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.

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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)

Comparison with related terms

Term Description
Foreign Tax Credit A credit for taxes paid to foreign governments, which can reduce U.S. tax liability.
Bona Fide Residence Test A test to determine if a taxpayer is a genuine resident of a foreign country for tax purposes.
Physical Presence Test A test based on the number of days a taxpayer is physically present in a foreign country.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion, you should:

  • Gather documentation of your foreign income and residency status.
  • Complete IRS Form 2555 to claim the exclusion.
  • Consider using US Legal Forms for templates that can guide you through the filing process.
  • If your situation is complex, consult a tax professional for personalized advice.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Eligibility U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad
Exclusion Amount Subject to annual limits set by the IRS
Forms Required IRS Form 2555

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It is a tax provision that allows certain U.S. taxpayers to exclude a portion of their income earned abroad from U.S. taxation.