Tema
Expat Tax & Finance
Start here for US expat taxes, FBAR, FATCA, FEIE, state domicile, banking, and cross-border money decisions before moving abroad.
Use this hub to avoid the expensive tax and banking mistakes that show up after the move: state domicile, FBAR, FATCA, FEIE, self-employment tax, account access, and reporting deadlines.
Empieza con estas guias
Abre los mejores puntos de entrada antes de explorar todo el archivo.
Ruta de decision
Usa este orden para convertir el tema en una proxima decision mas clara.
- 01
Map federal filing obligations before choosing a country.
- 02
Separate income tax, self-employment tax, and reporting forms.
- 03
Protect banking access with redundant accounts and a US mailing path.
- 04
Review domicile, FEIE, FTC, and FBAR every tax year.
Preguntas comunes
Do US citizens still file taxes abroad?
Yes. US citizens generally file on worldwide income even when they live abroad, though FEIE and foreign tax credits can reduce federal income tax.
Is a foreign bank account automatically a tax problem?
No, but it can trigger FBAR and FATCA reporting. The risk is usually missed reporting, not the account itself.
Can a state tax an expat?
Some states aggressively audit domicile. The safest approach is to sever residential, banking, voting, driver license, and property ties before leaving.
Ultimas guias
36 guias en este tema.
Expat Tax & FinanceJune 2, 2026
FBAR vs Form 8938: The $10,000 Expat Filing Trap
US expats with foreign accounts must file both FBAR and Form 8938. Learn the exact thresholds, account types, and penalties before you miss a
Expat Tax & FinanceJune 1, 2026
Airbnb Hosting Abroad: The US Tax Guide You Actually Need
FEIE won't cover Airbnb income. Learn how expat hosts use Schedule E, depreciation, and the Foreign Tax Credit to legally cut their US tax bill.
Expat Tax & FinanceJune 1, 2026
State Income Tax Trap Most Expats Don't See Coming
California taxes expats at 13.3% even abroad. Learn how to legally sever domicile before moving overseas and eliminate state income tax.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 31, 2026
The 183-Day Tax Rule: What Expats Get Wrong
Most expats misunderstand the 183-day tax rule. Learn how it actually works country by country and why it is irrelevant for US citizens abroad.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 30, 2026
FBAR vs FATCA: What Every Expat Must Know
FBAR and FATCA are two separate foreign account reporting requirements with different penalties and thresholds. Learn what every US expat must file.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 30, 2026
The 3 Bank Accounts Every US Expat Actually Needs
Stop paying $2,400/year in bank fees abroad. This 3-account expat banking setup—Schwab, Mercury, Traveling Mailbox—costs just $180/year.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 29, 2026
Self-Employment Tax: The Expat Freelancer’s Hidden Bill
FEIE zeroes your income tax abroad—but SE tax still applies. See the exact numbers and legal ways to reduce your bill as a US expat freelancer.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 29, 2026
Your US Credit Score Is Dying Abroad — Stop It Now
FICO scores go dormant in 6 months of inactivity. Learn the exact system to keep your US credit score alive while living abroad as an expat.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 29, 2026
Moving Abroad Mid-Year: Maximize Your Tax Benefits
Moving in Q4 instead of Q1 costs you up to $30K in FEIE exclusions. Learn how pro-ration works, state tax traps, and FBAR obligations in year one.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 28, 2026
Puerto Rico Act 60: Keep Gains Tax-Free as a US Citizen
Puerto Rico Act 60 lets US citizens pay 0% capital gains without renouncing citizenship. Full breakdown of costs, requirements, and IRS audit risks.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 27, 2026
Mexico's 183-Day Tax Trap: What Expats Miss
Staying 183 days in Mexico makes you a fiscal resident taxed on worldwide income at up to 35%. Learn how ISR works and how to stay compliant.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 26, 2026
Portugal IFICI: Is the NHR Replacement Worth It?
NHR ended in 2025. Portugal's IFICI replacement gives tech workers and researchers a 20% flat tax for 10 years — but retirees and passive investors.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 26, 2026
How Expats Legally Pay $0/Month on Student Loans
Use the FEIE + IBR combination to reduce student loan payments to $0/month while living abroad. SAVE is dead — here is what works in 2026.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 26, 2026
The $39,870 Expat Bonus: Foreign Housing Exclusion Explained
Most expats claiming the FEIE miss the Foreign Housing Exclusion—up to $39,870 more tax-free per year. 2026 limits, city caps, and how to claim it.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 25, 2026
State Domicile for Expats: Avoid the States That Chase You Abroad
California can tax your foreign income at 13.3% even after you leave. Learn how to change state domicile and save 5,000+ per year as a US expat.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 24, 2026
US Exit Tax: What You Owe Before Renouncing Citizenship
Covered expatriate rules, the $910k exclusion, IRA lump-sum treatment, and 401k 30% withholding — the real cost of renouncing US citizenship.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 23, 2026
The Big Beautiful Bill: What US Expats Won and Lost
FEIE rose to $132,900 but citizenship-based taxation survived the OBBB unchanged. Full expat scorecard + why the RBT compliance clock is ticking.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 23, 2026
The 1% US Remittance Tax: Who Owes It and Who Doesn't
The 1% US remittance excise tax (IRC 4475) hits cash transfers, not bank wires. Learn which transfers are exempt and how expats pay /bin/bash.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 23, 2026
Virtual Mailbox for Expats: Keep Your US Banking Alive
How a $15/month virtual mailbox keeps expat bank accounts open, IRS mail received, and brokerages intact. Best states and step-by-step setup.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 22, 2026
Form 3520: The Foreign Gift Trap Most Expats Miss
Miss Form 3520 and owe 25% of your foreign gift amount in IRS penalties — on money that isn't even taxable. Here's what every US expat needs to know.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 21, 2026
GILTI Is Dead: New NCTI Tax Rules for Expat Business Owners
GILTI became NCTI in 2026 under the OBBBA. The effective rate rose to 12.6%, QBAI was eliminated. US expats with foreign corps need a new plan.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 20, 2026
Georgia's 1% Freelancer Tax: The Setup No One Talks About
Georgia charges freelancers 1% flat tax on up to $180K/year. Register your IE in one business day with no prior residency required.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 20, 2026
State Taxes Still Chase US Expats Abroad
California (13.3%) and New York (10.9%) tax you even after you leave the country. How to legally sever state tax ties before moving abroad.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 19, 2026
Puerto Rico Act 60: Legal US Tax Haven Explained
Act 60 lets US citizens pay 0-4% on capital gains while keeping their passport. No FBAR, no PFIC. Full guide to requirements, costs, and the 2026
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 18, 2026
NCTI Tax: Why Your Foreign Company Still Owes the IRS
GILTI became NCTI in 2026 with a higher rate and no QBAI carve-out. Learn how the IRS taxes your foreign company profits and how to reduce the bill.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 18, 2026
UK for US Expats: Taxes, the New FIG Regime & Real Costs
The UK abolished its non-dom regime in 2025. Learn the new FIG 4-year exemption, UK tax rates, visa options, and why most Americans owe $0 to the IRS.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 17, 2026
FBAR Filing Guide: How Expats Dodge $165K Penalties
FBAR penalties can hit $165K even if you paid zero tax. Learn who must file FinCEN 114, what accounts qualify, and how to catch up penalty-free.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 17, 2026
Federal Student Loans Abroad: The Zero-Payment Playbook
Use FEIE + IBR to pay $0/month on federal student loans while living abroad. Plus: the 2026 forgiveness tax bomb and how to plan for it.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 16, 2026
Renting Your US Home While Abroad: The Capital Gains Trap
Renting your US home before selling while living abroad can cost $30,000–$100,000 in taxes. Learn the Section 121 trap and how to avoid it.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 16, 2026
The FEIE-Roth IRA Trap Costing Expats $500K at Retirement
The FEIE excludes income from U.S. tax — but blocks Roth IRA contributions. Learn the 5-year trap and preserve retirement savings abroad.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 15, 2026
High-Yield Foreign Savings: Earn 12% While US Banks Pay 4%
US savings pays 4%. Colombian CDTs pay 12.9%. Learn which foreign savings accounts beat US rates and the currency risk nobody mentions.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 13, 2026
Spain's Beckham Law: Pay 24% Tax for 6 Years as an Expat
Spain's Beckham Law locks in a 24% flat tax rate and exempts foreign income for 6 years. Full guide: eligibility, application, US citizen pitfalls.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 12, 2026
Solo 401(k) Abroad: Self-Employed Expats Save $72k
Self-employed expats can contribute up to $72,000/year to a Solo 401(k). But the FEIE trap can wipe out your eligibility. Here's how to navigate it.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 11, 2026
The FEIE Self-Employment Tax Trap for Expat Freelancers
FEIE won't save expat freelancers from SE tax. Learn what you actually owe, which countries offer exemptions, and 3 strategies to reduce the bill.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 11, 2026
Student Loans Abroad: The FEIE Zero-Payment Strategy
FEIE can cut your federal student loan payment to $0 legally. How IDR + foreign income exclusion work together for US expats.
Expat Tax & FinanceMay 10, 2026
FATCA vs. GDPR: Why US Expats Lose European Banks
Belgium declared FATCA illegal under GDPR. Now EU banks face a catch-22. Here is what US expats need to know about European banking in 2026.