Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

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 […]

Do Astronauts Have to File US Taxes from Space?

Do Astronauts Have to File US Taxes from Space

What do astronauts and American expats have in common? American expats and astronauts both need the ability, courage and conviction to not just venture out into the unknown, but to succeed and thrive there. Unfortunately, they also share an inability to escape the requirement to file US taxes. The US taxes based on citizenship, meaning […]

US Expats Taxes – Best State Residency for Expats

Best state tax residency for expats

Americans living abroad are required to file a US tax return, reporting their worldwide income, just as if they were living in the States. To avoid paying US taxes as well as foreign taxes on their worldwide income, the IRS has made a number of provisions available, such as the Foreign Tax Credit and the Foreign […]

Taxes for Expats – The US – China Tax Treaty

The US - China Tax Treaty Great Wall

The US-China tax treaty was signed in 1984 and came into effect in 1987. Unlike many other US tax treaties, it hasn’t been updated since or added to since.  The purpose of the treaty is to prevent double taxation for Americans living in China and Chinese citizens living in the US. The principle way it […]

US Tax Forms for Expats – Form 2555 or 2555-EZ?

IRS form 2555 or 2555-EZ for Expats

All Americans (including green card holders) are required to file US taxes, reporting their worldwide income, including expats. Many expats mistakenly assume that they don’t have to file US taxes if they don’t have US sourced income, or due to a tax treaty, however all Americans who earn over $12,000 or just $400 of self-employment […]