12/12/2025
The plan is simple: land in Frankfurt, eat your body weight in pretzels, pretend you understand train timetables. But first—passport control. Germany sits inside the Schengen Area (think France, Spain, Italy and their 20-ish neighbors), which has one set of rules for short stays. So the real question isn’t just “Do U.S. citizens need a […]
10/05/2025
So you’ve moved abroad—traded in your U.S. zip code for a new country, a new life, maybe even a better coffee. But one thing you didn’t leave behind? The IRS. U.S. citizens are taxed on their worldwide income, no matter where they live. The good news: Uncle Sam does throw expats a couple of lifelines. […]
12/12/2025
Buying a house in Germany isn’t a sprint—it’s a tidy, well-signposted jog. Prices are listed per square meter (cue different math), a notary seals every deal, and the land registry has the final say. Banks care less about charm and more about steady numbers, so pre-approval beats “we’ll figure it out” every time. If you’re […]
02/04/2026
Every tax season, U.S. filers face an eternal question: tax deductions vs tax credits—which one actually saves you more money? It’s a bit like asking whether you’d rather have a coupon that takes a few dollars off your dinner bill, or a gift card that covers the whole entrée. Both are great, but they work […]
02/20/2026
A capital gain is the increase of the value of an asset that you realize when that asset is sold. Capital gains (and losses) are reported on Form 1040 Schedule D; however the calculations to arrive at the capital gain or loss are reported on IRS Form 8949.
10/05/2025
For Americans abroad, some tax forms feel like chores. But Form 2555 is different—it’s the one that can actually make your U.S. tax bill smaller. Form 2555 is how you claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), a benefit that lets you exclude a significant portion of your foreign salary or self-employment income from U.S. […]
10/05/2025
Got a bank account abroad? Congratulations—you’re more interesting than the average taxpayer. Unfortunately, you’re also on the IRS’s radar. Enter the FBAR: the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Filed on FinCEN Form 114, the FBAR exists thanks to the Bank Secrecy Act, which basically says, “If you’ve got money overseas, we want the […]
10/05/2025
For many Americans, the idea of working in the UK feels like a dream with an accent—London skyscrapers, cozy pubs, and a global job market just across the pond. In 2025, the pull is stronger than ever, with thriving industries, international companies, and that undeniable charm of ordering “chips” and getting fries. But before you […]
10/05/2025
If your idea of retirement paradise includes turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and the ability to order a piña colada without leaving U.S. soil, then retiring in Puerto Rico might be your perfect next chapter. American retirees are flocking to this Caribbean island for more than just the scenery—its year-round tropical climate, vibrant culture, and generous […]
10/05/2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of trading snow shovels for beach towels, or rush-hour traffic for a slow stroll to the mercado, you might be ready to retire in Mexico. For U.S. citizens (and more than a few Canadians), it’s become the go-to spot for sunshine, vibrant culture, and a cost of living that won’t eat […]