US citizens must report all worldwide income regardless of where they live. Learn the key forms, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, and FBAR requirements for expat freelancers.
Unlike most countries, the US taxes citizens and permanent residents on worldwide income regardless of where they live or work. If you are a US citizen freelancing abroad, you must file a US tax return reporting all income, from all sources, in all currencies.
Form 1040: Main US tax return. All worldwide income reported here.
Schedule C: Self-employment income and expenses. Complete one for each business activity.
FBARs (FinCEN 114): If you have foreign financial accounts with combined balance over $10,000 at any point during the year. Filed separately at FinCEN.gov. Penalties for missing this are severe ($10,000-100,000 or more).
Form 8938 (FATCA): If foreign financial assets exceed $50,000 on last day of tax year or $75,000 at any point. Filed with your 1040.
Form 2555: To claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE).
If you meet the Physical Presence Test (330 days outside the US in any 12-month period) or Bona Fide Residence Test, you can exclude up to $126,500 (2024) of foreign earned income from US taxes.
This does not eliminate filing requirements — it just reduces tax owed.
For income that does not qualify for FEIE, or for taxes paid to foreign governments, the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) can offset US tax dollar for dollar. You cannot double-use FEIE and FTC on the same income.
US expat taxes are complex. An expatriate CPA specializing in Form 2555 and FBAR is worth every dollar for anyone with significant foreign income.
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