Money & taxes
Money and taxes for Americans abroad
Americans keep filing US taxes wherever they live, and banking gets more complicated once you leave. These guides cover the rules, the forms, and the habits that keep your money working in two countries.
US Taxes Abroad: How Filing Works When You Live Overseas
The US taxes its citizens wherever they live. Here is how filing works from abroad, what the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit do, and where people get tripped up.
FBAR and FATCA: Reporting Foreign Accounts as an American Abroad
Two separate reports, two agencies, two sets of thresholds. Here is what Americans with foreign bank accounts must file, and the investment trap that catches people who invest locally.
Social Security Abroad: Getting Your Benefits Overseas
Most US citizens can collect Social Security almost anywhere. The details that trip people up are restricted countries, direct deposit, what to report, and the Medicare Part B decision.
Banking Abroad: Keeping US Accounts and Opening Local Ones
Most Americans abroad end up running two banking systems: a US side for income and a local side for daily life. Here is how to set up both and move money between them without leaking fees.
Cost of Living Abroad: How to Build a Realistic Budget
Online cost-of-living numbers make moving abroad look cheaper than it is. Here is how to build a budget that holds up, including the costs most people forget.
State Taxes and Domicile: Leaving Your State When You Move Abroad
Moving abroad does not automatically end your state tax residency. Here is how domicile works, why some states hold on, and what to do before you leave.
Common questions
Do I have to file taxes in two countries?
Often, yes. You file a US return as a citizen and may also owe tax where you live once you become a tax resident there. Exclusions, credits, and tax treaties usually prevent you from paying full tax twice on the same income. See US taxes abroad.
Can I keep my US bank account?
Usually, though some banks restrict accounts for customers with foreign addresses. Keep at least one US account and a US mailing address strategy before you leave. See banking abroad.