Tax Rules and Compliance

When Do Expats Need a Tax Preparer? 9 Common Scenarios

A man sitting at a desk with paperwork

This year, almost three-quarters of Americans said they planned to file their own taxes — either manually or with the help of tax preparation software. In some cases, this makes sense. If all of your income is W-2 income, you hold minimal assets, and you don’t mind putting in the effort, filing on your own […]

Understanding FBAR Filing: Should You Include Online Banks?

money in foreign online bank accounts

As a digitally savvy expat, you likely have some experience with money service providers and payment systems like Wise, PayPal, and others. And it’s all fun and games until it’s time to file your FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts), the annual disclosure of your foreign financial accounts held outside the US. Generating […]

What are Marginal Tax Rates? (With Examples for Expats)

Expat woman on her laptop researches a common question, "What are marginal tax rates?"

“What are marginal tax rates?” This query introduces a fundamental yet often misunderstood element of global tax systems.  Marginal tax rates, require a nuanced understanding to fully appreciate their impact on individual fiscal responsibilities.  In the following article, we will define marginal tax rates, introduce strategies to potentially reduce your marginal tax rate, and offer […]

5 Reasons to Maintain a US Address while Living Abroad

US mailbox

Although maintaining a US address may not be a priority when moving overseas, understanding how to do so is beneficial. Despite varying circumstances, having a US mailbox while living abroad can often prevent future logistical issues. But what exactly are the benefits of maintaining a US mailing address, and how can you do so? We’ll […]

Transferring Large Sums of Money Internationally

US expat counting hundred-dollar bills in preparation for sending large sums of money overseas.

Whether you’re transferring foreign earnings to a US bank account, financially supporting your family from abroad, or purchasing overseas property, expat life often involves transferring large sums of money internationally. While moving large sums of money internationally is common and necessary for most expats, it can still trigger additional reporting obligations or expensive transfer fees. […]

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 […]