The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) helps U.S. citizens and residents working abroad reduce their U.S. federal income tax burden by excluding up to $126,500 of foreign-earned income for 2024.
To qualify, individuals must pass either the Bona Fide Residence Test or the Physical Presence Test and earn income from working in a foreign country.
Benefits include reduced tax liability, simplified tax reporting, and potential additional benefits like the Foreign Housing Exclusion.
The IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures assist various groups, including accidental Americans, digital nomads, and American expatriates, in rectifying unintentional failures to report foreign financial assets.
Under this streamlined procedure, U.S. residents face a 5% penalty on the highest foreign asset balance, while non-residents typically incur no penalties.
This process offers reduced penalties, a simplified disclosure pathway, and an opportunity for compliance.
FBAR compliance is crucial for U.S. persons and entities with foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 at any time during the year.
The FBAR, FinCEN Form 114, must be filed annually by April 15 (with an extension to October 15).
Non-compliance can result in severe civil and criminal penalties.
IRS Form 8938, the "Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets," is used by U.S. taxpayers to report certain foreign assets under FATCA.
For those living or traveling abroad, singles or separate filers report assets over $200,000 at year-end or $300,000 anytime, while joint filers report over $400,000 at year-end or $600,000 anytime.
Penalties include a $10,000 initial fine, up to $50,000 for continued failure, a 40% underpayment penalty, and potential criminal charges.
Digital nomads and American expatriates with foreign financial accounts must be aware of FATCA's reporting requirements.
U.S. taxpayers living abroad, must report foreign financial assets using Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) if the total value exceeds certain thresholds.
Additionally, the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) must be filed if the aggregate value of a US Taxpayer's foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any time during the year.