Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

Do US Expats Pay Medicare Tax?

US Expats Pay Medicare Tax

The US requires all Americans to file US taxes every year, reporting their worldwide income. This includes Americans living abroad. Additionally, American expats have to claim exemptions such as the Foreign Tax Credit and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion to reduce their US tax bill. Most US taxpayers living abroad can reduce their US tax bill to […]

US Expat Tax Filing: What Documents Do I Need? A Checklist

US Expat Tax Filing: What Documents Do I Need? A Checklist

All American citizens and Green Card holders are required to file a US federal tax return every year, reporting their global income, even if they live abroad. Americans may also have to report any foreign registered businesses, financial assets, and bank or investment accounts that they may have. Neither international tax treaties nor filing foreign […]

Do US Citizens Living Abroad Have to File US Taxes?

US Citizens Living Abroad Taxes Guide

Many US citizens living abroad aren’t sure whether they need to file US taxes. In this article we’re going to clear up a few common misconceptions, and provide some strategies for success. Do US citizens living abroad have to file US taxes? Yes. All US citizens, including those living abroad, who earn more than the […]

Retire in Japan: Visas, Healthcare, Taxes, & More

Retiring in Japan as a foreigner is actually quite a common occurence for Americans. Pictured: two older expats sitting in on a bench in the fall.

Japan has long been hailed as a great vacation destination due to its natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine — but it’s also surprisingly common for Americans to retire in Japan.  And with Japan’s great healthcare system, low crime rates, and lower cost of living, it’s not hard to see why. Below, we’ll delve into […]

Breaking News: IRS Updates Form 1040 for 2019

IRS Updates Form 1040 for 2019 filing in 2020

The IRS has released a new draft Form 1040 for 2019 tax year (filing in 2020). While the new form is still in a public consultation phase, it’s notably different from the current Form 1040, which itself was only introduced just in time for the 2018 tax year and was a big departure from the […]

What is the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) & Form 6251?

Form 6251 Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for Expats

Most US expats are familiar with ordinary income taxes, which range from 10% to 37% depending on overall taxable income. Through expat-specific tax breaks, Americans abroad can often greatly reduce or eliminate their US tax liability. While this is generally a good thing, it can make high-income expats more susceptible to the Alternative Minimum Tax […]

What Is a PFIC? Understanding IRS Rules on Foreign Investments

Just found out about PFICs and feeling a little panicked? You’re not alone. Many U.S. expats with foreign investments don’t realize they own a Passive Foreign Investment Company until they’re knee-deep in tax forms—or worse, facing unexpected tax bills. The IRS classifies many foreign mutual funds, ETFs, and investment funds as PFICs, and unfortunately, they come with some of the most […]

Best Virtual Mailbox Services for Americans Living Abroad

Virtual Mailbox Services for expats

The number of Americans living abroad, including expats and Digital Nomads, now totals over nine million. Many of them still receive mail in the US from time to time (or regularly) though, and a Virtual Mailbox Service provides a way for expats to see their US postal mail more or less instantly. The way the […]