Which states do not allow foreign earned income exclusion?

Asked by: Ola Goldner  |  Last update: July 3, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (52 votes)

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  • *The following states do not allow the foreign earned income exclusion to be included on the state return: Alabama, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Which states do not tax foreign income?

States with no income tax for expats
  • Alaska.
  • Florida.
  • Nevada.
  • South Dakota.
  • Texas.
  • Washington.
  • Wyoming.

What is the limitation for foreign earned income exclusion?

Limit on excludable amount

The maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is adjusted annually for inflation. For tax year 2023, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion is the lesser of the foreign income earned or $120,000 per qualifying person. For tax year 2024, the maximum exclusion is $126,500 per person.

Does California exclude foreign earned income?

Combat zone foreign earned income exclusion – For taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2018, California does not conform to the federal foreign earned income exclusion for amounts received by certain U.S. citizens or resident aliens with an abode in the U.S., specifically contractors or employees of ...

What are the sticky states for expats?

Four states are known for making it especially difficult to escape their taxation when moving abroad. They are sometimes called “sticky” states and include Virginia, New Mexico, California, and South Carolina. California especially can be difficult for expats.

When Not to Take the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion

35 related questions found

What country is most welcoming to American expats?

Mexico. Mexico regularly ranks highly among countries offering satisfaction for expats. Puerto Vallarta is pictured. A popular retirement destination for Americans for decades, Mexico has attracted many more families and the digital nomad set over the past few years.

What is the stickiest state in the United States?

The South and the Midwest are the stickiest regions of the U.S., with 4 Southern states and 7 Midwestern ones keeping more of their movers in-state than in other states. #1 Texas is the stickiest state, with 39% of moves staying in-state.

Do expats have to pay US state taxes?

In California, as in most states, residents are taxed on all income no matter where it was earned or where the property is located. Those living abroad who are considered residents of California will have to file California taxes for expats.

What is the safe harbor rule for expats in California?

Safe Harbor Rule for US Expats. If you're a US expat, you have a special provision known as the Safe Harbor Rule. If you have left California for employment-related purposes and are outside of the state for longer than 546 consecutive days, you may be exempt from California state taxes.

Does foreign earned income exclusion apply to Social Security?

Social Security Payments Are Also Taxable

And because your Social Security payments are derived from a US source, they cannot be excluded from taxation using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which only applies to foreign-source income.

Can IRS find out about foreign income?

One of the main catalysts for the IRS to learn about foreign income which was not reported is through FATCA, which is the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. In accordance with FATCA, more than 300,000 FFIs (Foreign Financial Institutions) in over 110 countries actively report account holder information to the IRS.

What is the foreign earned income exclusion for 2024?

American expatriates can significantly reduce their US tax liabilities with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). For tax year 2024, the FEIE allows up to $126,500 of foreign income exclusion per person, contingent upon meeting specific tests like the physical presence or bona fide residence criteria.

Is a gift of $18,000 taxable?

California doesn't enforce a gift tax, but you may owe a federal one. However, you can give up to $19,000 in cash or property during the 2025 tax year and up to $18,000 in the 2024 tax year without triggering a gift tax return.

What is the most tax friendly state in the country?

  • Alaska. #1 in Low Tax Burden. #45 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Florida. #2 in Low Tax Burden. #9 in Best States Overall. ...
  • South Dakota. #3 in Low Tax Burden. ...
  • Wyoming. #4 in Low Tax Burden. ...
  • Tennessee. #5 in Low Tax Burden. ...
  • New Hampshire. #6 in Low Tax Burden. ...
  • Texas. #7 in Low Tax Burden. ...
  • Oklahoma. #8 in Low Tax Burden.

Do I have to pay California income tax if I live abroad?

Basically, if you were a resident of California at any point in the tax year, you are likely considered a part-year resident. This generally means that you will be taxed on worldwide income for the period in which you lived in California, plus any California-based income you might have received while living elsewhere.

Who qualifies for foreign earned income exclusion?

A U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident alien who is physically present in a foreign country or countries for at least 330 full days during any period of 12 consecutive months.

What states offer safe harbor?

Q: Which States Have Safe Harbor Laws? A: A lot of states have passed Safe Harbor rules, like New York, California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. These laws cover a wide range of topics and have different rules, but they generally protect children who are victims of trafficking or abuse.

What is the 546 day rule?

An absence from California under an employment- related contract for a period of at least 546 consecutive days may be considered an absence for other than a temporary or transitory purpose.

How to avoid California tax underpayment penalty?

If in the prior year your tax liability, less any credits for the prior year, was less than $500 ($250 for married/RDP filing separately) you are not subject to the underpayment of estimated tax penalty.

Do US expats get taxed twice?

Double taxation occurs when income or assets are taxed by more than one jurisdiction. US expats are often subject to taxation both in the US and their country of residence. The IRS provides several mechanisms, such as tax credits and exclusions, to help prevent double taxation for Americans living abroad.

Is foreign earned income taxable in California?

Answer: You may still be considered a resident of California. California residents are taxed on income from all worldwide sources. If you paid tax to another state on this income, you may be entitled to an Other State Tax Credit .

Do I have to declare foreign property to the IRS?

If you meet the applicable reporting threshold, you must report all of your specified foreign financial assets, including the specified foreign financial assets that have a de minimis maximum value during the tax year. For exceptions to reporting, see Exceptions to Reporting in the instructions for Form 8938.

What is the most polite U.S. state?

Leading the way for the most polite people is Arkansas. Residents of the state earned a near-perfect score of 99.3 out of 100, as nearly 3 in 4 Arkansas residents say they find it very important to hold the door for others.

What is the strictest state in America?

California named most regulated state from 2019-2022

In terms of occupational regulations, the CCR contained 16,015 restrictions related to professional and vocational regulation at that time.

What is the most humble state in the United States?

Top 20 Most Humble States
  • North Carolina (45%)
  • Maine (46%)
  • Michigan (47%)
  • Tennessee (47%)
  • Missouri (48%)
  • Louisiana (48%)
  • Mississippi (49%)
  • Iowa (49%)