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Filing Taxes as an Expat
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Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
U.S. citizens or resident aliens can exclude up to
Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)
Reduces double taxation by allowing income tax already paid to a foreign government to be credited against U.S. tax on foreign income. The FTC cannot exceed the amount of U.S. tax attributable to foreign income.
Foreign Housing Exclusion or Deduction
Allows additional exclusion or deduction from gross income for housing costs over a base amount if certain conditions are met. Calculated using the housing cost amount minus the base (16% of the FEIE for that year).
Totalization Agreements
Agreements with various countries to avoid double taxation of income with respect to social security taxes. They help determine which country's social security system covers the taxpayer.
Reporting Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
Required if the total value of the individual's foreign financial accounts exceeds
FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) Filing Requirements
U.S. taxpayers holding foreign financial assets with an aggregate value exceeding
Foreign Pension and Retirement Accounts Reporting
The U.S. may tax distributions from and sometimes even the growth within a foreign pension or retirement accounts. Reporting is complex and often requires help from a tax professional.
Self-Employment Tax for Expats
U.S. citizens or resident aliens living abroad who are self-employed are generally subject to self-employment tax on their foreign earnings.
State Tax Filing Requirements While Living Abroad
Some U.S. states still require expats to file state income taxes, depending on the individual's intent to return and various domiciliary factors.
Foreign Partnerships and Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs)
U.S. persons with interest in or authority over foreign partnerships, corporations, or other entities may have to file additional forms such as Form 8865 or Form 5471, respectively.
Expat Tax Deadlines and Extensions
The automatic two-month extension for taxpayers living outside the U.S. moves the filing deadline to June 15. Further extensions can be requested with Form 4868, extending the deadline to October 15.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for Military Contractors
Civilian contractors working in designated combat zones may qualify for the same income exclusions as military personnel, which includes the FEIE.
Tax Treaties Impact on Expat Filing
The U.S. has tax treaties with many countries that can affect taxation of income and provide relief from double taxation, exclusions, or deductions not otherwise available.
Estate and Gift Tax for Expatriates
U.S. citizens and resident aliens are subject to estate and gift tax on worldwide property. However, tax treaties and the unified credit against estate tax may provide relief.
Spousal Election for Non-Citizen Spouse Income
A U.S. taxpayer married to a non-U.S. citizen may elect to treat their non-U.S. citizen spouse as a U.S. resident for taxation purposes, which includes worldwide income reporting but allows joint filing.
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