Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Trump’s Income Tax Plan: Will You Pay More or Less?

A picture of the White House, symbolizing the Trump income tax plan and U.S. fiscal policy.

Trump is back in the White House—and taxes are back on the table. With his re-election in 2024, President Donald Trump has reignited one of the biggest financial debates in America: what happens next to your federal income taxes. At the heart of it? The Trump tax cuts of 2017, many of which are set […]

The IRS Streamline Procedures: How to Fix Missed Foreign Filings

Foreign currency spread across a world map, representing global income and the IRS streamline procedures for reporting missed foreign assets.

So, you’ve just discovered you were supposed to file a Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR), maybe a Form 8938, and include that income from your old investment in the Cayman Islands. Whoops. Deep breaths—you’re not the first (and definitely not the last) U.S. taxpayer to miss the fine print on international tax reporting. That’s where […]

What the Canada-US Tax Treaty Means for US Expats

A professional woman is sorting through tax documents, highlighting her role in tax preparation and analysis in a contemporary office setting.

Navigating taxes as a U.S. expat in Canada can feel overwhelming, but the Canada-US tax treaty is designed to make things a little easier. Whether you’re working, retired, or investing north of the border, understanding how this treaty works can help you avoid double taxation and make the most of available benefits. In this guide, […]

Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures for Missed Foreign Income

A woman holding foreign currency, symbolizing a U.S. expat catching up on unreported accounts through the Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures.

If you’re a U.S. taxpayer living stateside with unreported foreign accounts or income, the words “offshore compliance” probably don’t inspire joy. But here’s the good news: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) knows mistakes happen—and they’ve created a pathway to help you fix them (before things get expensive). It’s called the Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures (SDOP), […]

The Cheapest Places to Live in Canada (And Still Love It)

Toronto skyline glowing at dusk, a vibrant snapshot of urban life in Canada.

If you’re a U.S. expat dreaming of a fresh start north of the border, you’re probably wondering about the most affordable places to live in Canada. With its welcoming communities, stunning natural beauty, and high quality of life, Canada is a top destination for Americans seeking new opportunities. But as you weigh your options, understanding […]

What Is Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)? A Guide for Expats

Most Americans know basic tax concepts and terminology, like income, credits, deductions, and exclusions. Phrases like modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), on the other hand, aren’t always as well known. If you’re not familiar with MAGI, it can benefit you to read up on the concept. After all, understanding your MAGI can help you reduce […]