Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

What is Citizenship-Based Taxation?

US citizen looks out over a lake.

Imagine living abroad for years, building a life in a new country—yet still needing to file taxes back in the US. That’s the reality under citizenship-based taxation (CBT), a system where Americans are taxed not by where they live, but by their citizenship status.  Below, we break down what CBT means for expats, how it […]

US Tax on Foreign Property for American Expats in 2022

Foreign Property American Expats

The purchase or sale of a home stateside can be challenging enough. Abroad, you also have to navigate the US expat tax reporting requirements, which can be a little confusing to say the least.  As a US expat, you may already know that your worldwide income must be reported on your American tax return and […]

The Top 7 Countries For Digital Nomad Visas in 2024

Best Countries for Digital Nomad Visa

Living abroad is a dream for many people — one that’s more attainable than ever thanks to the advent of the digital nomad visa. In fact, dozens of countries across five different continents now offer such visas. But with so many options, choosing just one can be difficult. Fortunately, we’re here to make your job […]

A Guide to Dual Status Tax Returns for Expats

A Guide to Dual Status Tax Returns for Expats

The US is one of only two countries that uses a citizenship-based tax system rather than a territorial one. This means that the IRS taxes all US citizens, including dual citizens and Americans who live in other countries. So even if you already paid taxes in the country where you live abroad, if you are a […]

The Best Places to Retire in the World in 2022

The Best Places to Retire in the World in 2022

A recent study suggests at least 12 percent of Americans have considered living abroad in older age and retirement, but often a myriad of distractions in our ever demanding world get in the way. With more than half a million retired American expats collecting social security benefits outside the US, it’s clear many push past […]

The FEIE Bona Fide Residence Test For Expats

expats bona fide residence test

The Bona Fide Residence Test allows Americans living abroad to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, as well as the Foreign Housing Exclusion or Deduction. Americans living abroad are still liable to file and pay US taxes, and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion provides a way for Americans to exclude income earned while living abroad […]

The FEIE Physical Presence Test For US Expats

FEIE Physical Presence Test

Americans living abroad have to file a US federal tax return and declare their worldwide income, and they may also be liable to pay US income tax. One of the primary provisions that expats can use to exclude their income earned abroad from US tax liability is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. This lets Americans […]

What American Expats Need to Know About Totalization Agreements

expat with totalization agreement

Americans who move abroad are required to keep filing US taxes, reporting their worldwide income. They may also have to continue paying US social security contributions, including self-employed expats who earn as little as $400 a year. Expats who meet tax residency criteria in a foreign country may also have to pay foreign taxes and […]

Do Expats Pay State Taxes? What to Know When Living Abroad

US expat couple on a road trip back home in the United States

Do expats pay state taxes? If this question isn’t top of mind when planning an international move, it’s understandable. There are a lot of other (frankly more exciting) things to think about.  Amidst all the excitement, though, it’s important to keep practical details (such as your tax obligations) in mind. The US operates on a unique […]

IRS Taxes For US Citizens Living Abroad – A Guide

IRS Taxes For US Citizens Living Abroad

US citizens are required to file US taxes if they’re living abroad, despite often having to file foreign income taxes as well. International tax treaties don’t prevent US citizens resident overseas from having to file US taxes, however they do stipulate how to avoid double taxation, most often by claiming tax credits when you file. […]