Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Taxes in Germany vs US: What Expats Need to Know

Taxes in Germany - Everything US Expats Need to Know

Last updated April 24, 2023. From hip Berlin to the enchanting Black Forest to the fairytale-esque Neuschwanstein castle, there’s no shortage of amazing sights to see in Germany. Combine that with a high quality of life and a lower cost of living, and it’s easy to see why hundreds of thousands of Americans currently live […]

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Tax Reporting for American Expats Guide

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Tax Reporting for Americans Expats Guide

Many expats were early adopters of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, and as all American citizens, including expats, have to file a US tax return every year, how to report Cryptos is a pertinent question for many Americans living abroad. In 2021 in particular, cryptos have frequently featured in the news due to dramatic value changes. With many […]

IRS Form 1040-NR AKA the Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return

1040-NR Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return

Doing business in the United States as a non-citizen can be complicated, especially regarding taxes.  One form that you may need to fill out is IRS Form 1040-NR, the Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, which is used by individuals who are not US citizens or tax residents but have certain incomes or other reportable activities. […]

Form 5471 Explained: Do You Need to Report Your Foreign Corporation?

expat corporation tax Form 5471

You took the leap, set up a business abroad, and now you’re living the dream—until tax season rolls around and you hear about Form 5471. Suddenly, the IRS wants details about your foreign corporation, and missing this form could mean steep penalties. If you’re a U.S. shareholder in a foreign business, there’s a good chance you need to file. […]

Calev Isaacson Awarded Bright!Tax Global Scholar Award

Calev Isaacson Awarded Bright!Tax Global Scholar Award

The Bright!Tax Awards Committee is proud to announce that Calev Isaacson is the latest recipient of the Global Scholar Award. The Awards Committee found Calev’s story and ambitions inspirational. He grew up in Arizona, where his father’s family had emigrated to from war-torn Europe in the 1940s. His mother’s family meanwhile were originally Mexican. Calev […]

Best Countries for Expats to Retire Overseas in 2021

Best Countries for Expats to Retire Overseas in 2021

Retirement abroad is more popular than ever, as the world has become more connected online, making managing finances and keeping in touch with family and friends from abroad easier. The desire to travel meanwhile has been amplified by the pandemic. The top considerations when considering where to retire overseas are cost of living, healthcare, quality […]

Self-Employment Tax Deductions and Credits for US Expats

US small business owner sits at a table in a kitchen claiming her self employment tax deductions.

When you embark on the adventure of living abroad, you open yourself up to exciting experiences, diverse cultures, and tantalizing cuisines. However, if you’ve decided to pursue a side gig or fully embrace self-employment during your overseas journey, navigating your tax obligations becomes a bit more intricate. As a self-employed expat, understanding your income, tax […]