Reid Kopald
Articles
15 best tax-friendly countries to retire abroad for US citizens
It’s the moment to design your ideal life – rich in experience and light on taxes. Choosing among the best tax-friendly countries to retire takes more than comparing headline tax rates. For Americans, the real question is how local taxes, US filing rules, healthcare, and visa options work together in practice. Best fo...
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,...
Do minors get taxes taken out of their paycheck?
Yes, minors typically get taxes taken out of their paycheck just like adults if they earn more than the standard deduction. For 2026, minors must file taxes if they earn more than $16,100 in wages. However, many teens can claim exempt status on Form W-4 if they expect to owe no federal tax, preventing withholding. Minors can get refunds by filing...
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...
Is foreign pension income taxable in the US? What expats must know
The question: are foreign pensions taxable in the US, comes up a lot for retirees living abroad, and the answer is simple. The US counts most money you get from another country as income. This is because the law says income from almost anywhere must be reported. So when you get money from a retirement plan overseas, the IRS wants to see it. You m...
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...