Articles
Best international banks for expats 2026: Low fees, easy setup, global ATM access
Ever feel like your bank didn't get the memo that you moved overseas? Choosing from the best banks for expats can mean the difference between smooth transfers and frustrating fees. This guide is designed for American expats who want a reliable checking account, low costs, and real access while living abroad. Key ta...
Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025: What it means for dual citizens
The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, introduced by Senator Bernie Moreno in December 2025, would ban dual citizenship for Americans. Even so, legal and policy experts give it about a 3% chance of passing. Constitutional limits, real-world enforcem...
California exit tax: What you need to know before moving out
California doesn’t have an official “exit tax.” What people usually mean by “California exit tax” is a mix of California’s aggressive residency and sourcing rules (which can keep you on the hook for California tax if you still have strong ties or California-source income), and past proposals for a wealth tax th...
Why does the IRS say my information doesn't match?
If the IRS "Where's my refund?" says your information doesn’t match their records, don’t panic — it’s a common issue for US expats. Simple mistakes like outdated details, typos, or reporting errors can trigger this problem. This guid...
The ultimate guide to IRS Form 709: Gift tax filing, exemptions, and instructions
Form 709, also known as the United States Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return, is a crucial document for those making significant gifts during their lifetime. The form is used to report taxable gifts, allocate the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) exemption, and ensure compliance with US gift tax regulations. Importantly, ...
IRS voluntary disclosure explained: OVDP vs streamlined (What applies now?)
The IRS voluntary disclosure program closed on September 28, 2018. The IRS announced on March 13, 2018, that it would ramp down the 2014 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP). OVDP closed on that date, and since then, the IRS has kept streamlined procedures for non-willful filings and the Criminal Investigation Voluntary Disclosu...