Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Pros and Cons of Renouncing US Citizenship for US Expats

Pros and cons of renouncing US citizenship

It’s common for longtime US expats to consider the pros and cons of renouncing US citizenship. The annual filing requirement can take a toll on both nerves and patience, leading many to question why, exactly, they maintain their US citizenship. Contrary to popular belief, however, renouncing is a time-consuming process rife with bureaucratic hurdles. To […]

2020 FATCA News for US Expats

2020 FATCA News for US Expats

FATCA is the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, a 2010 US law that aimed to help prevent offshore tax evasion. The law has had many unintended consequences though, particularly for American expats all around the world. US tax rules for expats The American tax system is unusual in that it requires American expats to file […]

Filing FBARs Late – Delinquent FBAR Procedures for Expats

Filing FBARs Late - Delinquent FBAR Procedures for Expats

Despite living abroad, American expats are required to file US taxes, reporting their worldwide income. When expats file, they can claim one (or in some cases multiple) IRS provisions to reduce their US tax bill, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Foreign Tax Credit. They also have to report their foreign business interests. […]

Skyler Rutkowski Awarded Bright!Tax Global Scholar Award

Skyler Rutkowski Awarded BrightTax Global Scholar Award

Skyler Rutkowski is the latest winner of the Bright!Tax Global Scholar Award. The award is made biannually to exceptional young Americans who wish to study overseas. Skyler is the eighth recipient of the award, which was launched in 2016 by Bright!Tax, the world-leading expat tax services firm. Skyler is currently working towards a PHD in […]

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion in 2020 for US Expats

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion in 2020 for US Expats

Because the US taxes based on citizenship, American expats have to file US taxes from abroad, reporting all of their global income. Many Americans also have to file foreign taxes too, depending on the rules in the country (or countries where they live). Americans also often have to report their foreign registered bank and investment […]

US Taxes for Expats – FBAR Filing Deadline 2020

FBAR Filing Deadline 2020 for Expats

If living abroad requires courage and mental fortitude, in return it rewards expats with the experience of a lifetime. Americans who live abroad still have to file US federal taxes though, reporting their global income. Many also have to file foreign taxes in the country where they live, and possibly US state taxes, too. This […]

Tax Guide for British Expats Working in the US

Tax Guide for British Expats Working in the US

An estimated 700,000 British expats live in the US, and the majority have relocated to further their careers. When Brits move to the US for work, they often already have a work permit or Green Card. This places them within the US tax system. The US tax system has significant differences to, and is generally […]