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THIS WEEK ABROAD
To paraphrase the Game of Thrones slogan, tax season is coming. It’s time to get your calendar ready with all the key dates for expats.
We have everything you need to know in this week’s newsletter.👇
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Tax & Money Corner
EXPAT TAX CHEAT SHEET: KEY U.S. DATES FOR 2026
Last week, the IRS announced that tax season will officially open on Monday, January 26.
For most U.S. taxpayers, the April 15 deadline is all that matters. But for expats and nomads, things work a bit differently.
For 2026, we devised a cheat sheet to help you juggle the dates. (Make sure to share with your expat friends - we promise they’ll love it!)
• April 15, 2026
This is the regular due date for filing your 2025 federal income tax return (Form 1040) and paying any tax owed. Even if you qualify for expat extensions, taxes owed are still due by this date or interest will accrue from April 15.
• June 15, 2026
If you live outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico on April 15, 2026, you automatically get a two-month extension to file your 2025 return (until June 15) with no form required. Just attach a statement to your return indicating you qualify. This extension applies to filing, not payment.
Also, this is the last day to file Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension) to extend your federal tax return filing deadline to October 15, 2026.
• October 15, 2026
Taxpayers who filed Form 4868 by June 15 have until October 15, 2026 to file their 2025 tax returns. This is also the extended deadline for the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) reporting foreign accounts and, in many cases, Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets).
• December 15, 2026
In certain circumstances (for example, if you file a written request by October 15 with reasonable cause), the IRS may grant an additional extension until December 15, 2026 to file your 2025 return.
• Preparing to File
So what should you be doing now?
Gather your documents. Make sure you have your W-2s, 1099s, foreign income statements, bank account details, and any information on investments or retirement accounts. Expats also need to track housing allowances, moving expenses, and self-employment income.
Review FBAR and FATCA rules. If your foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file an FBAR by October 15. Higher thresholds may also trigger FATCA Form 8938.
Maximize exclusions and credits. Many expats qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), the Foreign Housing Exclusion, or foreign tax credits. These can drastically reduce or even eliminate your U.S. tax bill.
Decide whether to DIY or hire help. Filing from abroad is complex. If you’re unsure, now is the time to engage a tax professional who understands expat rules.
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