02/06/2026
The IRS has a very inclusive definition of a “U.S. person”—and it’s not just about citizenship. If you hold a green card, live abroad, have American parents, or even spend a certain number of days in the States, congratulations: you may be a U.S. person for tax purposes. That matters because U.S. persons are required […]
01/23/2026
Not long ago, going without health insurance didn’t just mean taking a risk—it also meant paying the IRS. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), taxpayers without full-year coverage faced the “shared responsibility payment,” unless they qualified for an exemption. That’s where Form 8965 came in. Filing the form allowed taxpayers to claim a health coverage […]
02/06/2026
It’s the world’s most surprising membership: “accidental Americans.” These are people who hold U.S. citizenship—sometimes without even realizing it—and suddenly find themselves caught up in a global game of tax tag. Maybe you were born during a family layover in New York, or you inherited American citizenship from a parent, even though you’ve spent your […]
01/29/2026
Living abroad is great until rent, utilities, and “mystery building fees” start gnawing at your budget. The IRS does throw you a bone: if you live overseas long enough to qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, you may also get a break on housing—employees can exclude eligible costs, self-employed folks can deduct them. Think […]
02/06/2026
If you’re an American living abroad, “double taxation” probably ranks right up there with lost luggage and surprise Zoom calls in the middle of the night. Double taxation is when you end up paying taxes on the same income—first to the country where you earn it, and then again to the U.S., just for being […]
01/19/2026
Most expats learn about the Foreign Tax Credit the way you learn about fire alarms: startled and slightly annoyed. The promise sounds comforting: if you paid income tax to another country, you may be able to claim a credit so you’re not taxed twice on the same foreign-source income. And that’s often true—until you hit […]
02/06/2026
In Canada, your taxable income isn’t just your salary—it’s everything the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can spot, sniff out, or imagine showing up on your T4, bank statement, or rental agreement. Side hustle? That’s income. Cash from a freelance gig? Definitely income. Your Airbnb payout or crypto win? The CRA’s already taking notes. Getting it […]
02/06/2026
Landing a job at the United Nations might sound like a diplomatic dream—global mission, international colleagues, and not a cubicle in sight. But for U.S. citizens and resident aliens working at the UN, there’s one very terrestrial reality that refuses to go away: your tax obligations back home. Unlike most jobs, working for the UN […]
01/10/2026
Setting up a business in Germany looks straightforward—until you peek under the hood. There isn’t one “corporate tax rate,” there’s a stack: a national piece, a small add-on, and a local charge that shifts by city. For expats choosing between a GmbH and going solo, those layers matter. Pick the right postcode and structure, you […]
02/06/2026
If you’re investing internationally, you might not realize that some foreign assets come with extra IRS reporting requirements. Enter Form 8621—the form U.S. taxpayers must file when they own Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). PFICs can include foreign mutual funds, ETFs, and even certain foreign corporations. The IRS keeps a close watch on these investments, and failing […]