Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

What is FATCA and Why It Matters for U.S. Citizens Abroad

Mature woman using an ATM and putting her credit card away, reflecting everyday financial activity impacted by FATCA.

If you’ve ever opened a bank account overseas and been hit with a million questions about your U.S. citizenship, you’ve met FATCA—whether you knew it or not. Short for the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, FATCA was born in 2010 when the U.S. government decided it really, really didn’t want to miss out on taxes […]

FBAR Filing Requirements for Americans Living Abroad

FBAR FIling Requirements

A Foreign Bank Account Report or FBAR is a filing requirement for Americans with overseas registered financial accounts. The FBAR filing requirement was introduced as part of the 1970 Bank Secrecy Act, and it was intended to reduce offshore tax evasion by resident Americans. Many Americans living abroad fall into the same net: even if their foreign […]

Taxes in Japan for US Expats – A Complete Guide

From the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the bamboo forests near Kyoto to the world-renowned street food of Osaka, there’s no shortage of fascinating places in Japan. And with a lower cost of living than the US, it’s no wonder that tens of thousands of Americans have chosen to move to Japan. While living […]

The Netherlands Tax Rate: What US Expats Should Know

Netherlands Tax - The Ultimate Guide for US Expats - Hero Image

The tax rate in the Netherlands is a frequent topic among Americans researching the implications of relocating to Holland. There’s already a lot to love about the well-located country, including its quaint, bikeable cities, and excellent public transportation and education infrastructure. However, delving into the logistical and financial details of living in the Netherlands as […]

Taxes in Mexico: What US Citizens Need to Know

The food, the weather, the lively culture, the low cost of living, the ability to immerse yourself in Spanish… with all of the advantages of living in Mexico, it’s no wonder that more and more Americans are moving there. Along with all of the advantages, though, it can complicate your taxes a bit. However, as […]

Why are banks closing US expats’ brokerage accounts?

Why are some banks closing US expats brokerage accounts

Wells Fargo’s US expat clients have until the end of September 2021 to move their brokerage accounts to another provider or face closure. Wells Fargo isn’t the first bank to turn away expats though. In this article we look at why banks and brokerage firms are denying services to Americans living abroad, and what options […]

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 […]