Introduction and initial reactions

Discussion and comments from listeners on the new @ReyDonBeyer "Tax Simplification For #Americansabroad Act" (includes consolidation of #FATCA and @InFBARWeTrust into one form. https://t.co/VHH3w5rHw1 pic.twitter.com/wGgoXAwiLb

— John Richardson – lawyer for "U.S. persons" abroad (@ExpatriationLaw) September 19, 2023

Today, U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Dina Titus (D-NV) announced the introduction of the Tax Simplification for Americans Abroad Act, legislation to help American taxpayers living overseas comply with their U.S. tax obligations by calling on the IRS to create a short form certification for Americans living abroad who owe no U.S. tax and earn below $400,000 annually. The bill would expand the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion to include additional types of income that are earned overseas like pensions and distributions from retirements funds. It would also consolidate duplicative and burdensome forms that taxpayers must file under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the Bank Secrecy Act.

“Ordinary Americans living abroad are often overlooked when U.S. tax policy is written, which can make it extremely difficult and expensive for them to navigate the tax system,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “I saw a record-breaking number of Americans renounce their citizenship when I served as the U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, and the needless complexity of the U.S. tax code was often cited as a reason. This bill would help ordinary Americans fulfill their obligations without having to retain an expensive accountant to certify that they owe no U.S. taxes, and remove some of the frustrations faced by Americans living abroad who just want to follow the law.”

“Americans abroad face a uniquely complex set of reporting requirements that we here at home aren’t subject to. I’m joining Rep. Beyer to create a simplified income tax return for taxpayers living abroad because Americans shouldn’t have to jump through extra hoops simply because they reside or work overseas,” said Rep. Dina Titus, Chair of the Americans Abroad Caucus.
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