Tax Planning & Advice

How to Change State Residency for Taxes [Expat Strategies]

US expat plays chess, a visual analogy of the strategy necessary behind changing state residency when living abroad.

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but certain details, like determining and possibly changing your state residency for tax purposes, can be less exhilarating.   Even if aspects like these aren’t terribly exciting, though, they are important. Your state residency can have major tax implications, so it’s worth taking the time to read up on […]

Taxes on Lottery Winnings for US Expats & Nonresident Aliens

A US expat looking at her laptop in surprise because she has just won the lottery and needs to pay taxes on lottery winnings.

Winning the lottery is thrilling — but in the midst of the excitement, you can’t forget about taxes on lottery winnings. Understanding the tax implications of winning the lottery is the key to minimizing your tax burden and maximizing your take-home gains. This is especially important for US expats and nonresident aliens, who may be […]

UK Capital Gains Tax & Residential Property Disposals

US expats abroad calculating their UK capital gains tax

For US expats living in the UK, the phrase “capital gains taxes” is likely familiar. Just like in the US, capital gains taxes in the UK are levied on the proceeds arising from the sale of certain assets. This includes, in some cases, residential property. Of course, the specific ways that capital gains taxes on […]

The Cost to Renounce US Citizenship for US Expats

Two men discuss renouncing US citizenship in an office high-rise

It’s not uncommon for US citizenship to pose difficulties for US citizens living abroad, particularly when they’ve lived abroad long term. While US citizenship grants certain privileges, such as the right to vote in federal elections and a US passport, it also carries with it certain burdensome obligations.  Among the most pressing concerns for Americans […]

Canada Tax Rate VS the US: Do Americans Pay More?

Canada tax rate vs US

Getting ready to move to the Great White North? In addition to finding housing and physically moving yourself and your belongings, you’ll want to consider the tax implications of a move to Canada. A common question that often guides these considerations is a side-by-side comparison between the Canada tax rate vs the US tax rate. […]

2025 US Expat Tax Deadlines and Tips for Americans Abroad

As an American expat, balancing your adventurous life with the practicalities of tax season is crucial. As 2025 unfolds, Bright!Tax is here to simplify the US tax process for you. This guide is your essential companion for the 2024 tax season, packed with all the key dates and insights to navigate your tax responsibilities with […]

Gifting Property To a Foreign Spouse and US Expat Taxes

There are times in life when family members exchange generous gifts with one another, such as during weddings, estate planning, or celebrations of life. However, while the focus may be on the act of giving or receiving foreign property, it is important to be aware of the tax implications that come along with it. These […]

US Expat Taxes 2025: 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 […]