What do foreign tax credits allow U.S. corporations to do?

Foreign tax credits are a crucial provision for U.S. corporations operating internationally. These credits enable corporations to reduce their U.S. tax liabilities by the amount of foreign taxes they have paid. Since income earned in foreign countries is often subject to local taxation, the foreign tax credit mechanism prevents double taxation—where the same income would be taxed both by the foreign country and the U.S.

This system allows U.S. corporations to claim a credit on their U.S. tax return for income taxes paid to foreign governments, effectively reducing the overall U.S. tax they owe on that income. This is advantageous because it encourages U.S. businesses to compete in international markets without the burden of excessive taxation.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose of foreign tax credits. They do not allow for offsets against state taxes or provide refunds from foreign governments for taxes paid. Furthermore, foreign tax payments are not generally deductible from revenue; instead, they are credited against U.S. tax liabilities, reinforcing the provision's role in avoiding double taxation.