Tax Rules and Compliance

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 […]

2025 Tax Changes: IRS Updates for US Expats, Explained

With the 2025 tax year just around the corner, changes to the US tax code are on the way. Some updates, income tax bracket adjustments, are pertinent to all Americans. However, several  — like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) threshold increase — are particularly relevant for expats. While it’s important to stay on top […]

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: 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 […]

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 […]

How to Become an Expat: Tips to Plan and Prepare

How to become a US expat

More and more Americans feel the pull to explore life in another country. According to research by the University of Kent, over 33% of Americans aspire to move overseas in the future. As remote work has become more mainstream, many Americans enjoy many opportunities to travel abroad and explore new cultures simultaneously.  As exciting as […]

Dual Citizenship Taxes: A Guide for US Expats

dual citizens taxes US expats

Dual citizenship comes with many perks, like unrestricted permission to live and work in a particular country. It also often lets you benefit from that country’s social programs, vote, and pass citizenship onto your children. The not-so-great part? Dual citizenship taxes can be complex. Those with dual citizenship between the United States and another country […]