Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Accidental Americans: How to Catch Up on US Expat Taxes

accidental American expat taxes

At first glance, the term “Accidental Americans” doesn’t make a whole lot of sense — after all, how do you become an American by happenstance? But the truth is, Accidental Americans are surprisingly common. One banking organization put the figure at around 110,000, which is believed to be a very conservative estimate. As American persons, […]

Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2023: A Guide for US Remote Workers

Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

*Note: The figures noted as the financial requirements should be confirmed directly with the appropriate Spanish government website at your time of application. This is because Spain is raising the minimum wage threshold, which will impact the associated financial requirements for digital nomads. The Spain digital nomad visa offers an exciting opportunity for US citizens […]

What is a U.S. Person Under IRS Tax Rules?

Friends holding an American flag, celebrating as US persons overseas.

The IRS has a very inclusive definition of a “U.S. person”—and it’s not just about citizenship. If you hold a green card, live abroad, have American parents, or even spend a certain number of days in the States, congratulations: you may be a U.S. person for tax purposes. That matters because U.S. persons are required […]

How to Fill Out Form 1116 & Claim the FTC

A couple discussing the different tax documents they need to complete

While you may never have filed it while living within the United States, Form 1116 is a key component of many US expat tax returns. This form allows you to claim the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), one of the most important tax breaks for Americans living abroad. For many expats, the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) […]

How to Move Your US Retirement Account Overseas

US retirement account overseas l

If you’re an expat, chances are you’ve toyed with the idea of moving your retirement account overseas with you. But how do you do it, and what does it mean for your taxes and reporting requirements?  The financial implication of moving your US retirement account overseas will depend on, among other things, the type of […]

Green Cards: Your Guide to Taxes, Application Process & More

Green cards

It’s not always easy to get detailed information about green cards. The US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) website can be technical and dense, which may leave you even more confused. As a dedicated tax firm for US immigrants and Americans abroad, we’re well familiar with green cards — so we’ve put together a brief, easy-to-understand guide.

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 […]

Do You Qualify for a FATCA Exemption?

Two people sitting at a wooden desk checking for FATCA exemptions

FATCA, or the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, is a set of rules intended to enhance tax compliance by American taxpayers who hold financial assets outside the United States. If you’re like many taxpayers with accounts or other financial activities abroad, you’d want to know whether FATCA applies to you so you can file the […]