Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

The 13 Best Digital Nomad Cities for US Expats in 2023

Best Digital Nomad Cities in 2023

Wondering what the best digital nomad cities are? You’re not alone. For digital nomads, the entire world is your office, which is exactly what makes it so difficult to settle on where to go. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by an overload of choices, though, we’re here to help. We did some research to put together […]

Buying Property in Panama: A Guide for US Retirees & Expats

Buying property in Panama for US retirees and real estate investors

Year after year, more and more US retirees buy property in Panama and joyfully expatriate from the US. In addition to its obvious appeal (think pristine beaches and a thriving expat community), there’s also the potential for a property purchase to be an excellent investment for foreign real estate investors.  The country’s geographically and diplomatically […]

Canada Digital Nomad Visa: Key Details for US Remote Workers

A person living in Canada on the Canada digital nomad visa takes a break to go skiing.

There’s exciting news for remote workers looking to branch out in North America: With the launch of the Canada digital nomad visa, the Great White North became the latest country to offer a dedicated visa designed to attract digital nomads. Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced earlier this month that the […]

Is Filing Taxes Online Safe? What US Expats Should Know

Older gentleman considering filing his US expat tax extension online meets with a Bright!Tax CPA for reassurance.

In today’s increasingly interconnected digital world, it’s natural to wonder if filing taxes online is safe for US expats. When we think about filing our taxes online, we seek efficiency, accuracy, and, most importantly, trustworthiness.  However, recent developments have shown that not all tax preparation firms handle your sensitive data with the same degree of […]

Best Digital Nomad Jobs for Living Abroad as a US Expat

Best digital nomad jobs - man sitting under palm trees on a sunny day by the pool

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a digital nomad is more accessible than ever. More and more companies are open to letting employees work from anywhere, while dozens of countries now offer digital nomad visas. For those hoping to earn money while traveling the world, there are plenty of digital nomad careers available […]

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.

Taxes on lottery winnings can significantly impact the financial outcome for lucky individuals who hold a winning ticket. For US expats who enjoy trying their luck in the lottery, understanding the implications of winning is especially important. US citizens and permanent residents residing outside the United States are still obligated to file an annual tax […]

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 […]

UK Remittance Basis: What US Expats Need to Know

Two US expats sit on a couch discussing the UK remittance basis

In the UK, calculating the tax on your income involves two primary methods: the arising basis and the remittance basis. The arising basis is straightforward. You pay UK tax on your worldwide income and gains for the tax year (April 6th to the following April 6th). However, the remittance basis is more complex and requires […]

The Albania Digital Nomad Visa (Unique Permit) – A Guide

Albania digital nomad visa hero image - Berat City

If someone were to ask you to name a Mediterranean country whose coastline joined the Adriatic Sea, would Albania come to mind? Most likely not, as Italy, Greece, and Croatia tend to dominate tourism in the region. And yet, for many reasons, this fascinating Balkan country should be added to any list of hospitable, affordable, […]

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 […]