Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Canada Visa or ETA? How to Know What You Really Need to Enter Canada

Hiking in the mountains after getting a Canada visa and exploring British Columbia’s alpine views.

Whether you’re heading north for a weekend in Montréal or relocating to Vancouver for work, getting into Canada isn’t as simple as packing a parka and booking a flight. In 2025, more travelers—especially U.S. citizens, dual nationals, and remote workers—are running into Canada’s entry rules, which vary wildly depending on where you’re from, how long […]

Cost of Living in Canada: What to Expect if You’re Moving North

Panoramic view of the Toronto skyline and CN Tower at sunset, with a ferry crossing the water—showing city life and the cost of living in Canada.

Moving to Canada sounds like a dream—until your first grocery run reminds you that avocados are $2.49 each. In 2025, the cost of living in Canada remains high by global standards, and for Americans making the move, sticker shock is real. From housing to healthcare, utilities to university tuition, Canada’s expenses don’t always align with […]

What Americans Moving to Canada Need to Know in 2025

Young woman in a canoe holding a Canadian flag on Moraine Lake, symbolizing the adventure of Americans moving to Canada.

Every election year brings a wave of Americans daydreaming about a fresh start north of the border. After 2024, more people are turning those dreams into action. For many, Canada’s appeal is clear: universal healthcare, a strong social safety net, and a reputation for stability. Add in growing concerns at home—whether political, economic, or personal—and […]

Retire in Belize: Legal Residency, Tax Rules, and Cost of Living

Paradise beach on the tropical coast of Placencia, a popular destination for those looking to retire in Belize.

Retire in Belize, and you’ll get more than just Caribbean beaches and rainforest adventures—you’ll get a simpler, sunnier way of life. With English as the official language and a surprisingly affordable cost of living, it’s no wonder U.S. expats are flocking to Belize for their retirement. But is it really that easy? What about taxes, […]

FATCA and CRS Reporting: When Your Bank Talks to the IRS Before You Do

Close-up of a businesswoman using a magnifying glass to review financial documents, focusing on FATCA and CRS reporting requirements.

Once upon a time, moving your money overseas meant it could quietly stay overseas. In 2025? Your bank is practically CC’ing the IRS—and its international cousins—before you’ve even filed your own taxes. Thanks to FATCA (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), global banking transparency isn’t optional anymore. Banks, investment […]