Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

How to File Taxes for Self-Employed Expats: The Essentials

US expat researches how to report foreign self employment income.

Globally-minded US entrepreneurs, location-independent contractors overseas, and freelancers abroad are trailblazers with unique tax needs: To understand how to file taxes for self-employed expats. Before any self-employment taxes (sometimes referred to as “SE tax“) are filed though, you’ll want to ensure that your global US tax strategy is maximum efficient. To accomplish this, you’ll need […]

How to Move Abroad From the US: An Unofficial Roadmap

Digital nomad with a map

Wondering how to move abroad from the United States? You’re not alone. Whether you call it wanderlust, itchy feet, or travel fever, many people feel a calling to embark on adventures overseas.  An estimated 5.4 million Americans live overseas, with more and more making the move every day. And with many countries having a lower […]

US Tax on Foreign Property for American Expats in 2022

Foreign Property American Expats

The purchase or sale of a home stateside can be challenging enough. Abroad, you also have to navigate the US expat tax reporting requirements, which can be a little confusing to say the least.  As a US expat, you may already know that your worldwide income must be reported on your American tax return and […]

The Top 7 Countries For Digital Nomad Visas in 2024

Best Countries for Digital Nomad Visa

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 […]

A Guide to Dual Status Tax Returns for Expats

A Guide to Dual Status Tax Returns for Expats

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 […]

The Best Places to Retire in the World in 2022

The Best Places to Retire in the World in 2022

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 […]

Do Expats Pay State Taxes? What to Know When Living Abroad

US expat couple on a road trip back home in the United States

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 […]

The IRS Standard Deduction in 2022 for Expats

The IRS Standard Deduction in 2021 for Expats

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 […]

Retire Abroad US Tax Guide

Retire Abroad US Tax Guide

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 […]

Need to File US Taxes Late? What US Expats Need to Know

us-expat-filing-taxes-late-from-abroad

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 […]