10/06/2025
The US tax system is based on citizenship, which means that American citizens living abroad are required to file US taxes every year, reporting their worldwide income. As American expats often have to file foreign taxes too (depending on the rules in the country where they live), they get longer to file, with expats’ tax […]
10/06/2025
The US requires all American Citizens to file US taxes, reporting their global income, wherever in the world they live or receive income. Because many American expats have to file foreign taxes in another country too, the IRS has introduced some provisions that expats can claim when they file to avoid double taxation. The two […]
11/17/2025
When most people think about income taxes, they think of the taxes automatically withheld from their paycheck — or, if they’re self-employed, the quarterly tax estimates they pay. But, what about taxes on unearned income? Unearned income — also known as passive income — refers to the income you don’t actively work for. This can […]
11/17/2025
You may already know that Americans who own rental property in the United States can claim depreciation to reduce their tax liability. What you may not realize, though, is that US expats can also claim depreciation on rental property based abroad. While foreign rental property depreciation has some unique nuances, we’re here to walk you […]
11/17/2025
If you’re wondering how to amend a tax return, don’t worry — you’re far from alone. Filing US taxes from abroad can be complex. It’s not uncommon for US expats to make errors, only to realize it after they’ve already submitted their return. Fortunately, that’s what an amended US individual income return (Form 1040-X) is […]
05/29/2026
David Miller is the first recipient of the Bright!Tax Global Scholar Award in 2020. Bright!Tax is the leading provider of US tax services for Americans living abroad. With expat clients in over 190 countries, Bright!Tax is keenly aware of the benefits of living abroad, and how the over 9 million US expats are both the new American […]
10/06/2025
Nine million Americans live abroad, and expats employed by foreign firms in particular, often have foreign retirement accounts. Because the US tax system is based on citizenship, all US citizens, including expats, have to file a tax return to the IRS every year, reporting their worldwide income and assets. Foreign retirement plans often have tax benefits […]
10/06/2025
The Streamlined Procedure is an IRS amnesty program that was introduced in its current form in 2014 to allow certain expats who aren’t compliant with their US tax filing to catch up without facing penalties. All American citizens and Green Card holders are required to file US taxes on their worldwide income. When they file, […]
10/06/2025
Serving your country overseas comes with its share of challenges, but one you might not expect is navigating the complex world of US taxes. As a member of the US military deployed abroad — one of thousands of Americans working as military personnel supporting US armed forces in combat zones abroad — you’re still required […]
10/06/2025
American expats have to differentiate between US and foreign source income when they file their US taxes. All Americans, including Americans living abroad, have to file US taxes, due to the fact that the US taxes based on citizenship. American expats also have to report their foreign registered businesses, and financial (i.e. bank and investment) accounts and […]