U.S. Taxes For Worldly Americans: The Traveling Expat's Guide to Living, Working, and Staying Tax Compliant Abroad

If you are like me an expat ( currently living in China) or you are planning to make a life outside of the United States load up your Kindle or pack some books of references and knowledge. You can start with a language book (Chinese is hard), a history book about the country you will relocate to, and avoid misleading information and getting into hardship with Uncle Sam by reading "U.S. Taxes for Worldly Americans: The Traveling Expat's Guide to Living, Working" by Olivier Wagner. You might think that you don't have to file taxes because you read it in some expat community blog full of misleading information but US tax laws are always changing. You can ask five different expats about what should you do with your taxes and get five different answers. Forget about contacting the US consulate in your host country they have strange hours. Oliver Wagner's book is straightforward, and to the point, his tax guide will help you understand what you need to do to have a piece of mind, most of us expats want to return one day to America without having the hassle of dealing with IRS. This book is currently updated for 2018, in fact, this book motivated me to file my taxes last night. Besides taxes, there is information for moving, living, and working aboard (always work legally). I think of Oliver's book as a tool to use when I have questions. Some expats want to start a business aboard or insanely renounce their citizenship there are chapters in this book covering such topics. I am glad I received this book to give an honest review I doubt that I will need to read another book about U.S. tax laws because "U.S. Taxes for Worldly Americans: The Traveling Expat's Guide to Living, Working" is well written, uncomplicated to grasp, and useful for future references.

This is an essential book for anyone planning to work, move, or retire abroad. For up-to-date and thorough tax information, this book FAR better than books like Getting Out: Your Guide to Leaving America (Process Self-reliance Series) . This isn't a "lite" read. It's a nuts-and-bolts, complete examination of EVERY aspect of tax options for expats, retirees, students, or anyone spending significant time outside the U.S. Since my husband and I are planning a move to the British Isles, I've been researching this topic, intensely. Nothing I've found comes even CLOSE to the insights in this book. For starters, I completely misunderstood which forms (and taxes) had to be filed in the U.S., regardless of where our income was earned. Also, I didn't understand how Social Security (etc.) taxes are handled, for Americans living abroad and paying taxes where they're living. This book clearly explained the fine points of U.S. taxes and related laws. Also, for those with long-term plans to live abroad, this book is a gold mine. For example, I didn't realize that we could travel -- and live abroad -- on a second, legal passport that might be somewhat expensive, but it could simplify our travel plans. In this book, a lengthy chart explains which countries offer this option, the approximate cost, and what -- if any -- residency requirements are involved. And no, they're not all "banana republics." You'll see countries like Canada and the U.K.on this list. Also, this book features the most complete list I've seen, explaining which countries offer citizenship based on your ancestry. (I knew about Ireland, but not about several others. I'll definitely check my family tree.) I can't imagine planning an international move -- for work, for college, or for retirement -- without this information. This is the ONLY book I've seen to cover this topic in depth. And, if you're already living in a country outside the U.S., and weren't 100% SURE you're meeting every tax requirement... this book will explain every possible option to save money (and avoid legal problems).

This is an easy to read book and I finished it in two days. I think doing expat taxes is more complicated than presented in the book, but I think it reduces anxieties by eliminating the fear of the unknown (about US taxes). I really liked the general overview provided in this book--it's a good primer for anyone thinking of living abroad. As with any US tax book, it's really hard to keep it updated as the rules and laws are constantly changing. Two out-of-date things I noticed was the mention of penalties for failure to have health insurance under the ACA (penalties were eliminated with the TCJA in 2017) and Priceline's "Name Your Own Price" feature (I don't know when they stopped doing that, but it's been years since you could do that). Overall, I'm glad I read it and I think it's worth the price.

I had read this book a while ago, and have just retired and was curious about relocating outside the US, and read it again. Takes a day to read. There is a lot of useful information. The author goes over nearly every scenario for taxes you may run into. Basically most people may have to complete one or two IRS forms, unless you plan on starting a business or investing elsewhere, then it can be more complicated. If you are retiring and will not work overseas, pretty easy. But the author is real clear on nearly every situation and how to deal with it. And if you need help, you can drop him a line if you need an expert, though he does not write the book to funnel you into being a client. It's written more for anyone to file on their own. Well worth the cost for peace of mind and to have a plan, and not be surprised.

The book might be helpful if you have no clue on subject at all to try to get you thinking on it and understand some terms (also big maybe). Unfortunately it's not a guide as suggested in a title

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Taxes, even in the U.S., terrify me. The fear of making a huge and expensive mistake is one reason we get our taxes done by a tax professional every year. For someone who decides to move abroad for some period of time, it might seem logical to assume that you are free from filing taxes in the U.S. But the IRS and the U.S. Tax Code are not logical. As the author advises, ignoring one's tax obligation to the U.S. is not the prudent choice to make. This book is full of great advice and insights from someone who encourages the reader to be unafraid to move anywhere or explore different countries and cultures. Wagner offers other tips on living abroad, including how to get your mail, opening a bank account abroad, the road to dual citizenship and much more. But the book does deliver the information an expat needs to know to stay compliant with his or her tax obligations in the U.S. and how to become compliant if one didn't file required tax forms. Wagner goes through all of the tax forms that might be relevant and takes the reader through the forms step by step. The book is current through the 2016 tax year. The author also provides his contact information if you need help knowing what you need to do. The most important thing to remember is: don't ignore filing. When you read this book, you'll understand why. Don't leave home without it.

If you are a US citizen or green card holder living outside the USA then this book is for you. Many US expats don't realize that they are all legally required to file an annual tax return plus often a bunch of other forms for any foreign bank accounts, companies or even educational savings funds. The penalties for not reporting on these are draconian - $10k or 50% per account per year. The book not only discusses people working abroad for a few years but also "Accidental Americans" eg someone born to US parents in another country who may never have set foot in the USA but is still a US citizen and required to file. Many Canadian-Americans fall into this category. The IRS can be ruthless and not knowing the law is no protection. Fortunately, the author goes into full detail on how to fill out your tax return, FBAR and other forms. Unlike many tax guides the emphasis is on the forms for expats and understanding some of the complex rules that can let you legally reduce or eliminate your US taxes. State taxes are also covered which in some states don't follow the same rules as the federal taxes. Beware! Changing your last US state of residence to a non-income tax state is explained in detail. This step alone can save you thousands in taxes and hours of form filling. There is also advice on how to catch up if you have not filled for years. And additional tips on digital nomads and sovereign freedom. Finally, if you are tired of having to file every year when you live abroad full time, there is a detailed section on how you can permanently end your US tax requirements. This is particularly important for Accidental Americans who never visit the US but are caught in the web of IRS global taxation for US citizens.

I'm thinking to move to Europe and had wondered how to handle the financial end of establishing myself. This book was an eye-opener into the difficulties of doing so. It offers lots of useful advice, and more importantly pointers to exactly which forms need to be filed so you can more quickly get to reading the relevant IRS publications.

American citizens living outside the United States are obligated to comply with a system of rules, regulations and procedures that are cumbersome, difficult to understand and punitive. Compliance with these rules (which are unique to American citizens) requires annual filings with the IRS. These filings include (but are not limited to) detailed information on most non-U.S. bank and investment accounts. Olivier Wagner's book is an exceptional U.S. tax guide for Americans abroad, which contains JUST ENOUGH information so that you CAN 'understand your tax requirements', but NOT SO MUCH information that you 'CAN'T understand your tax requirements'. The title suggests that the book is for "Worldly Americans". Actually, the book is for "Every Day Americans" who are trying to live ordinary lives in a complex world. John Richardson - Toronto, Canada CitizenshipSolutions.ca

Very thin book which will tell you the importance of things like FATCA, etc, and will tell you to basically find out your status online - even though this is probably what you bought the book for. This book is simply a cash grab that tells you "watch out for these things". Save your time and go on any website - it will probably contain the same amount of text as this book, but actually be helpful.

I have worked with Mr Wagner over the last couple of years. He has been a valuable asset and has helped my family thru the tax minefield. The book is clear, concise and will be extremely helpful for people desperately trying to figure out how to handle their tax situation. The book will give you an appreciation that things are not as dire as they seem. Truly a "light" at the end of a dark tunnel. Even if your don't do your own taxes, it is imperative that you have a feel for what is being done on your behalf.

All the info within is easily searchable on the web. I thought I'd get some real insights reading this, but felt like I wasted my time, unfortunately.