Tax Planning & Advice

US Expat Taxes: Year-end Planning Checklist

hourglass and US dollars, its time to plan year-end US expat taxes

Aargh! It’s time to start thinking about taxes again.  The end of the year should be a period of celebration – popping off the champagne cork and ringing in a new year. But for US expats, the end of the year often comes with apprehension and a lot of anxiety.  While filing taxes should be […]

California State Taxes For US Expats

California isn’t all sun, surf, and sand. Unfortunately, the Golden State is also home to the highest state tax rates in the US. On top of that, the state of California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is known as one of the biggest sticklers among state tax bodies. As a result, some former California residents are […]

What is a U.S. Person Under IRS Tax Rules?

Friends holding an American flag, celebrating as US persons overseas.

The IRS has a very inclusive definition of a “U.S. person”—and it’s not just about citizenship. If you hold a green card, live abroad, have American parents, or even spend a certain number of days in the States, congratulations: you may be a U.S. person for tax purposes. That matters because U.S. persons are required […]

Tax on Unearned Income: an Overview for US Expats

Tax on unearned income

When most people think about income taxes, they think about the taxes that are automatically withheld from their paycheck — or, if they’re self-employed, the quarterly tax estimates they pay to the government based on their expected earnings. While that does make up one component of income taxes, it’s not the only one. It’s important […]

Foreign Inheritance Tax: What Expats Need to Know

Foreign inheritance tax expats

Receiving an inheritance from abroad can be both a gift and a logistical challenge, especially for American taxpayers. Understanding the tax implications of a foreign inheritance is crucial for avoiding penalties and ensuring IRS compliance. Below, we break down everything you need to know about receiving a foreign inheritance in 2025, including how to file […]

A Simple Guide: IRA Contributions as an American Expat

IRA contributions American expat

Americans struggle with a lack of knowledge about their retirement plans. According to a survey by GOBankingRates, over 37% of Americans feel like they don’t know enough about retirement and need more education on how they can successfully retire.  When a US expat decides to move overseas, understanding how to contribute to their IRA retirement […]