Andrew Coleman
Articles
How to apply for IRS tax amnesty program: Streamlined, FBAR amnesty, and more
Many US citizens and green card holders discover far too late that past tax returns and foreign account reports were never filed. The stress builds fast, but this kind of non-compliance is more common than most people realize – and it usually s...
IRS Form 709 gift tax return: instructions, exemptions & filing guide (2026)
Form 709 is the IRS form used to report taxable gifts and allocate the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) exemption. Understanding who files Form 709 starts with one rule: it is always the donor, not the recipient. You must file a gift tax return if you: give more than $19,000 to any one person in 2026 (the annual excl...
How to file US taxes from abroad online: the ultimate guide for US expats
Millions of Americans pack up and start over abroad every year – the State Department estimates about nine million US citizens live outside the country. Many don't realize the IRS can still expect a Form 1040, even when income is earned far from the US and d...
Top 12 common IRS audit triggers: A guide for US expats
For US expatriates, navigating the tax waters can be even more daunting than for stateside citizens. Understanding the common IRS audit triggers is essential in steering clear of tax woes. We have carefully compiled a list of 12 red flags that could prompt the IRS to take a closer look at your tax return. ...
Married Filing Jointly vs Separately With a Nonresident Alien Spouse: Rules, ITIN, and Options
US citizens married to foreign spouses have three filing options: Married filing jointly (MFJ) if you make a 6013(g) election to treat your spouse as a US resident for income tax purposes Married fil...
US remittance tax: Complete guide to the 1% rule (2026)
The US remittance tax is a 1% federal excise tax on certain money transfers sent from the United States to foreign countries, effective January 1, 2026. The tax applies only to cash-funded transfers, including cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Bank account transfers and US debit/credit card payments are exempt under IRC Section 4475. ...