Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

FATCA and CRS Reporting: When Your Bank Talks to the IRS Before You Do

Close-up of a businesswoman using a magnifying glass to review financial documents, focusing on FATCA and CRS reporting requirements.

Once upon a time, moving your money overseas meant it could quietly stay overseas. In 2025? Your bank is practically CC’ing the IRS—and its international cousins—before you’ve even filed your own taxes. Thanks to FATCA (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), global banking transparency isn’t optional anymore. Banks, investment […]

Taxes as an Expat: 9 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Female hands holding Asian currency and a foreign passport while preparing taxes as an expat.

Living abroad may change your view, your routine, and your favorite snacks—but not your tax obligations. As long as you’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the IRS still expects you to file—no matter where in the world you live or work. That includes digital nomads, retirees, self-employed entrepreneurs, and remote employees. The problem? […]

How Australia’s Corporate Tax Rate Affects U.S. Expats and Entrepreneurs

Taking care of your taxes and financial strategy in Australia

If you’re a U.S. expat or entrepreneur considering business opportunities Down Under, understanding how Australia’s corporate tax rate impacts your bottom line is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down the key tax rules, highlight practical strategies, and help you make informed decisions for your cross-border business success. Understanding Australia’s corporate tax rate structure and […]

Trump’s Income Tax Plan: Will You Pay More or Less?

A picture of the White House, symbolizing the Trump income tax plan and U.S. fiscal policy.

Trump is back in the White House—and taxes are back on the table. With his re-election in 2024, President Donald Trump has reignited one of the biggest financial debates in America: what happens next to your federal income taxes. At the heart of it? The Trump tax cuts of 2017, many of which are set […]

Selling Property? Understand Canada’s Capital Gains Tax

Investment jar with coins and a growing tree, representing long-term business and wealth management strategies.

Selling property in Canada comes with its own set of tax rules—and capital gains tax is one you don’t want to overlook. For U.S. expats, understanding how gains from a Canadian home sale are taxed can save you from expensive surprises down the road. Here’s what to know about Canadian capital gains tax, recent rule […]