Living abroad offers incredible opportunities for adventure and personal growth, but it also presents unique challenges as an American citizen, especially regarding your tax obligations. As a US citizen (or Green Card holder), you must file a US tax return annually, regardless of whether you live overseas . Filing from abroad is different though, and understanding the process of preparing and filing your US taxes while living overseas is essential for you to stay compliant with US tax laws and avoid potential penalties.
At MyExpatTaxes, we have helped over 10,000 Americans file from overseas. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of preparing and filing your US expat taxes. We'll cover important deadlines, key forms, and tips on saving money and avoiding double taxation.
Know Your Tax Filing Deadlines
One of the most common questions expats often ask about filing US taxes from abroad is when is the expat filing deadline . While Americans living in the US must file their returns by April 15th, expats are granted an automatic 2-month extension to file their taxes to June 15th. In 2025, June 15th falls on a weekend though, so the deadline is June 16th. However, if you need more time, you can request an extension, which extends the deadline until October 15.
It's important to note though that while the filing deadline is extended for expats, any taxes owed are still due on April 15. If you miss this deadline, you may be subject to interest and penalties.
If your total worldwide gross income meets or exceeds your filing status threshold, you must file a US tax return, even if you have to file or pay income taxes in your country of residence.
There are several documents expats will need to gather when filing their US expat tax return in 2025. Here is a list of suggested documents to have nearby when filing:
Income Documentation
- W-2s or 1099s from US-based employers
- Payslips from foreign employers
- Invoices if you are self-employed
- Documentation for any other income, such as passive income sources
Foreign Financial Information
- Collect financial statements for foreign bank, pension, and investment accounts to determine if the combined maximum balances exceeded $10,000 at any point during the year for FBAR and Form 8938 reporting.
Expense Records
- Records of housing costs if you’re claiming the Foreign Housing Exclusion
- Medical expenses
- Education costs for international schools that are eligible
- Other deductible expenses (business, childcare, etc.)
Maximize Expat Tax Benefits
As a US expat, you may be eligible to claim several tax benefits intended to prevent double taxation and reduce your tax burden:
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555): If you qualify, you can use this form to exclude a portion of your foreign earned income from US taxation up to a specific limit ($126,500 for the tax year 2024). This tax benefit can help reduce or even eliminate your taxable income.
Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116): If you paid foreign taxes on your income, you may be eligible to claim a Foreign Tax Credit to reduce your US tax liability. This dollar-for-dollar credit prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income (once by the foreign country and once by the US).
Tax treaty Benefits (Form 8833): The US has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. These treaties often provide special tax rates or exemptions for certain types of income, such as pensions, dividends, or interest. Check whether your country of residence has a tax treaty with the US, as it can provide additional tax relief.
Strategize to Minimize Your US Tax Liability
Your filing status (single, married, head of household, etc.) is important, particularly for expats married to non-US taxpayers, so seek advice if you aren’t sure.
You’ll also need to work out the best way to minimize your US taxes. For example, claiming the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion rather than the Foreign Tax Credit can create limitations in terms of contributing to IRAs and claiming the refundable Child Tax Credit..
Consider Working With an Expat Tax Professional
Filing taxes as an expat can be complex. Tax laws governing expats are filled with nuances, and ensuring that you’re compliant and filing in the best way for your situation isn’t obvious. Many expats therefore choose to work with a firm specializing in US expat taxes who will make sure that your return is prepared correctly and that you take full advantage of the available deductions and credits.
Filing Your US Tax Return from Abroad
Once your return is prepared, you can file your taxes with the IRS online using e-file or by mailing your return. If you're using an expat tax firm, they may submit the return on your behalf.
Conclusion
Filing taxes as a US expat can seem daunting, but by understanding the deadlines, forms, and available tax benefits, you can ensure that your taxes are filed correctly and on time. Whether you file your tax return yourself or enlist the help of MyExpatTaxes , taking proactive steps to manage your expat taxes will help you avoid any unwanted surprises down the line.
This article has been submitted by Nathalie Goldstein, EA, founder and CEO of MyExpatTaxes