be well & heal
For Expats & Digital Nomads
Clarity and confidence for U.S. taxpayers abroad
Living abroad comes with adventure — but it also comes with tax responsibilities. Whether you're a long-term expat, a remote worker hopping countries, or a digital nomad living life on your terms, this page is here to support you. As a U.S. citizen or resident, you still have to file taxes — and the rules can get confusing fast. We created this space to give you clear, judgment-free guidance on everything from the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) to estimated taxes, FBAR, and beyond — so you can stay compliant and enjoy the freedom of your global lifestyle.
How We Help Expats & Digital Nomads — and Why We Get It
Hi, I’m Courtney Mallow — a small business owner and financial consultant who has lived abroad for more than 8 years. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate taxes, reporting rules, and money management while juggling time zones, currencies, and local regulations.
Whether you’re a digital nomad on the move, a long-term expat building a life overseas, or self-employed and managing your business from abroad — I’ve been there. I've worked in the international development and humanitarian sector for more than 15 years while living in countries like Australia, Nicaragua, South Korea, Germany, Iraq, and Costa Rica, and I get the real-world challenges that come with it. I offer services in English & Spanish.
My approach is practical, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I’m here to help you feel calm, confident, and in control — no matter where in the world you are.
Courtney enjoying life abroad in Costa Rica — and helping clients do the same.
Ali living as an expat in Australia.
Hi, I’m Ali Sadek. I’ve lived and worked as an expat for several years across the UAE, Iraq, Australia, and now Costa Rica — so I understand firsthand the opportunities and challenges that come with life abroad.
With a background in finance and degrees in Business Management and Auditing, I bring both personal experience and professional expertise to the table. I help expats navigate complex financial systems, stay compliant with U.S. tax laws, and make smart money decisions — no matter where in the world they’re living or what language they speak.
I'm fluent in Arabic, English, and Spanish, and I’m committed to making financial guidance accessible, clear, and culturally aware for expats across the globe.
Free Resources
Start here for the most important topics to help you stay compliant and confident abroad.
🌍 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
Learn how to exclude up to $100K+ of income while living overseas — and if you qualify.
Read the FEIE Guide
🧾 Estimated Taxes While Abroad
Avoid penalties by staying on top of quarterly tax payments — even without a U.S. address.
Understand Estimated Taxes
💼 Self-Employment Abroad
Running your own business or freelancing while overseas? Understand your reporting obligations.
Explore Self-Employment Tips
🌐 FBAR & FATCA Requirements
Do you have a foreign bank account? Here's what you need to report and when.
Review the FBAR & FATCA Basics
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I still have to file U.S. taxes if I live abroad?
Yes. If you’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you must file a federal tax return every year — no matter where you live or earn your income. The IRS taxes worldwide income.
2. What is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)?
The FEIE allows you to exclude up to $130,000 (for 2025) of foreign earned income from your U.S. taxes if you meet either the Physical Presence Test or Bona Fide Residence Test. This can significantly reduce or eliminate your U.S. tax liability. It is not automatic, but rather an election you make on your tax return annually.
3. What is the Foreign Housing Exclusion?
If you qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, you may also be able to exclude certain housing expenses (like rent, utilities, and insurance) through the Foreign Housing Exclusion. This can increase your overall tax savings if you live in a high-cost city abroad. You’ll need to meet specific criteria and keep good records of expenses.
4. What is the Foreign Housing Deduction?
If you're self-employed and qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), you may also be able to claim the Foreign Housing Deduction. This allows you to deduct certain housing costs you paid while living abroad — including rent, utilities (except telephone), and insurance — as long as they’re considered reasonable.
5. What is the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)?
If you pay income taxes to another country, you may be eligible to claim a Foreign Tax Credit, which reduces your U.S. tax bill dollar-for-dollar. You can’t claim both the FTC and the FEIE on the same income, but sometimes it makes sense to use one over the other — or a combination. It’s especially helpful if you don’t qualify for the FEIE or if your foreign tax rate is high.
6. Do I have to pay self-employment tax while living abroad?
Yes. If you’re self-employed, you still owe 15.3% self-employment tax, even if you qualify for the FEIE. The exclusion applies to income tax, but not self-employment tax.
7. What is the FBAR, and do I have to file it?
If you have foreign bank accounts that total more than $10,000 combined at any point in the year, you must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) — separate from your tax return. It’s a reporting requirement, not a tax.
8. I’m a digital nomad hopping countries — which tax rules apply to me?
You’ll need to track your time carefully to meet the Physical Presence Test for the FEIE. You may also trigger local tax obligations in the countries where you stay. A tailored plan helps you avoid double taxation and keep things clean with the IRS.
9. Do I still need to file state taxes?
Maybe. If you maintain ties to a U.S. state (like voter registration, property, driver’s license, etc.), you might still have a filing obligation.
10. Can you help me prepare and file my expat tax return?
Yes! We offer personalized tax preparation and support for expats and digital nomads — including federal returns, FEIE forms, FBAR reporting, estimated tax guidance, and more.
Client Testimonials
CONTACT US
Tel. 407-305-0823
info@bewellfinance.org
1317 Edgewater Dr #6378
Orlando, FL 32804
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a division of Be Well & Heal LLC