Brandon Mitchener of Tax Fairness for Americans Abroad presented at the 2026 US Expats Financial Conference on the legislative steps required to shift the US from citizenship-based to residence-based taxation. The session outlined the current congressional pathway for such a reform.
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Missing the US federal tax filing deadline has different consequences depending on whether a refund is owed or taxes are due. Unpaid federal income tax accrues penalties and interest the longer it remains outstanding, while those owed a refund face fewer immediate consequences.
U.S. citizens working self-employed abroad are still required to report business income on their U.S. tax return. Various deductions and credits may be available to reduce the resulting tax liability.
The IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures allow eligible U.S. taxpayers to correct non-willful failures to file tax returns, FBARs, or international information forms related to foreign income. The program provides a structured process to come into compliance without the penalties typically associated with late or missed filings.
U.S. taxpayers living abroad who have non-willfully fallen behind on tax returns or FBARs may qualify for the IRS Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures, which allow filing of overdue or corrected returns without standard failure-to-file, information-return, or FBAR penalties. Eligibility requires meeting IRS non-residency rules and demonstrating non-willful conduct.
The IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures allow Americans who non-willfully failed to report foreign income or accounts to catch up on filings with reduced or no offshore penalties. Two variants exist: the Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedure (SFOP) for those living abroad, and the Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedure (SDOP) for US residents.
U.S. residents who failed to report foreign income or financial assets on prior tax returns may use the IRS Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures to correct filings with a single 5% penalty. Eligibility requires certifying non-willful conduct and submitting three years of amended returns.
Certain foreign accounts and assets are exempt from FATCA reporting requirements, with eligibility depending on the type of asset held, where it is held, and how the account or institution is classified. The specific exemptions that apply vary by individual circumstances.
A roundup of expat financial news covering UK pensions for those living abroad, benefit proposals affecting expats, and comparisons of countries for expat finances.
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