11/17/2025
Living abroad is a dream for many people — one that’s more attainable than ever thanks to the advent of the digital nomad visa. In fact, dozens of countries across five different continents now offer such visas. But with so many options, choosing just one can be difficult. Fortunately, we’re here to make your job […]
10/06/2025
The US is one of only two countries that uses a citizenship-based tax system rather than a territorial one. This means that the IRS taxes all US citizens, including dual citizens and Americans who live in other countries. So even if you already paid taxes in the country where you live abroad, if you are a […]
10/05/2025
A recent study suggests at least 12 percent of Americans have considered living abroad in older age and retirement, but often a myriad of distractions in our ever demanding world get in the way. With more than half a million retired American expats collecting social security benefits outside the US, it’s clear many push past […]
10/05/2025
The Bona Fide Residence Test allows Americans living abroad to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, as well as the Foreign Housing Exclusion or Deduction. Americans living abroad are still liable to file and pay US taxes, and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion provides a way for Americans to exclude income earned while living abroad […]
11/17/2025
Do expats pay state taxes? If this question isn’t top of mind when planning an international move, it’s understandable. There are a lot of other (frankly more exciting) things to think about. Amidst all the excitement, though, it’s important to keep practical details (such as your tax obligations) in mind. The US operates on a unique […]
10/06/2025
The IRS Standard Deduction allows Americans to deduct a fixed amount of their income from US tax when they file their federal return. The Standard Deduction lets Americans avoid the hassle of itemizing their actual deductions when they file. The amount of the Standard Deduction was very low before the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs […]
10/06/2025
Due to the increased availability of work-from-anywhere jobs, more and more Americans are choosing to live and work abroad. Given the many benefits of raising children abroad, such as a lower cost of living, great schools and public services, and foreign language and cultural immersion, it’s no surprise that many of these folks are parents. […]
10/06/2025
Over a million Americans have retired abroad, and millions more aspire to. The most common benefits include a better climate, affordable healthcare, and a better standard of living on retirement income. The most popular destination for Americans retiring abroad is Mexico, due to the twin appeals of its proximity and affordability. Many folks move there […]
10/06/2025
Americans who move abroad are required to continue filing US taxes, reporting their worldwide income. This means that American citizens abroad often have to file two tax returns. The tax treaties that the US has with around 100 other countries don’t mitigate the risk of double taxation either, as they contain a ‘saving clause’ meaning […]
10/06/2025
The Bright!Tax Awards Committee is proud to announce that Natalie Heath has become the twelfth recipient of the Bright!Tax Global Scholar Award. The Award is a biannual scholarship for ambitious, inspirational young Americans who are studying overseas. Bright!Tax is the leading provider of US tax services for the 10 million Americans living abroad. Bright!Tax founder […]