Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

How Form 2555 Helps You Exclude Foreign Income From U.S. Taxes

Confident businesswoman working internationally, potentially qualifying to exclude income using Form 2555.

For Americans abroad, some tax forms feel like chores. But Form 2555 is different—it’s the one that can actually make your U.S. tax bill smaller. Form 2555 is how you claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), a benefit that lets you exclude a significant portion of your foreign salary or self-employment income from U.S. […]

Understanding FBAR: How the U.S. Tracks Foreign Accounts

Young woman using an ATM, a reminder that foreign bank accounts like this may need to be reported under FBAR.

Got a bank account abroad? Congratulations—you’re more interesting than the average taxpayer. Unfortunately, you’re also on the IRS’s radar. Enter the FBAR: the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Filed on FinCEN Form 114, the FBAR exists thanks to the Bank Secrecy Act, which basically says, “If you’ve got money overseas, we want the […]

How UK Work Visas for US Citizens Actually Work

Businessman commuting by bike outside a sleek office building, symbolizing the professional lifestyle possible through a UK work visa for US citizens.

For many Americans, the idea of working in the UK feels like a dream with an accent—London skyscrapers, cozy pubs, and a global job market just across the pond. In 2025, the pull is stronger than ever, with thriving industries, international companies, and that undeniable charm of ordering “chips” and getting fries. But before you […]

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

Aerial view of Buye Beach, showcasing the tropical beauty that draws many to retire in Puerto Rico.

If your idea of retirement paradise includes turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and the ability to order a piña colada without leaving U.S. soil, then retiring in Puerto Rico might be your perfect next chapter. American retirees are flocking to this Caribbean island for more than just the scenery—its year-round tropical climate, vibrant culture, and generous […]