Andrew Coleman
Articles
RESP: What US expats need to know about education savings and tax implications
Every year, Canadian families pour billions into Registered Education Savings Plans, building a cushion for their children’s future studies. These accounts reward early savers through government grants and years of tax-deferred growth, making the RESP a cornerstone of Canadian education planning. Yet for many US expats in Canada, this same tool c...
IRS Constructive Ownership rules explained: A complete guide
Constructive Ownership is more than a technical tax term – it is the way the IRS prevents taxpayers, corporations, and foreign companies from sidestepping reporting thresholds. This guide tells you about how these ...
Do overseas contractors pay taxes? Understanding international tax obligations
Working as an overseas contractor often means your earnings remain subject to US tax, even while abroad. Relief may come through the foreign earned income exclusion or foreign tax credits, but self-employment tax at 15.3% still applies. This article is brought to you by Taxes for Expats &nda...
Bona Fide Residence vs. Physical Presence Test: Key differences for US expats
The US tax code provides two ways for Americans abroad to prove they qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. The Bona Fide Residence standard looks at whether you’ve established long-term ties to another country, while the Physical Presence Test focuses strictly on your day count abroad. In this article, we explain the di...
Foreign gift tax: reporting rules, Form 3520 & 2025 updates
If you receive a large gift or inheritance from someone abroad, you might wonder if you owe tax. In most cases, you don’t – but you may need to report it to the IRS using Form 3520. This guide explains what the foreign gift tax really means, when you must report, how the rules work in 2025, and what recent laws like the One Big Beauti...
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 expat with co...