Accidental Americans

Who Are Accidental Americans—and Why Do They Owe U.S. Taxes?

Unexpected news and complex rules—this surprised woman reflects the reality for many accidental Americans.

It’s the world’s most surprising membership: “accidental Americans.” These are people who hold U.S. citizenship—sometimes without even realizing it—and suddenly find themselves caught up in a global game of tax tag. Maybe you were born during a family layover in New York, or you inherited American citizenship from a parent, even though you’ve spent your […]

How Accidental Americans Can Avoid Double Taxation

Accidental American? Learn how to avoid double taxation and penalties

Every year, people around the world feel shocked to discover that the US considers them to be tax residents. Regardless of how long it’s been since they lived in the US — or sometimes, whether they’ve lived there at all — these “accidental Americans” still have US tax and reporting obligations. And if they’re a […]

Relief for ‘Accidental Americans’ May be at Hand

accidental american

Hidden deep within the proposed 2016 Federal Budget is a clause that seeks to bring some relief to so-called Accidental Americans. Accidental Americans are people who don’t know that they are American citizens, or who didn’t know before adulthood. They typically fall into one of two groups: people who were born in the US to […]