IRS Tax Forms For US Expats

US Expat Tax Forms

Because the US taxes based on citizenship, all Americans, including expats, are required to file a federal tax return each year, reporting their worldwide income. Expats often also have to file additional IRS forms, to avoid double taxation.

IRS Tax Forms for Expats

Expats may also have to file IRS tax forms relating to any foreign bank and investment accounts they may have, as well as reporting their foreign financial assets and foreign registered businesses.

IRS Form 1040-NR AKA the Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return

1040-NR Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return

Doing business in the United States as a non-citizen can be complicated, especially regarding taxes.  One form that you may need to fill out is IRS Form 1040-NR, the Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, which is used by individuals who are not US citizens or tax residents but have certain incomes or other reportable activities. […]

Filling Out IRS Form 8832: A Guide for US Expats

IRS Form 8832 - Business Entity Classification

If you’re a US expat with your own business, you’ll want to read up on Form 8832: Entity Classification Election. With this form, you can choose how the government classifies your business for US federal tax purposes. Understanding the implications of Form 8832 can help you determine the best tax strategy for your business — […]

Filing Form 5471 – Foreign Corporation Reporting for US Expats

expat corporation tax Form 5471

Expats are most often adventurous and independent-minded – the same character traits that make great entrepreneurs. So it’s no surprise really that many expats choose to start their own business abroad. The first choices that expats face when starting a foreign company is what legal structure their new foreign entity should have, and where to […]

How to File Foreign Tax Credit Form 1116

laptop irs form 116 expat

Since the nineteenth century, the US has required all American citizens to file a US tax return, reporting their worldwide income, even if they live abroad. This leaves American expats around the world exposed to the possibility of double taxation, having to file taxes both to the US and in the country where they live. […]

Form 1120-F: What Business Owners Need to Know

Form 1120-F - What Business Owners Need to Know

Tax compliance is a major consideration for any business owner, particularly when dealing with international tax obligations. Form 1120-F, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Corporation, plays a crucial role in how foreign corporations with U.S. business activities report their income and calculate their tax liabilities. Despite its importance, many international business owners are […]

IRS Forms 8805 and 8804 – A Guide for Expats

IRS Forms 8805 and 8804 - A Guide for US Expats

The US tax system is based on citizenship, which means that American citizens living abroad are required to file US taxes every year, reporting their worldwide income. As American expats often have to file foreign taxes too (depending on the rules in the country where they live), they get longer to file, with expats’ tax […]

What Is Form 2350? Filing a Tax Extension for Expats

A woman sitting in front of her laptop with a cup of coffee

Tax season is approaching, and your return isn’t quite ready? No need to panic — this happens to many Americans living abroad. Many are not even aware they’re still subject to US taxes even though they live in another country. Luckily, the IRS provides expats an extra opportunity to collect all the necessary documentation and […]

IRS Form 2555 – How to File as an Expat

IRS Form 2555 is filed by expats to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion

This post was last updated March 6, 2023. It’s frustrating for expats, but all US persons (both citizens and permanent residents) are required to file a federal tax return as long as they meet the income reporting threshold. Depending on their circumstances, expats may also owe taxes to the country in which they reside. However, […]