Articles
How to become an expat: A complete step-by-step guide to moving abroad
Whether you crave a career leap, a lower cost of living, or golden-years sunshine, thousands of your fellow citizens are making the leap to become an expat abroad. This guide to relocating gives you every practical and emotional tool you need – from choosing a visa to filing your first foreign tax return – so you can be an e...
What is Social Security tax? An essential guide for expats and self-employed Americans
If you're a US citizen or resident working at home or abroad, understanding Social Security tax is crucial for your financial planning. This tax supports benefits that millions of Americans rely on for retirement, disability, and survivors. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or living overseas, knowing how Social Security tax appli...
Bona fide residence test explained: How US expats can qualify for tax breaks
Understanding how to qualify as a bona fide resident can be the key to unlocking valuable tax savings while living abroad. The bona fide residence test is one of two primary methods US expats can use to exclude foreign earned income from US taxation under the ...
Form 1040 explained: Your guide to the US Individual Income Tax Return
What is Form 1040 and why does everyone dread it? Form 1040 is the bedrock of the American tax filing system – and also the unofficial trigger for nationwide eye twitching every spring. But once you understand it, it’s just a glorified summary sheet of your financial year. Let’s start at the beginning. The IRS introduced For...
Form 8283: How to claim a tax deduction for noncash charitable contributions
Donating property to charity can be a great way to support a cause while also benefiting from a tax deduction. However, the IRS closely monitors noncash donations to prevent inflated valuations and improper deductions. If you’ve donated real estate, artwork, vehicles, stocks, or other noncash assets wor...
What is Form 1040-X: Amended Tax Return?
What is Form 1040-X? IRS Form 1040-X is a tax form used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to allow individuals to amend their tax returns. It is used to make changes or corrections to a previously filed tax return.</...