Why US expats keep filing
Unlike almost every other country, the US taxes citizens and green-card holders on worldwide income no matter where they live. Two mechanisms usually stop you being taxed twice: the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC).
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
The FEIE (IRS Form 2555) excludes roughly $130,000 of foreign earned income from US tax for 2025, indexed each year. You qualify through the bona fide residence or physical presence test. It applies to earned income — not investment income — and you still file.
FEIE vs the Foreign Tax Credit
In low-tax hubs like the UAE, the FEIE often eliminates US tax on excluded income, so your local take-home (shown above — zero local tax) is close to your real take-home. In high-tax countries, the FTC can be worth more because the foreign tax you already paid offsets US tax. Use the calculator to see local take-home, then layer US filing on top with a professional.
US expat tax — FAQ
Do US citizens pay tax while living abroad?
Generally yes — the United States taxes its citizens and green-card holders on worldwide income regardless of where they live, so most American expats must keep filing US returns. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit usually prevent double taxation.
What is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)?
The FEIE (IRS Form 2555) lets qualifying US expats exclude a large slice of foreign earned income from US tax — about $130,000 for 2025, indexed annually. You qualify via the bona fide residence or physical presence test.
FEIE or Foreign Tax Credit — which is better?
It depends. In low-tax or no-tax countries (e.g. the UAE) the FEIE often wipes out US tax on excluded income. In high-tax countries the Foreign Tax Credit can be more valuable because foreign tax paid already exceeds US tax. Many expats use a combination — consult a cross-border professional.