12/05/2024
For many expats with supplemental income, no tax return is complete without IRS tax form Schedule E. Not only can failing to file this form result in IRS penalties and audits — it may also prevent you from claiming deductions that can lower your taxable income. To reach full compliance and minimize your tax burden, […]
12/12/2024
If you’re a freelancer, independent contractor, small business owner, or expat subject to self employment tax, you’re probably familiar with the freedom that comes with being your own boss. But with that freedom comes a less glamorous reality: the responsibility to pay self-employment taxes. Unlike traditional employees, who share the cost of Social Security and […]
11/20/2024
Given the flexibility and autonomy it offers, it’s no wonder that so many expats are small business owners, freelancers, independent contractors, or otherwise self-employed. But even though self-employment comes with benefits, it can complicate your tax obligations. Those with self-employment income are often subject to additional filing requirements, like Schedule C. While it might all […]
11/15/2024
If you’re interested in growing your wealth while living in a safe, beautiful, and affordable country, it’s well worth considering Portugal’s golden visa. In exchange for investment funds of at least €250,000, you and your family can work, live, and study in Portugal for up to two years. And as long as you stay in […]
05/06/2025
The US has tax treaties with dozens of different countries. If you live in one of those countries, it may be worth claiming the tax treaty’s benefits. Keep in mind, though, that each tax treaty is slightly different. As you can imagine, some US tax treaties are more advantageous than others. Below, we’ll give a […]
11/05/2024
It’s usually not ideal to withdraw from retirement accounts before you reach retirement age. For one, withdrawing these funds early means you miss out on the exponential tax-free growth they can accrue over decades. What’s more, the IRS levies both a 401(k) early withdrawal penalty and an individual retirement account (IRA) early withdrawal penalty. With […]
10/30/2024
After years of saving for retirement, if you hold qualified US retirement accounts, you’ll need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) at some point. While the rules around RMDs and RMD taxation are complex — especially if you live outside of the United States — they’re also essential to understand when retirement planning in order […]
11/08/2024
At tech companies, startups, large publicly traded companies, and many other employers, incentive stock options (ISOs) are a common offering. If you’re a US expat with ISOs, you may stand to benefit financially from them in a significant way — especially if you keep ISO taxation in mind. The way the US taxes ISOs can […]
10/25/2024
Living and running a business abroad offers exciting opportunities, but it also brings unique challenges – especially when it comes to taxes. Understanding potential tax savings for business owners can be a game-changer, allowing American expats to reduce their U.S. tax burden by making smart financial decisions. Optimizing your salary is one of the most […]
10/17/2024
Did you know you and your dependents can expand your knowledge and gain job skills while reducing your tax bill? The IRS offers a couple of different continuing education tax benefits, which can help offset higher education expenses by decreasing your tax burden. In many cases, even Americans attending an educational institution abroad are eligible […]