Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

US Taxes in the Bahamas: What You Need to Know

Bahamas tax haven

Ahh…The Bahamas. With beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise waters, world-class nightlife and dining, what more could a sun-craving American ask for?  And on top of its gorgeous landscapes and relaxed lifestyle, the Bahamas is an attractive country for many expats due to its low taxes.  This blog post will cover what taxes US expats in the […]

Renouncing US Citizenship: A Guide for US Taxpayers Abroad 

Renouncing US Citizenship

It’s common for many Americans living overseas and grappling with annual US tax returns to consider renouncing US citizenship. While factors like taxation often play a significant role in the choice to renounce, many expats also find themselves caught between the obligation to file taxes and the lack of knowledge to navigate the system effectively.  […]

How Accidental Americans Can Avoid Double Taxation

Accidental American? Learn how to avoid double taxation and penalties

Every year, people around the world feel shocked to discover that the US considers them to be tax residents. Regardless of how long it’s been since they lived in the US — or sometimes, whether they’ve lived there at all — these “accidental Americans” still have US tax and reporting obligations. And if they’re a […]

How to Use the Foreign Housing Exclusion to Lower Your U.S. Tax Bill

Living abroad can be an adventure—new culture, new coffee, new rent receipts. But if you’re a U.S. taxpayer overseas, there’s one perk you don’t want to miss: the Foreign Housing Exclusion. The Foreign Housing Exclusion (FHE) allows qualified expats to deduct certain housing costs from their taxable income—on top of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. […]

How to File Taxes for Self-Employed Expats: The Essentials

US expat researches how to report foreign self employment income.

Globally-minded US entrepreneurs, location-independent contractors overseas, and freelancers abroad are trailblazers with unique tax needs: To understand how to file taxes for self-employed expats. Before any self-employment taxes (sometimes referred to as “SE tax“) are filed though, you’ll want to ensure that your global US tax strategy is maximum efficient. To accomplish this, you’ll need […]

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 […]

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 […]