Articles

Form 8880: Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contribution

Saving for retirement can feel like a long game, especially when you are juggling life abroad, payroll differences, and a stack of US tax forms. The good news is that some Americans abroad may still qualify for the credit for qualified retirement savings contributions, claimed on ...

What is a foreign trust? IRS rules, reporting forms, and deadlines (2026)

If you’re a US citizen or resident who owns, benefits from, or contributes to a foreign trust –  such as a foreign pension plan, or a family estate trust set up abroad – you’re likely dealing with a complex set of reporting obligations. Whether you’re planning to set up a trust or already receiving distributions, read on for tax information and c...

Form 1040-V: Payment voucher explained – when, where, and how to pay your taxes

If you owe the IRS money, the last thing you want is for your payment to get lost or misapplied. That’s where Form 1040-V comes in – a simple but important payment voucher that helps ensure your check or money order is correctly processed. While it may seem like just another form, using it properly can save you from penalties, interest,...

The difference between Form 4868 and Form 2350 (expat guide)

Filing taxes as an American abroad creates unique timing challenges, especially when claiming the foreign earned income exclusion (FEIE). The difference between Form 2350 and 4868 comes down to your specific situation: Form 4...

Year-end tax planning tips for Americans abroad and in the US to reduce your 2025 tax bill

Year-end tax planning is about keeping more of what you earned in 2025. The steps you take now can reduce your tax bill, strengthen long-term savings, and set you up for a smooth 2026 – whether you’re in Austin, Amsterdam, Seoul, or Los Angeles. For Americans abroad, foreign income, foreign tax payments, and cross-border reporting add e...

Foreign grantor trusts: tax strategies for cross-border families and wealth management

Foreign trusts are a popular tool for families managing wealth across borders. A foreign grantor trust is a type of trust established outside the US, generally by a non-US person who retains certain powers or ownership rights. While these trusts can be highly efficient for estate planning and global asset protection, they come with stri...