Blog

Wondering if Germany allows dual citizenship for U.S. citizens? This article explains the rules, pathways, and recent changes in German dual citizenship law, along with the benefits and challenges. Learn how U.S. citizens can retain their citizenship while becoming German nationals, and get expert advice on navigating the cross-border financial implications of dual citizenship.
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The Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is a 3.8% surtax that can significantly impact U.S. expats with investment income—but it’s often misunderstood in a cross-border context. This guide breaks down who is subject to NIIT, how it applies to foreign-earned income, and why common expat strategies like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion don’t shield you from it. For Americans living abroad, especially high earners and those with investment portfolios, NIIT can create unexpected tax exposure if not properly planned for. This article walks through key thresholds, what counts as net investment income, and how thoughtful cross-border planning can help reduce surprises and align your U.S. tax strategy with your life overseas.
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Education is a core value at Connected Financial Planning. We are committed to creating opportunities for prospective clients, current clients, and industry professionals to deepen their understanding of the complexities of cross-border financial planning. As part of this mission, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, regularly hosts and participates in events focused on financial education for U.S. expats and Americans living in Europe, covering topics from tax planning and investment strategy to retirement optimization and regulatory compliance.
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Citizenship-based taxation impacts U.S.-connected people, including citizens, green card holders, and others with U.S. ties. This article explores the complexities of American tax obligations for those living abroad, providing insights for expats and anyone planning to move overseas. Understanding these regulations helps ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities while navigating the unique challenges of living outside the United States.
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End-of-year tax planning is especially important for U.S. expats, as they have additional tax considerations to take into account. Here is a detailed checklist of what to review so you're set up for a successful tax season.
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Gifting assets to a non-resident spouse: rules, limits, reporting, and cross-border planning opportunities for U.S. expats—clear guidance, fewer surprises. A practical guide to gifting assets to a non-U.S. citizen spouse, covering annual exclusion limits, estate tax implications, reporting requirements, foreign tax coordination, and when gifting supports long-term global family planning.
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Deciding to move abroad from the U.S. with your family is an exciting and life-changing decision, and, for high-earners, planning is especially critical. Citizenship-based taxation means that as long as you hold a U.S. passport, you are likely required to continue filing U.S. tax returns – even when you move abroad. What’s more, the strategies around everything, including how to file your tax return and financially plan for your future, change depending on the country you’re moving to.
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Charitable giving tax strategies for 2025, plus what changes in 2026: bunching, DAFs, appreciated stock, QCDs, and cross-border tips—clear rules, fewer surprises. Article description for Zephyr: A practical 2025 guide to charitable giving tax strategies—bunching, donating appreciated assets, DAFs, QCDs, documentation—and how to coordinate them if you live abroad. Includes a concise “What’s new in 2026” overview (0.5% AGI floor for itemizers, small above-the-line cash deduction for non-itemizers) so you can plan gifts with confidence.
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