Do expats need a U.S. address?

Even if you are living abroad in a country where mail delivery is dependable, it is important to have an American address. Many companies, not to mention government services, require one, even if it is not your official residence.

How do I maintain US residency while living abroad?

How do expats get their mail?

The number of Americans living abroad, including expats and Digital Nomads, now totals over nine million. Many of them still receive mail in the US from time to time (or regularly) though, and a Virtual Mailbox Service provides a way for expats to see their US postal mail more or less instantly.

What do you do with US mail when moving overseas?

USPS will forward mail internationally for a steep cost. You can enroll in the USPS forwarding service, which costs $21.10 retail or $19.35 if you enroll online. There's an additional cost of $21.10 for each week of service. So about $84.40/month and Priority Mail items are are sent at an additional cost.

Is an expat still a U.S. citizen?

Expatriation is the process of relinquishing U.S. status. It includes both U.S. Citizens, and Green Card Holders (aka Legal Permanent Resident) who meet the definition of a Long-Term Resident (LTR). The baseline perspective is that formal expatriation rules apply to: US Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.

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Can I lose my U.S. citizenship if I live abroad?

You might lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you: Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship.

Do expats keep their citizenship?

Even if you are living permanently abroad, you still retain your American citizenship, your American passport and your voting rights.

Can I forward my US mail to an international address?

Moving outside the US

USPS will forward mail internationally, but it's an expensive proposition! You can enroll in the USPS overseas mail forwarding service, which costs $21.10 retail or $19.35 if you enroll online. There's an extra cost of $21.10 for each week of service. The service will cost you $84.40/month.

Can I use a virtual address for the IRS?

Yes, you can use a virtual office address for most reasons unless you don't have any expectation of having the mail forwarded to you. You can't report it as your home address for IRS or state tax purposes but you can report it as a business...

Can I keep my US bank account?

All you have to do to keep it intact is to have the address on the account changed to a relative or friend's address in America and have your statements sent to you online.

How do I create a US address?

Do I need to file US tax return if I live abroad?

Do I still need to file a U.S. tax return? Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien living outside the United States, your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you live.

Are US expats tax residents?

The most common question we hear is, "do expats pay taxes?" This might come as a surprise to you, but yes — if you earn over a certain amount of income (domestic and foreign) and are a U.S. citizen, you have to file a U.S. tax return.

Am I still a state resident if I live abroad?

If you meet the following criteria, you likely be considered to have state residency while living abroad: You lived in the state at any point during the tax year. Your immediate family lives in the state while you're overseas. You return to the state each time you return to the US to live.

How long do you have to live abroad to be considered an expat?

To qualify, you must: Have lived in a foreign country for at least 330 days during one of the last three years. Confirm it was a genuine mistake you failed to file your U.S. tax return and FBAR.

Is a virtual address a tax write off?

Under U.S. tax rules, you are permitted to deduct the costs of your home office. The fee you pay for the virtual address is a deductible expense, similar to paying for a PO box.

Who is US expat?

When it comes to U.S. taxes, being an expat or expatriate has a clear-cut meaning — specifically a taxpayer who has given up their U.S. citizenship or abandoned their green card. We'll get to more about what it means to be an expatriate according to this definition in a moment.

Can I use virtual mailbox for taxes?

Benefits of a Virtual Mailbox for Americans Abroad

Using a virtual mailbox means you will have instant, reliable access to your US mail and can maintain your US bank accounts without the risk of triggering state tax inquiries.

How do I change my address when I move overseas?

If you are moving to an International address outside of the United States, you will need to fill out the same Change of Address (COA) form PS Form 3575 that is filed for a domestic move at your Local Post Office™.

How can I get mail without an address?

Why did USPS charge me $40 to change my address?

The Postal Service charges $1.05 to verify identification of customers who change an address online. Websites with domain names that appear to be associated with the Postal Service, but are not, charge customers up to $40 to change an address and, in some cases, the change never gets made.

Can US expats collect Social Security?

American expats working and retiring abroad may receive Social Security benefits if they are eligible. However, there are several special issues that American expats must first consider such as bilateral social security agreements and foreign pension plans that can impact the total amount of benefits received.

Can you keep your Social Security if you move to another country?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.

How long can I live outside the US?

As a U.S. citizen, you can stay abroad for as long as you wish and always have the right to return. CBP officers must admit a U.S. citizen.