Tax Rules and Compliance

When Do Expats Need a Tax Preparer? 9 Common Scenarios

A man sitting at a desk with paperwork

This year, almost three-quarters of Americans said they planned to file their own taxes — either manually or with the help of tax preparation software. In some cases, this makes sense. If all of your income is W-2 income, you hold minimal assets, and you don’t mind putting in the effort, filing on your own […]

5 Reasons to Maintain a US Address while Living Abroad

US mailbox

Although maintaining a US address may not be a priority when moving overseas, understanding how to do so is beneficial. Despite varying circumstances, having a US mailbox while living abroad can often prevent future logistical issues. But what exactly are the benefits of maintaining a US mailing address, and how can you do so? We’ll […]

How to Change State Residency for Taxes [Expat Strategies]

US expat plays chess, a visual analogy of the strategy necessary behind changing state residency when living abroad.

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but certain details, like determining and possibly changing your state residency for tax purposes, can be less exhilarating.   Even if aspects like these aren’t terribly exciting, though, they are important. Your state residency can have major tax implications, so it’s worth taking the time to read up on […]

2025 US Expat Tax Deadlines and Tips for Americans Abroad

As an American expat, balancing your adventurous life with the practicalities of tax season is crucial. As 2025 unfolds, Bright!Tax is here to simplify the US tax process for you. This guide is your essential companion for the 2024 tax season, packed with all the key dates and insights to navigate your tax responsibilities with […]

2025 Tax Changes: IRS Updates for US Expats, Explained

With the 2025 tax year just around the corner, changes to the US tax code are on the way. Some updates, income tax bracket adjustments, are pertinent to all Americans. However, several  — like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) threshold increase — are particularly relevant for expats. While it’s important to stay on top […]

Gifting Property To a Foreign Spouse and US Expat Taxes

There are times in life when family members exchange generous gifts with one another, such as during weddings, estate planning, or celebrations of life. However, while the focus may be on the act of giving or receiving foreign property, it is important to be aware of the tax implications that come along with it. These […]