Inspired by CNBC: "Americans living abroad may still need to file a U.S. tax return"

US Expat Tax Calculator

Estimate your US filing obligations, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, Foreign Tax Credit, FBAR/FATCA requirements, and net US tax liability — all calculated locally in your browser.

Estimated Results

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Enter your details in the panel and click Calculate to see your estimated US tax obligations.

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Key Concepts for US Expats

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)

Qualifying US citizens/residents abroad can exclude up to the annual limit of foreign earned income from US taxation. For 2024, the limit is $126,500; for 2025 (projected), $130,000.

  • Requires bona fide residence OR physical presence (330 days in 12 months)
  • Only applies to earned income (wages, self-employment)
  • Does not reduce self-employment tax
  • Must elect on Form 2555; revocation has 5-year lockout

Foreign Housing Exclusion/Deduction

Additional exclusion for housing costs above a base amount (16% of FEIE limit), capped at 30% of FEIE limit (higher in certain cities).

  • Employees: exclusion (Form 2555)
  • Self-employed: deduction against AGI
  • Qualifying expenses: rent, utilities, insurance, repairs, parking
  • Non-qualifying: mortgage principal, improvements, purchased furniture

Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)

Dollar-for-dollar credit for foreign income taxes paid. Separate baskets for earned income and passive income. Cannot claim credit on income excluded via FEIE.

  • Form 1116 required (except de minimis <$300/$600)
  • Carryback 1 year, carryforward 10 years
  • Often better than FEIE in high-tax countries
  • Cannot create US refund; only reduces US tax to zero

FBAR & FATCA Reporting

Separate from tax return. Significant penalties for non-compliance.

  • FBAR (FinCEN 114): Aggregate foreign accounts >$10,000 at any time. Due April 15 (auto-ext to Oct 15). Filed electronically via BSA E-Filing.
  • FATCA Form 8938: Higher thresholds ($50k/$100k/$200k/$400k depending on status/residence). Filed with Form 1040.
  • Penalties: $10k+ per violation (non-willful); up to 50% of account value (willful)

State Tax Considerations

Some states (CA, NY, VA, NM, SC) make it difficult to sever domicile. You may owe state tax even while abroad.

  • No FEIE/FTC at state level in most states
  • Establish new domicile before moving if possible
  • Keep records: voter registration, driver's license, property, ties

Common Pitfalls

Avoid costly mistakes with awareness.

  • Filing late: automatic 2-month extension to June 15, but interest accrues from April 15
  • Forgetting Form 8938 when FBAR filed (different thresholds)
  • Claiming FEIE when FTC would be better (high-tax countries)
  • Not filing because "no tax due" — filing requirement exists regardless
  • Social Security / Medicare tax on self-employment income (no FTC/FEIE relief)
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