Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Tax Treaty Benefits & Form 8833: What You Need to Know

Form 8833

As you may already know, moving abroad doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for US taxes. All American citizens and permanent residents who earn above the reporting threshold must file (and pay) US taxes. If they’re also subject to taxes in a foreign country, they may find themselves reporting same income twice — that’s where […]

FinCEN Form 114: How to File the FBAR for Expats

Nearly a third of Americans say they would like to move overseas if they had the opportunity to do so. While moving abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime, it can complicate your United States tax and reporting obligations. Case in point: FinCEN Form 114, also known as the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR). […]

How Totalization Agreements Affect US Expat Taxes

Totalization agreements US expat taxes

Are you an American citizen, resident, or green card holder about to move overseas? You’ll need to consider Social Security requirements and whether your new home country has a Totalization Agreement— especially if you’re a self-employed expat who intends to continue to work as self-employed while living and working abroad. In this article, we will […]

Foreign Inheritance Tax: What Expats Need to Know

Foreign inheritance tax expats

Receiving an inheritance from abroad can be both a gift and a logistical challenge, especially for American taxpayers. Understanding the tax implications of a foreign inheritance is crucial for avoiding penalties and ensuring IRS compliance. Below, we break down everything you need to know about receiving a foreign inheritance in 2025, including how to file […]

Form 1099-K: Everything US Expats Need to Know

Last updated on January 26, 2023 If you work as a freelancer, independent contractor, gig worker, or are otherwise self-employed, the phrase “1099 form” is almost certainly familiar to you. That’s because any client from whom you’ve received at least $600 is obligated to send you a 1099-NEC, a tax form that is used to […]

Selling Foreign Property: The Ultimate Guide for US Expats

Thinking about selling your foreign property but unsure where to start? Imagine wrapping up the sale of your home abroad with confidence, knowing you’ve navigated the tax implications and legal requirements like a pro. While the process might feel complex at first—currency conversions, tax filings, and endless paperwork—we’re break it down into straightforward steps. In […]

A Simple Guide: IRA Contributions as an American Expat

IRA contributions American expat

Americans struggle with a lack of knowledge about their retirement plans. According to a survey by GOBankingRates, over 37% of Americans feel like they don’t know enough about retirement and need more education on how they can successfully retire.  When a US expat decides to move overseas, understanding how to contribute to their IRA retirement […]