Renounce U.S. Citizenship Fee Cut To $450—But Tax Traps Remain

The U.S. Department of State just cut the citizenship renunciation fee from $2,350 to $450, but exit tax rules, Social Security limits, and transfer tax traps still create major consequences. For Americans contemplating expatriation, the change may seem like a major victory. For years, critics argued that the United States imposed the highest administrative fee … Continue reading Renounce U.S. Citizenship Fee Cut To $450—But Tax Traps Remain →

Collecting Social Security Abroad: Understanding SSA Country List 4

For Americans considering giving up U.S. citizenship or abandoning a green card, understanding how Social Security benefits are treated abroad is essential. Many assume that once they qualify for Social Security based on U.S. work history, payments will follow them anywhere on the globe. For U.S. citizens, this is basically correct. For non-U.S. citizens, including … Continue reading Collecting Social Security Abroad: Understanding SSA Country List 4 →

Some Foreigners Can’t Receive U.S. Social Security Abroad: Understanding SSA Country List 2

Most people assume that once they have qualified for Social Security based on their U.S. earnings, their monthly benefit will follow them anywhere in the world for life. This is true for U.S. citizens. But for non-U.S. citizens, including former U.S. citizens and former green-card holders, the rules are very different. These individuals are classified … Continue reading Some Foreigners Can’t Receive U.S. Social Security Abroad: Understanding SSA Country List 2 →

Receiving U.S. Social Security Abroad: Understand SSA Country List 1

For many Americans, relinquishing U.S. citizenship or green-card status offers an exit from U.S. tax and filing obligations. I have previously written about the harsh tax consequences on Social Security for those who give up U.S. status. Many individuals who are contemplating giving up their U.S. citizenship or relinquishing a green card focus on the possibility of having to … Continue reading Receiving U.S. Social Security Abroad: Understand SSA Country List 1 →

A Tale Of Two Retirees: New Senior Tax Deduction And Foreigners’ Social Security

While a campaign promise by President Donald Trump to eliminate income taxes on Social Security benefit income was not fulfilled, seniors were granted certain relief. The landmark tax legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), signed into law on July 4, 2025 introduced a temporary special deduction for taxpayers aged 65 or older. The Social Security Administration … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Retirees: New Senior Tax Deduction And Foreigners’ Social Security →

Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card: Harsh Tax On Social Security

A portion of an individual’s U.S. Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits may be subject to U.S. income tax, regardless if the individual is a U.S. or non-U.S. person. Before delving into the details about tax on Social Security, it is helpful to understand the different nomenclature when it comes to certain benefits. Social … Continue reading Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card: Harsh Tax On Social Security →