Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

How to Move Abroad From the US: An Unofficial Roadmap

Digital nomad with a map

Wondering how to move abroad from the United States? You’re not alone. Whether you call it wanderlust, itchy feet, or travel fever, many people feel a calling to embark on adventures overseas.  An estimated 5.4 million Americans live overseas, with more and more making the move every day. And with many countries having a lower […]

How to Prepare to File Your US Taxes as an Expat

Getting ready to file US taxes from abroad

If you’re like many American expats, filing your US tax return from abroad may seem like a daunting task, however it doesn’t have to be that way.  When filing from abroad, being prepared and understanding which documents to gather is important to ensure a smooth, stress-free filing process. Once you reach out to an expat […]

What is Citizenship-Based Taxation?

US citizen looks out over a lake.

If you’re an American living abroad, you may have already heard of the concept of “citizenship-based taxation.” If you haven’t, though, you’re not alone.  Many US expats only find out about this unique tax system after they move overseas. It’s a concept all US citizens should familiarize themselves with, however, as it has major tax […]

US Taxes for Expats in 2022 – A 12 Step Guide to Success

US Taxes for Expats - A Complete Guide - Everything You Need To Know

Many Americans living abroad in 2022 are unaware or confused about their US tax filing obligations. The US tax system is unusual, as it taxes based on citizenship. Almost every other country either taxes based on residence (so only people living in that country have to file taxes there), or taxes based on income arising […]

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 […]