Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

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 […]

Should US Expats Invest in Foreign Mutual Funds?

US expat doing her expat taxes at her desk.

US mutual funds are a popular investment vehicle stateside and are frequently recommended as an affordable and convenient way to diversify investment portfolios. With that commonplace advice in mind, many expats consider investing in mutual funds based outside the US. Investing in foreign mutual funds, however, isn’t quite as straightforward as investing in a US-based […]

Foreign Tax Credit Limitation – What Expats Need to Know

Foreign tax credit limitation for US expats

Without the right tax strategy in place, double taxation is a real possibility for US expats. That’s because the US is among a handful of countries that charges tax based on citizenship, rather than residence.  Fortunately, expats can use the Foreign Tax Credit, among other legislated initiatives, to eliminate the prospect of paying tax twice. […]

Tax Return Filing For US Citizens Living Abroad

Tax Return Filing For US Citizens Living Abroad

Over nine million US citizens are living abroad, including US military and diplomatic staff. According to US law, all of them who meet minimum IRS income requirements have to file a US tax return every year, reporting their worldwide income. Neither international tax treaties, nor where their income is sourced, nor whether US citizens living […]

Streamlined Procedure FAQs for US Expats

Streamlined Procedure FAQs for US Expats

Many American expats assume that living abroad, or perhaps a tax treaty, exempts them from filing US taxes from overseas, so they are surprised to discover that the US requires all American citizens and Green Card Holders to report their worldwide income and that they still have to file. Many expats realize this after already […]