🇺🇸 Page is (US) English. (Only keywords in Swedish for searchability – 🇸🇪 Skatter i USA)
Contents
International Taxpayers
- irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers
- irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad
- “Many Americans living abroad qualify for special tax benefits, such as the foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credit, but they can only get them by filing a U.S. return. For further details, see Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad.”
- On Filing:
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Electronic filing (e-file)
Taxpayers with an AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) within a specified threshold can electronically file their tax return for free using Free File. Taxpayers with an AGI greater than the specified threshold can use the free file fillable forms, the e-file by purchasing commercial software, or the authorized IRS e-file provider locator service. A limited number of companies provide software that can accommodate foreign addresses.
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- irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-residents-abroad-filing-requirements
- Foreign currency
- Exchange rates info is collected in our Exchange Rates / Växelkurser – page, and for US especially US_Perspective_IRS_Taxes-Related section.
- Gross income
- Report of foreign bank and financial accounts
- “File the FBAR electronically through the BSA e-file system. For questions, see FinCEN’s website for contact information.”
- Foreign currency
- irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-54
Filings
- irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad
- When to file
- Where to file
- irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-residents-abroad-filing-requirements
- irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
- Amerikanska medborgare bosatta utomlands mÃ¥ste deklarera i USA –
lawline.se/answers/amerikanska-medborgare-bosatta-utomlands-maste-deklarera-i-usa
Tax Treaty Documents
- General: irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/united-states-income-tax-treaties-a-to-z
- Finland
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
Social Security Totalization Agreements
- Social Security Totalization Agreements –
ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssb/v78n4/v78n4p1.html - greenbacktaxservices.com/knowledge-center/totalization-agreements-tax-treaties/
- Totalization agreements, also known as social security agreements, are international treaties that establish rules for which countries should receive an expat’s social security contributions. This protects US expats from having to pay social security tax to their host country and the US—a form of double taxation.
Summary ~ of US’ Citizenship-based tax system
Google AI google.com/search?q=citizenship+based+tax+system (Sep 2025):
The United States is one of only two countries, along with Eritrea, that uses a citizenship-based taxation system. This system taxes the worldwide income of its citizens and permanent residents, regardless of where they live or where their income is earned. Most other nations use a residence-based system, which taxes people based on where they live.Â
How it works for U.S. citizens abroad
- Worldwide income: A U.S. citizen living and working in another country is still required to file an annual U.S. federal tax return and report their income from all sources, both foreign and domestic, if their income exceeds the minimum filing threshold.
- Dual filing obligation: Americans living abroad must typically comply with the tax laws of both their host country and the U.S., creating a potential double-taxation scenario.
- Protections against double taxation: To prevent double taxation, the U.S. offers a few key provisions:
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): Allows qualifying citizens to exclude a portion of their foreign-earned income from U.S. taxes ($120,000 in 2023, adjusted annually for inflation). It generally only applies to earned income, not passive income like investments.
- Foreign Tax Credit (FTC): Provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for income taxes paid to a foreign government, reducing U.S. tax liability on that income.
- Tax treaties: The U.S. has tax treaties with many countries that can provide relief and clarify which nation has the primary right to tax specific types of income.
- Mandatory reporting: U.S. citizens abroad must report their foreign financial accounts and assets, even if they don’t owe U.S. taxes.
- FBAR: The Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR), or FinCEN Form 114, is required for foreign bank and financial accounts with a combined value exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year.
- FATCA: The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires reporting foreign financial assets on IRS Form 8938 if they exceed certain thresholds.Â
Implications for expats
- Increased complexity: The system creates a significant administrative burden and added complexity for U.S. citizens abroad, who must navigate the tax laws of two or more countries.
- Financial disincentive: The obligation to file and report worldwide income can be a financial disincentive for Americans to live and work overseas.
- Renouncing citizenship: For some high-net-worth individuals, renouncing U.S. citizenship is considered to eliminate their tax obligations. However, this is a complex legal process that can involve a significant “exit tax” for certain individuals.
- Advocacy for change: Groups like American Citizens Abroad advocate for the U.S. to switch to a residence-based taxation system, arguing the current model is outdated and places an unfair burden on citizens living overseas. Legislation has been introduced in Congress to propose such a change.