Understanding the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: A Guide for Taxpayers
Definition & Meaning
The foreign earned income exclusion is a provision under the Internal Revenue Code that allows certain U.S. taxpayers to exclude a specific amount of income earned abroad from their taxable income. This exclusion is designed for individuals who live and work outside the United States, helping to alleviate the tax burden on income earned in foreign countries.
Legal Use & context
This term is primarily used in tax law, particularly for U.S. citizens and resident aliens who earn income while living abroad. It is relevant in the context of international taxation and can involve various forms and procedures for claiming the exclusion. Taxpayers can utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to assist in filing the necessary forms and ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A U.S. citizen living in Germany for the entire tax year earns $100,000. They may be eligible to exclude a portion of this income from U.S. taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.
Example 2: A U.S. resident alien works in Canada for 350 days in a year. They can potentially claim the exclusion based on the physical presence test. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The foreign earned income exclusion is governed by Section 911 of the Internal Revenue Code. This statute outlines the eligibility criteria and the process for claiming the exclusion.