The Tax Consequences of Moving Abroad
If you're thinking about moving overseas after the 2016 presidential election, know that the U.S. will continue to tax you.
Considering leaving the U.S. if your nightmare candidate wins in November? A growing number of people claim that they will move outside the U.S. if Donald Trump becomes president. Others want out if Hillary Clinton is elected.
If you move but keep your citizenship, the U.S. will continue to tax you. The U.S. taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, no matter where they reside. You also won’t be able to escape the rules on reporting foreign bank accounts.
Folks who decide to give up their U.S. citizenship could owe an exit tax if their average annual tax for the five years before expatriating exceeds $161,000 or they have at least $2 million of net worth. They’ll be treated as selling all their assets for fair market value on the day before their expatriation date and will be taxed on the profit from the deemed sale that exceeds an exemption of nearly $700,000.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
- 
Four Spa Retreats for Well-Heeled RetireesWe hand-picked these U.S. spa retreats for their serenity, amenities and dedication to the comfort of older travelers. All are located in the Continental U.S.
 - 
Four Military Benefits That Have Helped My FamilyMilitary life can be challenging for servicemembers and their families, but they're offered some significant financial benefits to help cushion the blow.
 
- 
The Original Property Tax Hack: Avoiding The ‘Window Tax’Property Taxes Here’s how homeowners can challenge their home assessment and potentially reduce their property taxes — with a little lesson from history.
 - 
Social Security Tax Limit Rises Again: Who Pays More in 2026?Payroll Taxes The Social Security Administration has announced significant changes affecting millions as we approach a new year.
 - 
Three Critical Tax Changes Could Boost Your Paycheck in 2026Tax Tips The IRS predicts these tax breaks may change take-home pay in 2026. Will you get over $1,000 in tax savings?
 - 
The Rubber Duck Rule of Retirement Tax PlanningRetirement Taxes How can you identify gaps and hidden assumptions in your tax plan for retirement? The solution may be stranger than you think.
 - 
RMDs, Roth, and SS: Test Your Knowledge of Retirement Tax RulesQuiz Don't let the IRS catch you off guard. Take our quiz to reveal common retirement tax rules that could save (or cost) you thousands.
 - 
IRS Updates 2026 Tax Deduction for People Age 65 and OlderTax Changes Adjustments to the extra standard deduction can impact the tax bills of millions of older adults. Here are some new amounts to know for 2026.
 - 
IRS Reveals New 2026 Child Tax Credit and other Family Credit AmountsTax Credits Key family tax breaks are higher for 2026, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Adoption Credit. Here's what they're worth.
 - 
Standard Deduction 2026 Amounts Are HereTax Breaks What is the standard deduction for your filing status in 2026?