Financial insights for U.S. Expats living and working in Europe.
How to Move to Germany as an American (Financial Considerations)
Commonly cited advantages of moving to Germany include an affordable healthcare system, reliable public transportation, and strong protections for full-time employees—all of which are generally true compared to the U.S. However, Americans moving to Germany should be mindful of the financial implications of moving abroad. Here, we review several important questions Americans moving to Germany should seek to answer prior to their departure.
How Does Swiss Health Insurance Work? A Guide for U.S. Expats
For U.S. expats moving to Switzerland, navigating the Swiss health insurance system can often feel overwhelming. With its mandatory requirements, supplementary options, and unique considerations, it’s essential to understand how Swiss insurance works to ensure you and your family are adequately protected. To help break it all down, Arielle Tucker, CFP® & EA, recently spoke with Jenny Goodwin, an independent broker and the owner of InSwift, which specializes in helping expats navigate the Swiss insurance landscape. Jenny provided valuable insights into what’s required, what’s recommended, and how to make informed decisions about your coverage.
How Citizenship-Based Taxation Affects U.S. Taxes for Americans
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.
Form 3250, Part IV: Reporting Gifts from Foreign Persons
Questions around the foreign gift tax typically arise when an American receives money from a non-US person. Chief among these are: “Do I have to pay tax on a foreign gift?” and “Do gifts count as income?” The short answer to both of those questions is no, at least as far as the IRS is concerned. But, there are some key details to be aware of.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion vs. Foreign Tax Credit: Best Option for U.S. Expats
Which IRS Tax Provision is Best for Expats? For US expats, avoiding double taxation on worldwide income begins with understanding two pivotal IRS tax provisions: the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC). This piece dives into the differences between the FEIE and FTC. Understanding these two concepts is a critical task for U.S. citizens living in a foreign country because how the provisions are applied directly impacts the efficacy of an expat tax return.
Family Financial Planning for American Expats in Europe
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.
Does Germany Allow Dual Citizenship for U.S. Citizens?
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.
Best Places to Move Abroad with Family (Based on Experience)
Raising a family is a deeply rewarding but undeniably challenging experience, particularly in the U.S. Today, many American parents are moving to Europe in search of a better work-life balance. Many countries within the EU are attractive to American parents due to the bloc’s emphasis on community, safety, and quality of life. So, first things first: How can an American family move to Europe?