Plain-language explanations of US tax rules for immigrants and expats.
The US and Brazil do not have a comprehensive income tax treaty. Learn what that means for double taxation, withholding rates, and how Brazilians can still protect themselves.
Own property in Brazil? Learn how to report rental income, handle capital gains on a sale, and convert BRL to USD correctly on your US tax return.
Immigrant families may qualify for the Child Tax Credit worth up to $2,000 per child. Learn the eligibility rules, SSN requirements, and how to claim it.
Understand the difference between Brazil's CPF, the US Social Security Number, and the ITIN - when you need each and the consequences of using the wrong one.
Crypto is taxed as property in the US. Immigrants must report gains on Form 8949, and foreign crypto exchanges may trigger FBAR. Learn the key rules before you file.
Learn how FGTS, PGBL, and VGBL accounts are treated for US tax purposes, including FBAR, FATCA, PFIC concerns, and withdrawal taxation.
F-1 students must file US taxes if they had US income or received a taxable scholarship. Learn which forms to file, what the 5-year rule means, and whether you owe FICA.
A dual-status tax return is required when you changed between resident and nonresident alien status during the year. Learn how to file Form 1040 with a 1040-NR statement.
Immigrants with valid Social Security Numbers and work authorization may qualify for the EITC, worth up to $7,830. ITIN holders cannot claim it.
Immigrant students and families may qualify for the American Opportunity Credit (up to $2,500) or the Lifetime Learning Credit (up to $2,000). Residency status matters.
Form 8938 is required if foreign financial assets exceed $50K at year-end. Learn the thresholds, what to report, how it differs from FBAR, and the penalties for non-filing.
Filing US taxes for the first time as an immigrant? Learn who must file, how residency status works, which forms you need, and the mistakes to avoid.
Gifts from foreign persons over $100,000 must be reported to the IRS on Form 3520. Learn the thresholds, deadlines, and penalties for immigrants receiving money from family abroad.
Living in the US? You must report all foreign income to the IRS. Learn what counts as foreign income, how to convert currency, and how to avoid double taxation.
The US generally does not tax inherited money from abroad, but Form 3520 reporting may be required for amounts over $100K. Learn what you must report and when income becomes taxable.
US expats can use Form 1116 to claim a credit for taxes paid to a foreign country, reducing double taxation dollar for dollar. Learn how it works.
Gig income is self-employment income. Learn how immigrants driving for Uber or delivering for DoorDash report income, deduct expenses, and stay compliant with the IRS.
Immigrants often need to amend past returns after a status change or missed deduction. Learn when to file Form 1040-X, the 3-year deadline, and common immigrant scenarios.
Brazilian expats in the US must file Form 1040 and report worldwide income. Learn which forms apply, key deadlines, and Brazil-specific considerations.
No SSN? You can still file US taxes using an ITIN. Learn how to apply for an ITIN with Form W-7, what it covers, and its limitations for credits and benefits.
Brazilian expats in the US must report CDB, LCI/LCA, fundos, Tesouro Direto, and stocks to the IRS. PFIC rules and FBAR add complexity. Here is what you need to know.
Your visa determines whether you file as a resident or nonresident, which forms you use, and whether you owe FICA taxes. A complete guide for H-1B, L-1, F-1, J-1, O-1, TN, and more.
W-2 employee or 1099 contractor? Learn how your work classification affects self-employment tax, quarterly payments, visa rules, and deductions as an immigrant.
Brazilian INSS contributions can reduce your US tax bill. Learn how the totalization agreement, Certificate of Coverage, and foreign tax credit work.
Should immigrant couples file jointly or separately? Learn when each status saves money, how mixed-status couples handle taxes, and the nonresident spouse election.
Learn how immigrants can deduct medical expenses on US taxes. Covers the 7.5% AGI threshold, qualifying expenses, foreign medical costs, and HSA rules.
Working remotely for a company abroad while living in the US? You owe US taxes on that income. Learn about self-employment tax, FICA, tax treaties, and how to avoid double taxation.
Interest earned in a foreign bank account is taxable in the US and must be reported on Schedule B. Learn how currency conversion, FBAR, and the foreign tax credit apply.
Foreign pension income is generally taxable in the US as ordinary income. Learn about treaty exemptions, FBAR and FATCA reporting for pension accounts, and Social Security totalization agreements.
US residents must report foreign rental income on Schedule E. Learn about deductible expenses, currency conversion, depreciation, and the foreign tax credit.
Self-employed immigrants pay a 15.3% self-employment tax on top of income tax. Learn about Schedule C, quarterly payments, deductible expenses, and ITIN filing.
Immigrant freelancers in the US can deduct home office, vehicle, health insurance, equipment, and more on Schedule C. Learn the rules and record-keeping requirements.
Nonresident aliens cannot take the standard deduction and must itemize. Resident aliens and green card holders can choose whichever method results in a lower tax bill.
Immigrant entrepreneurs face unique tax decisions around entity type, EIN, visa restrictions, and quarterly taxes. Here is what you need to know before launching your US business.
Not all states tax income the same way. Immigrants need to know which states have no income tax, how state residency is determined, and how the SALT deduction cap affects them.
Learn how the IRS Substantial Presence Test works, how to calculate your days, who is exempt, and what to do if you pass - including the closer connection exception.
Giving up your green card or long-term residency triggers an exit tax. Learn the covered expatriate rules, Form 8854, and what to do before you leave.
Can you deduct money sent to family abroad? Learn the real rules on remittances, gift tax, and Form 709 for US immigrants and expats.
Green card holders must file US taxes on worldwide income even when living abroad. Learn about FBAR, FATCA, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, and what happens if you abandon your green card.
Changing visa or immigration status mid-year affects how the IRS taxes you. Learn what happens to your taxes when you go from F-1 to H-1B, OPT to H-1B, or get a green card.
Getting a green card triggers US worldwide income taxation from day one. Understand FBAR, dual-status filing, and the exit tax before abandoning permanent residency.
Marriage changes your filing status, deductions, and possibly your spouse's tax obligations. Learn how MFJ, MFS, and the nonresident spouse election affect immigrant couples.
A baby born in the US is a citizen and qualifies for valuable tax credits. Learn about the Child Tax Credit, Form 2441, getting an SSN, and dependent rules for immigrant parents.
US residents who sell foreign property must report capital gains to the IRS. Learn how cost basis, currency conversion, and the foreign tax credit affect your tax bill.
DACA recipients must file US taxes just like other resident aliens. Learn about SSN requirements, FICA taxes, EITC eligibility, and state filing obligations.
L-1 visa holders become US resident aliens quickly under the Substantial Presence Test. Learn about worldwide income taxation, FICA, FBAR, FATCA, and foreign tax credits.
O-1 visa holders are taxed as resident aliens once they pass the Substantial Presence Test. Learn about worldwide income, FICA, treaty benefits, and FBAR requirements.
Undocumented immigrants must pay US taxes using an ITIN. The IRS does not share taxpayer information with immigration authorities. Learn what credits you can claim.
Leaving the US permanently requires careful tax planning. Learn about dual-status returns, Form I-407, exit tax, retirement accounts, and state-level obligations when you depart.
Miss a tax deadline as an immigrant and penalties can add up fast. Here are the key dates for federal returns, FBAR, estimated taxes, and extensions.
Missing US tax filings can result in serious penalties, but the IRS has programs to help. Learn what penalties apply, how the statute of limitations works, and how to catch up.
If you have bank accounts in your home country, FBAR may apply to you. Learn what it is, who must file, and what the penalties are for missing the deadline.
Most H-1B holders are taxed as resident aliens. Learn how the Substantial Presence Test works, which forms you need, and common deductions you may be missing.
An ITIN lets you file US taxes without a Social Security Number. Learn who needs one, how to apply, and what you can and cannot use it for.