Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

US Expat Taxes 2024: 12 Tips from the Best Expat Tax Service

Woman living overseas successfully files taxes for expats by partnering with Bright!Tax.

Taxes for expats tend to be complicated, especially for US expats.  If you’re a US citizen living abroad with questions about what the expat tax filing requirements are, you’re not alone. Some expats aren’t even aware they need to continue filing US tax returns while living overseas.  Expatriate tax is a complicated realm for Americans […]

FBAR Filing 2024: Clarifying FinCen Form 114 for Expats

US global taxpayer does his FBAR filing at a laptop in a cafe.

The Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) is filed using FinCen Form 114, though much about this US reporting requirement is misunderstood. In the following article, we dive into the essential elements of FinCEN Form 114, providing key background information, and detailing who must file and deadlines in 2024. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is key […]

Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures (for Expat Amnesty)

US expat makes power pose after successfully catching up on taxes by partnering with Bright!Tax to complete the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures

The Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures (SLP) provides a light at the end of the tunnel for qualifying global US taxpayers seeking IRS amnesty from late-filing US tax penalties. As a US citizen or permanent resident living overseas, getting a handle on your tax responsibilities is essential. The program offers a streamlined process for expats to […]

FATCA – Everything Expats Need to Know

FATCA Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act Guide for US Expats

If you’re a US expat living abroad, you’ve likely heard FATCA used as a bad word. And to be frank, it can quite literally ruin someone’s day – it significantly complicates US taxpayers’ day-to-day life abroad.  Some context: The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), is a law passed by US Congress in 2010 to […]

Understanding FBAR Filing: Should You Include Online Banks?

money in foreign online bank accounts

As a digitally savvy expat, you likely have some experience with money service providers and payment systems like Wise, PayPal, and others. And it’s all fun and games until it’s time to file your FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts), the annual disclosure of your foreign financial accounts held outside the US. Generating […]

Beckham Law in Spain & How It Affects US Expats

Beckham law for expats in Spain

For Americans considering or planning a move to Spain, reading up on the Beckham Law is a must. This special tax regime can offer significant tax cuts on Spanish-sourced income and exclude most worldwide income from Spanish taxation. Altogether, this can result in major savings on your tax bill. But who exactly qualifies for Beckham […]

Panama or Costa Rica: US Expat Property Buying Guide

Panama or Costa Rica property guide

Which country is better for investing in real estate, Panama or Costa Rica? Americans looking to move abroad while staying within the North American continent are increasingly asking this question. Both Latin American countries offer tropical climates, unspoiled nature, and vibrant expat communities. Of course, the two countries differ in some key ways—these differences are […]

5 Superb Low-Tax Countries for US Expats

houses at a beach

If you’re an American looking to move abroad, it makes sense that you would be interested in setting up in the lowest tax countries for expats. After all, the United States extends its definition of tax residency to all citizens and permanent residents. You won’t want to add too much tax liability on top of […]

Spain Golden Visa Program: What You Need to Know

Beach in Spain golden visa program

If you want to move to a country with a rich culture, an affordable cost of living, and beautiful vistas, you may want to look into Spain’s golden visa. For those with capital to invest, the Spanish golden visa offers the aforementioned benefits and many more. Of course, before deciding whether or not you want […]

US-UK Tax Treaty Rules: What Expats Must Know

US-UK tax treaty

If you’re an American living in the UK, knowing about the US-UK tax treaty is essential. This agreement between the US and the United Kingdom offers some major tax benefits for Americans living and working in the UK (and vice versa). But, with around 39 pages and tons of technical jargon, the treaty is far […]

Retire in Spain: Visas, Healthcare, Taxes, & More

South od Spain

If you want to enjoy your retirement days in a country with a lower cost of living, great weather, and a rich culture, you may want to retire in Spain.  Between the Mediterranean climate, delicious tapas, lively festivals, and laid-back pace of life, Spain has become an increasingly popular retirement destination. Of course, before up […]

The South Korea Digital Nomad Visa: A Guide for US Expats

South Korea for digital nomads

Whether you’re a fan of Korean films, music, and dramas — or just looking for a safe, beautiful, and relatively affordable place to live in Asia — it’s worth looking into the South Korea digital nomad visa. As of January 1st, 2024, the South Korean digital nomad visa (also known as the “Workation” or F-1-D […]