Hello subscribers, global go-getters, expats, and anyone navigating the maze of US taxes abroad! I’ve got some exciting updates that’ll make your financial life smoother and your dreams of living overseas a whole lot less taxing.
First, I just rolled out a complete refresh of my flagship US Tax Primer for American Expatriates Worldwide and Foreigners with US Connections on my website. Freshly updated for 2025, including inflation tweaks, policy shifts and some important changes wrought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it’s your roadmap to dodging costly mistakes and unlocking savings.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside:
– Worldwide Income 101: The IRS taxes everything US citizens and green card holders earn globally – even in tax havens that may not impose any taxes.
– Max Out Exclusions: Score up to $130K tax-free in 2025 with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Housing Exclusion (FHE). Nail the “tax home” test, Bona Fide Residence Test or hit 330 days abroad Physical Presence Test- I explain the hacks to make it happen, plus tips to avoid penalties with timely filings.
– Should green card holders working abroad claim the FEIE? How might that impact their US immigration status? Tax preparers never seem to address this point. I do!
– Learn how to safely relinquish a green card without triggering brutal expatriation taxes.
– Investments & Entities Unraveled: From the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) to Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) and the new Net CFC Tested Income (NCTI) rules (formerly GILTI) brought in by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and more.
– Estate Tax, Gift Tax, and Foreign Information Reporting Rules: With lifetime exemptions hitting $15M in 2026 (but not for foreigners with US assets who get only a measly $60,000 exemption for US-situs assets), plus FATCA, FBAR, and Form 8938 requirements, I break down how to stay compliant and avoid six-figure fines or passport headaches.
– State Tax Traps & Fixes: Learn how to cut ties with your US state residency and explore quiet disclosure options for delinquent filers – because nobody needs an audit on top of jet lag.
Updated for 2025, this tax primer will help you understand your US tax obligations, save big and stress less. Dive into the full US Tax Primer; bookmark it, share it, and keep it handy.
VIDEOS – YouTube interviews with Jahtna Hernandez
If you missed my recent YouTube interviews with Jahtna Hernandez you should check on these videos. They are packed with insights for US persons working abroad (or dreaming of it) and a deep dive into a potential tax game-changer for expats.
– Navigating US Taxes as an Expat Worker: I sat down with Jahtna to unpack the essentials for Americans working overseas – from nailing the FEIE to sidestepping FBAR disasters. Whether you’re a newbie expat or a seasoned global pro, this conversation is loaded with tips to streamline your taxes and boost your bottom line. Watch it now and share with a friend.
– Darin LaHood’s Residency-Based Tax Proposal: Could this be the end of citizenship-based taxation? I broke down Rep. Darin LaHood’s elective residency-based tax proposal with Jahtna, exploring how it could free 9 million+ Americans abroad from the IRS’s worldwide grip. It’s a must-watch for anyone hoping for a fairer tax future. Check it out and please share.
These videos are your crash course in thriving as a US expat or becoming one…. If you know someone wrestling with US taxes abroad, share this post and help them conquer the chaos!
Posted October 2025
Your reliable source of US international tax information –
Forbes Contributor, US International Tax
Named by Forbes, Top 100 Must-Follow Tax Twitter Accounts @VLJeker
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You can access my papers on the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) at https://ssrn.com/author=2779920
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