US Tax News

Expat Tax Information

All American citizens and green card holders who earn over $12,000 (or just $400 of self-employment income are required to file a US tax return every year, reporting their worldwide income, wherever in the world they live.

Tax Filing for US Expats

Bright!Tax is the recognized leader in US tax preparation for Americans living abroad. We take the hassle out of staying compliant, while you enjoy the incredible adventure of being an expat.

Is Filing Taxes Online Safe? What US Expats Should Know

Older gentleman considering filing his US expat tax extension online meets with a Bright!Tax CPA for reassurance.

In today’s increasingly interconnected digital world, it’s natural to wonder if filing taxes online is safe for US expats. When we think about filing our taxes online, we seek efficiency, accuracy, and, most importantly, trustworthiness.  However, recent developments have shown that not all tax preparation firms handle your sensitive data with the same degree of […]

ETIAS Visa Waiver for Foreigners Visiting the EU

EU flag. An ETIAS visa waiver will be required by many foreigners, including Americans, who wish to visit the EU and Schengen Zone countries from November 2023 onward

Do you want to marvel at Santorini’s whitewashed homes and blue seas, hike in the Swiss Alps, or savor the creamy taste of a genuine Florentine gelato? Of course you do. However, 2023 is bringing a key change for Americans seeking a European escape: The entry requirement for many foreigners traveling to the EU is […]

2024 Tax Changes: IRS Updates for US Taxpayers Overseas

2024 tax changes

As the 2024 tax year approaches, the IRS has released its end-of-year notice regarding upcoming tax changes. US taxpayers abroad must pay particular attention to these updates, which is where we come in.  Below, we summarize key updates for the 2024 tax year, which will impact your tax filing for the 2025 season. We also […]

The IRS Agency 2022 Annual Report: Implications for Expats

Every year, the IRS publishes an Annual Report. This report functions as a report card of sorts, dutifully noting its accomplishments and challenges.  In 2022, the IRS collected over $4.9 trillion in gross revenue to fund much of the federal government. These funds go to supporting federal infrastructures, including our national parks, air traffic control, […]

Form 1099-K: Everything US Expats Need to Know

Last updated on January 26, 2023 If you work as a freelancer, independent contractor, gig worker, or are otherwise self-employed, the phrase “1099 form” is almost certainly familiar to you. That’s because any client from whom you’ve received at least $600 is obligated to send you a 1099-NEC, a tax form that is used to […]

Expert advice: Dealing with the IRS backlog & its impact on expats

IRS backlog impact expats

COVID-19 shook the world – and many governmental processes, such as managing tax returns, were disrupted as a result. During last year’s US tax filing season, hundreds of thousands of taxpayers experienced delays in refunds, due to IRS staffing issues and pandemic-related slowdowns. In January of this year, the IRS warned taxpayers to file early […]