Working Abroad has Huge U.S. Tax Benefits
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: A Complete Guide for US Digital Nomads and Expatriate Workers
What is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion?
Did you dream of working from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris? The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) could be your ticket to tax savings while living and working abroad. For US citizens and resident aliens, this tax provision allows you to exclude a significant portion of your foreign-earned income from US taxes.
Key Highlights of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
Maximum Exclusion: Up to $112,000 per person for the 2022 tax year
Potential Joint Exclusion: Married couples can exclude up to $224,000
Flexibility: Applies to both employees and self-employed professionals
Digital Nomad Friendly: Perfect for remote workers and global entrepreneurs
Who Qualifies for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion?
To be eligible, you must meet three critical requirements:
Foreign Earned Income: Receive income from working in a foreign country
Foreign Tax Home: Establish a tax residence outside the United States
Residency Test: Pass either the Bona Fide Residence Test or Physical Presence Test
Important Exclusion Details
What Income is Excluded?
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion covers:
Salaries and wages earned abroad
Self-employment income from international clients
Compensation for personal services performed outside the US
What's NOT Included?
Several types of income are ineligible, such as:
US government employee pay
Military compensation
Income earned in international waters
Pension or Social Security payments
Post-tax year payments
Foreign Housing Exclusion: An Added Benefit
In addition to income exclusion, qualifying individuals can also exclude or deduct certain foreign housing expenses. For 2022, the housing exclusion was limited to $33,600, subject to location and qualifying days.
Tax Considerations and Limitations
Important Tax Implications
The exclusion reduces your regular income tax but not self-employment tax
You must still file a US 1040 tax return
You cannot claim the Foreign Tax Credit on excluded income
Earned Income Tax Credit is not available for the year you claim the exclusion
How to Claim the Exclusion
Election Timing
You must choose the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion by:
Filing on time
Amending a timely filed return
Filing an amended return within specific timeframes
Revocation and Re-election
You can revoke the exclusion for any year
If revoked, you'll need IRS approval to re-elect within 5 years
State Tax Considerations
Check your home state's regulations. Some states may require reporting all foreign income, even if it's federally excluded.
Conclusion: Is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Right for You?
The FEIE offers an incredible opportunity for US workers abroad to optimize their tax strategy. However, tax laws are complex, and individual situations vary.
Pro Tip: Before making any decisions, consult with a tax professional who specializes in expatriate and international tax law.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Contact Tax Pro Plus LA today for personalized guidance on navigating the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and maximizing your international work opportunities.
Disclaimer: Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional for the most current advice tailored to your specific situation