Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

What Is a Reasonable Owner Salary for an S Corp?

US expat counting hundred-dollar bills in preparation for sending large sums of money overseas.

It’s one of the most common questions among those evaluating business structures: What is a reasonable owner salary for an S corp? Knowing what a reasonable salary is — and how to determine one — is essential to reaping the benefits of S corp status. In the right circumstances, those benefits can be significant. Forming […]

LLC, S-Corp, & C-Corp: What’s Best for US Expats?

LLC, S-Corp and C-Corp: What’s Best for US Expats?

Depending on your goals, the right business structure can help you reduce administrative burden, facilitate company growth, or shield you from personal liability — as well as have major tax benefits. If you’re a self-employed US expat, you may have wondered about the differences between the three most common options: LLCs, S corp and C […]

Enabling the Future by Supporting Innovation: Bright!Lights Project Donates to the United Brain Association

gentle lights and hope

At Bright!Tax, we believe in leveraging our resources to foster a brighter future. Through our Bright!Lights project, we channel our commitment to philanthropy by supporting initiatives that not only promise innovation but also have a profound impact on global well-being. Each project under Bright!Lights is carefully selected to ensure that our contributions meaningfully advance community […]

Retire in Costa Rica: Visas, Healthcare, Taxes, & More

Sunset in Costa Rica

Americans looking to move to a beautiful, safe, and relatively affordable country in their golden years may want to retire in Costa Rica. Whether you want to relax, go on adventures, or indulge in a bit of both, Costa Rica’s got you covered. And with a dedicated retirement visa, moving there is much more attainable […]

Your Complete Guide to Budgeting as a Digital Nomad

Digital nomad in Paris

Budgeting as a digital nomad can be tricky, but it’s essential. Travel expenses can add up quickly, and you don’t want to run out of funds in a foreign country. That said, it’s definitely possible to travel — even for an indefinite amount of time — without breaking the bank. Below, we’ll go over everything you […]

Best Countries to Teach English & Save Money as a US Expat

Teaching English abroad

Exploring the best countries to teach English and save money? You’ve come to the right place to learn about the top locations around the world for those looking to travel, make money, and pursue a rewarding career. With quite a few countries offering high salaries, low taxes, a low cost of living, and sometimes even […]

Italy Digital Nomad Visa: Your (Updated!) 2024 Guide

Italy digital nomad visa

Italy’s digital nomad visa has had buzz around it ever since the government first announced plans to offer one in March 2022. Between the country’s fascinating history, beautiful vistas, and incredible cuisine, it’s no wonder Italy is the fifth most-visited country in the world. For a long time, however, would-be applicants were in the dark […]

Understanding FBAR Filing: Should You Include Online Banks?

money in foreign online bank accounts

As a digitally savvy expat, you likely have some experience with money service providers and payment systems like Wise, PayPal, and others. And it’s all fun and games until it’s time to file your FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts), the annual disclosure of your foreign financial accounts held outside the US. Generating […]