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 […]
11/17/2025
Considerations around taxes in Colombia for foreigners are hardly top of mind when expats move there — and between its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and affordable cost of living, it’s not hard to see why. Of course, taxes are an inescapable part of life for everyone, but especially US citizens and permanent residents. Before moving, […]
10/06/2025
While living in Portugal can seem like a dream — the gorgeous beaches, the pleasant climate, the rich culture — it’s important to consider practical matters, too. Given how much it can impact your finances, one of the chief items worth looking into is taxes in Portugal for expats. In addition to being subject to […]
11/17/2025
In recent years, Dubai has become a global hub for entrepreneurs and business, in no small part because taxes in Dubai are minimal. The business-friendly tax laws in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — where Dubai is located — include no personal income taxes, no capital gains taxes, and low corporate taxes. On top of […]