Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Understanding the Swiss Pension System as a US Expat – Pillar 1 of 3 

Switzerland Pension Pillars US Expats

Switzerland, aka the Playground of Europe, is a popular destination for American expats. Many find life in Switzerland so enjoyable that they stay, establishing careers and raising families along the way.  As with life anywhere, living in Switzerland comes with some bureaucratic and logistical hurdles – particularly for American citizens and Green Card holders. The […]

ETIAS Visa Waiver for Foreigners Visiting the EU

EU flag. An ETIAS visa waiver will be required by many foreigners, including Americans, who wish to visit the EU and Schengen Zone countries from November 2023 onward

Is it your dream to marvel at Santorini’s whitewashed homes and blue seas, hike in the Swiss Alps, or savor the creamy taste of genuine Florentine gelato? We’re sure it is. But 2025 will bring a key change for Americans seeking a European escape: the ETIAS visa waiver. While American citizens have not previously needed […]

2025 US Expat Tax Deadlines and Tips for Americans Abroad

As an American expat, balancing your adventurous life with the practicalities of tax season is crucial. As 2025 unfolds, Bright!Tax is here to simplify the US tax process for you. This guide is your essential companion for the 2024 tax season, packed with all the key dates and insights to navigate your tax responsibilities with […]

2025 Tax Changes: IRS Updates for US Expats, Explained

With the 2025 tax year just around the corner, changes to the US tax code are on the way. Some updates, income tax bracket adjustments, are pertinent to all Americans. However, several  — like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) threshold increase — are particularly relevant for expats. While it’s important to stay on top […]

Gifting Property To a Foreign Spouse and US Expat Taxes

There are times in life when family members exchange generous gifts with one another, such as during weddings, estate planning, or celebrations of life. However, while the focus may be on the act of giving or receiving foreign property, it is important to be aware of the tax implications that come along with it. These […]

The IRS Agency 2022 Annual Report: Implications for Expats

Every year, the IRS publishes an Annual Report. This report functions as a report card of sorts, dutifully noting its accomplishments and challenges.  In 2022, the IRS collected over $4.9 trillion in gross revenue to fund much of the federal government. These funds go to supporting federal infrastructures, including our national parks, air traffic control, […]

Retirement Accounts for US Expats

Whether or not you intend to retire abroad, there’s one thing you can never be too careful with: how you save for retirement right now. Retirement accounts for expats require careful research and planning, and for Americans living abroad, there are special considerations to take into account. In your sunset years, you’ll want to have […]

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: What You Need to Know

bright-tax-web-taxation-resources-portugal-digital-nomad-visa-hero

Ever since the post-pandemic explosion in remote work, more and more countries have been establishing digital nomad visas in hopes of bolstering their economies. But while many of those countries are still hammering out the details, Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) is fully operational—and quickly becoming one of the most sought-after options among European countries. With year-round sunshine, […]

Tax in Thailand: An American Expat’s Guide

US expat taxes Thailand

If you’re wondering how US expat taxes in Thailand work, you may already be considering a move there. Between the paradisiacal beaches, exquisite cuisine, and low cost of living, there are plenty of reasons to make the Land of Smiles your new home — but it’s important to consider practical matters as well. Even though […]