on dual citizenship, family heritage, or better access to funding and competitive opportunities.

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy plays under the Irish flag for the Olympics and Ryder Cup, despite dominating the U.S.-centric PGA Tour. NBA heavyweights often play for their heritage nations; Joel Embiid navigated multiple eligibility options, and Luka Dončić consistently suits up for Slovenia. In track, Bernard Lagat famously ran for both Kenya and the United States.

The Existing Cross-Border Tax Web

Even without a 100% excise tax, navigating international tax laws is notoriously difficult. As Enrolled Agents working with clients across Florida, Arizona, and the D.C. area, we frequently tackle these cross-border complexities.

The U.S. taxes its citizens on worldwide income. If you earn it, the IRS wants to know about it. An athlete competing abroad might owe taxes to the host country, the nation they represent, and the United States simultaneously. As highlighted in one analysis, this routinely sets the stage for severe double-taxation headaches unless specific treaties provide relief.

Tax planning and financial preservation

Using Taxes to Drive Behavior

The OLYMPICS Act underscores a growing trend: governments utilizing the tax code to penalize or incentivize specific behaviors. We see this locally with "sin taxes" on alcohol or tobacco, and federally with massive green energy tax credits for electric vehicles. This bill pushes that boundary, raising tough questions about how far the government should go to regulate professional career choices through taxation.

Could the IRS Actually Enforce This?

From a practical standpoint, tracing foreign sponsorship money routed through complex international trusts or corporate entities is incredibly challenging. Would athletes just renounce their U.S. citizenship to bypass the penalty entirely? The enforcement logistics would likely be a nightmare.

The Takeaway for Everyday Taxpayers

Most business owners in West Palm Beach or project finance leaders in Phoenix won't be entering the Winter Olympics anytime soon. However, this proposal serves as a stark reminder: international work inevitably triggers complicated tax exposure. In our modern global economy, taxes don’t just track your bank account—they follow your passport.

Whether you're managing overseas investments, structuring complex asset protection, or optimizing your domestic tax strategy, proactive planning is crucial. If your financial picture crosses state lines or international borders, reach out to Jaron J. Fulse, EA, and the expert team at Tangible Accounting, PLLC today to safeguard your wealth and ensure complete compliance.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Affiliations