09/21/2026
Form 1116 is the IRS form most individuals use to claim the Foreign Tax Credit, which can reduce the U.S. income tax due on foreign-source income that has already been taxed abroad. That sounds simple enough. But at Bright!Tax, we often see expats claim taxes that aren’t eligible, use the wrong income category or miss […]
02/05/2026
Walking away from U.S. citizenship—or giving up a green card you’ve held for years—may feel like closing one chapter of your life. But before you pack your bags and toast to a tax-free future, there’s one final piece of paperwork standing between you and freedom: IRS Form 8854. This form decides whether the U.S. considers […]
02/05/2026
Form 1118 is notoriously complex.
In fact, the IRS estimates that it takes about 25 hours to complete. Fortunately, as a US expat-specific tax firm, we’re familiar with Form 1118 and here to walk you through it: what it is, who should file it, how to complete it, and more.
02/05/2026
Leaving the country? The Internal Revenue Service hopes you’re enjoying the view—because they’re coming with you. As far as the U.S. tax code is concerned, moving abroad doesn’t mean you’ve escaped your obligations. In fact, it may mean you’ve got more to keep track of. Citizenship, not location, is what ties you to the U.S. […]
02/05/2026
Running a business overseas? Congratulations—you now have not only more stamps in your passport, but also more paperwork in your tax return. Enter Form 8858, the IRS’s way of keeping tabs on your foreign disregarded entities (FDEs) and branches. This form isn’t about paying extra tax—it’s about disclosure. The IRS wants a snapshot of your […]
02/06/2026
Living abroad may change your view, your routine, and your favorite snacks—but not your tax obligations. As long as you’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the IRS still expects you to file—no matter where in the world you live or work. That includes digital nomads, retirees, self-employed entrepreneurs, and remote employees. The problem? […]
02/06/2026
Just found out about PFICs and feeling a little panicked? You’re not alone. Many U.S. expats with foreign investments don’t realize they own a Passive Foreign Investment Company until they’re knee-deep in tax forms—or worse, facing unexpected tax bills. The IRS classifies many foreign mutual funds, ETFs, and investment funds as PFICs, and unfortunately, they come with some of the most […]
07/04/2026
If your idea of retirement involves trading rush-hour traffic for winding country lanes, and your morning soundtrack is less car horns and more fiddles and birdsong, then retirement in Ireland might be calling your name. The Emerald Isle has long enchanted visitors with its rolling green hills, cozy pubs, and warm-hearted locals—and for many Americans, […]
10/09/2025
The IRS has officially powered down. As of October 8, 2025, a lapse in federal funding has sent most of the agency’s staff home on furlough—and left taxpayers, especially those overseas, wondering who’s still at the wheel. For Americans abroad, this isn’t just a minor inconvenience. The IRS is the hub for refunds, foreign income […]
07/04/2026
If your idea of retirement paradise includes turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and the ability to order a piña colada without leaving U.S. soil, then retiring in Puerto Rico might be your perfect next chapter. American retirees are flocking to this Caribbean island for more than just the scenery—its year-round tropical climate, vibrant culture, and generous […]