As you are probably aware, U.S. persons living overseas, who meet certain minimum income thresholds, have to file their U.S. tax returns and report worldwide income, as well as they are liable to pay taxes in their perspective country of residence. The U.S. tax laws allow a few instruments that prevent double taxation on the same foreign-earned income. One of them is the Foreign Tax Credit.
And in case if it’s news to you that you have to file your U.S. expat, don’t worry and read here how to become tax compliant with U.S. taxes.
What is a Foreign Tax Credit?
The IRS states if you paid or accrued foreign taxes to a foreign country or U.S. possession and are subject to U.S. tax on the same income, U.S. expat may be able to take either a credit or an itemized deduction for those taxes. In most cases and tax experts will agree that it is to U.S expat’s advantage to take foreign income taxes as a tax credit. Important to remember that you cannot use Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and FTC at the same time.
What are the advantages of claiming Foreign Tax Credit?
We are often asked which one of Foreign Tax Credit or Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is better for U.S. expats to claim on their tax returns. We prepared this easy infographic, which explains the benefits of choosing FTC. Even though there is no one answer fits all when it comes to individual tax situations but these are general advantages of claiming FTC that you need to be aware of as a U.S. expat.
And do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions related to your taxes. We will reply to you within 24 hours and you will receive professional advice at no cost.
P.S. To learn more check out this infographic
