Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Understanding FBAR Penalties

fbar penalties

Becoming an expat can enhance your life in many ways. For many, it may mean you’re no longer beholden to a standard 9 to 5 schedule, and instead free to explore different cities and countries, on your schedule. But, while working remotely offers more flexibility and freedom, it also comes with some important tax reporting […]

What Is a Bona Fide Resident for the FEIE?

Bona Fide Residence Test

While managing their US expat taxes, many expats encounter a crucial question: What is a bona fide resident? For expats filing taxes, the term refers to a qualifying test under a common IRS tax provision that US citizens and Green Card holders can use to offset their US tax liability. This is good news because […]

How to Use IRS Exchange Rates for Your Tax Return

IRS Exchange Rates

All Americans whose income exceeds certain thresholds must file (and potentially pay) United States taxes. Due to the US’s system of citizenship-based taxation, this is true even for American citizens and resident aliens living abroad. But no matter what currency their income is issued in, US expats must report it in US dollars (USD) — […]

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 […]