Articles

What is unearned income vs. earned one & how it is taxed (with examples)

In 2026, the source of your income matters almost as much as the amount because the IRS treats money you work for differently from money that works for you. Wages, interest, dividends, capital gains, pensions, gifts, and ...

Form 1040 guide for US tax return filers abroad and at home

Form 1040 is the main US individual income tax return. For tax year 2025, filed in 2026, it reports income, applies deductions and credits, calculates federal tax, and shows whether you owe a balance or receive a refund. It is the starting point for most individual federal filings. The following 3 points give you the short version befor...

Returning to the US tax checklist for expats

A return to the United States for the 2025 tax year can change filing deadlines, state residency, health coverage, and foreign-account reporting in one move. An expat moving back to US should review federal and state obligations before filing the 2025 return in 2026. A return to the USA plan should start before the flight. US ...

IRS Form 5472: Filing requirements, instructions, and penalties

IRS Form 5472 is required when a reporting corporation has a reportable transaction with a related party. For the 2025 calendar year, the filing is generally due April 15, 2026, and an incomplete or late form can trigger a $25,000 penalty. ...

Understanding Subpart F income: Complete guide for US shareholders

Subpart F income is certain income of a CFC that a US shareholder may have to include in current US taxable income even without a distribution. For the 2025 tax year, the rules still use GILTI terminology; NCTI changes apply to later CFC years. A foreign company can therefore create current US tax before cash reaches its owner. Review T...

US citizenship renunciation fee cut 2026: What the State Department change means for you

The US citizenship renunciation fee cut took effect on April 13, 2026. The State Department reduced the consular fee for a Certificate of Loss of Nationality from $2,350 to $450 – an 80% decrease. That is the entire fee change. The consular appointment now costs what it cost in 2010, before the controver...