09/05/2025
Living abroad comes with a lot of perks—new foods, new friends, and the chance to answer “where are you from?” in increasingly creative ways. But for U.S. citizens, green card holders, and resident aliens living in a foreign country, there’s one not-so-fun challenge that comes with the adventure: double taxation. The IRS loves to keep […]
09/03/2025
It’s not a fitness challenge. You won’t need a stopwatch, a yoga mat, or to prove how many push-ups you can do in a minute. But the physical presence test is a test—one that can save you thousands in U.S. taxes if you pass. Think of it as the IRS’s version of “Are you really […]
08/21/2025
Ask any American living abroad what keeps them up at night, and double taxation is right up there with jet lag and missing decent bagels. As a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or self-employed global adventurer, the IRS expects you to report your worldwide income—even if you earn every penny in a foreign country. Enter the […]
09/17/2024
As a US expat, you’re likely drowning in a sea of tax complexity. You’ve heard about tax credits and deductions, but you’re not sure which applies to your unique situation or how to use them effectively. This confusion isn’t just frustrating—it could be costing you thousands of dollars each year. Are you missing out on […]
09/10/2024
Recognizing the unique sacrifices made by those serving, Congress originally enacted the CZTE back in 1918 as a way to show appreciation and provide tangible support. It’s been a cornerstone of military tax benefits for decades, evolving over time to adapt to changing circumstances. The CZTE is a lifeline for many service members. With the pressures of deployment, from separation from loved ones to the inherent risks of the job, having a tax break offers some ease when it comes to financial burdens.
04/28/2025
For some Americans moving abroad, filing taxes as an expat is the furthest thing from your mind. On the other hand, other Americans may already be researching how to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion in preparation for their big move (more on this shortly!). No matter where you fall on the spectrum of preparedness […]
02/02/2025
Living abroad as a US expat comes with many benefits—the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and build new communities of friends and colleagues, all while exploring the world at large. Yet, along with all of these freedoms and experiences come potential frustrations as well. For example, US expat tax returns. You may […]
04/28/2025
Living abroad can be an adventure—new culture, new coffee, new rent receipts. But if you’re a U.S. taxpayer overseas, there’s one perk you don’t want to miss: the Foreign Housing Exclusion. The Foreign Housing Exclusion (FHE) allows qualified expats to deduct certain housing costs from their taxable income—on top of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. […]
04/05/2022
The Bona Fide Residence Test allows Americans living abroad to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, as well as the Foreign Housing Exclusion or Deduction. Americans living abroad are still liable to file and pay US taxes, and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion provides a way for Americans to exclude income earned while living abroad […]
11/11/2021
The Foreign Housing Exclusion allows American expats to deduct reasonable housing expenses from their taxable earned income. The Foreign Housing Exclusion is granted in conjunction with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, but neither are granted automatically: you have to apply for them and file form 2555 with your annual return. The Foreign Housing Exclusion is […]