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 →