You’re Retired Abroad. Your U.S. Taxes Should Feel Clear, Not Stressful.
Retirement Abroad Comes With Its Own Set of Questions
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Living full-time outside the U.S., or splitting time between countries in retirement
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Receiving income from Social Security, pensions, annuities, or retirement accounts
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Assuming filing requirements become simpler after leaving the workforce
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Holding foreign bank accounts or joint accounts with a spouse or partner abroad
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Wondering how double taxation applies to retirement income across countries
Start your U.S. expat tax return today.
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You Need Certainty. We Provide the Blueprint. These guides address the most common questions retirees living overseas face, so you can take your time, understand what applies to you, and move forward with confidence.
How Retirement Income Is Treated When You Live Abroad
Social Security, pensions, annuities, and retirement account withdrawals don’t all follow the same rules overseas. This guide explains how different types of retirement income are viewed by the U.S., and what often causes confusion for expats in retirement.
Do U.S. Retirees Abroad Still Need to File Taxes?
Many retirees assume filing requirements end when work income stops. This resource walks through when U.S. returns are still required — even if tax owed feels low or nonexistent.
Understanding Social Security Taxes Outside the U.S.
Living abroad can affect how Social Security is taxed, where it’s taxed, and whether treaties apply. This guide breaks down what retirees should know, without legal jargon.
Foreign Bank Accounts, Joint Accounts, and Reporting Rules
Retirees often consolidate savings into local accounts or share accounts with a spouse abroad. This guide explains when foreign accounts need to be reported and what typically raises questions — especially later in life.
Avoiding Double Taxation on Retirement Income
Paying tax to two countries is one of the biggest concerns retirees have. This resource explains how tax treaties, foreign tax credits, and exclusions may apply to retirement income earned or received abroad.
What If You Realize Something Was Missed Years Ago?
Many retirees discover filing gaps only after moving abroad or simplifying finances. This guide explains common catch-up paths and why these situations are often resolvable when handled carefully.Featured In
Hear From Retirees Who Solved Their Expat Tax Puzzle and Simplified Their Retirement Income Filing.
Saved me some real $’s here and there due to Foreign Taxes, Real Estate, 401K, etc…
Now retired it is even more important to get it right !
4.84/5
4.9/5
4.8/5
Support Designed for Retirees Living Abroad
Retirement overseas brings a different set of tax considerations: fewer moving parts in some areas and greater complexity in others. Our services are designed to help retirees understand their current position, address any unresolved issues, and stay compliant going forward, without unnecessary stress.
Retirement Income & Double Taxation Guidance
Understanding how retirement income is taxed across borders can be confusing. We apply tax treaties, foreign tax credits, and relevant exclusions to help prevent double taxation and ensure your income is reported accurately.
$565
USD
FBAR and FATCA Compliance
Retirees often shift savings into foreign or joint accounts for everyday life overseas. We help you understand which accounts need to be reported, prepare the required filings, and ensure ongoing reporting is handled correctly year after year.
$125+
USD
Catch-Up Filing for Retirees Abroad
If you’ve realized that returns, filings, or foreign account reports were missed in prior years, there are often structured ways to address this. We prepare all required U.S. returns, retirement income reporting, and FBARs with a focus on resolving gaps thoughtfully and reducing risk.
$1,750
USD
Ongoing U.S. Tax Filing in Retirement
Once everything is current, we handle your annual U.S. tax return so nothing falls through the cracks. We account for Social Security, pensions, retirement account distributions, investment income, and treaty considerations specific to retirees living abroad.
$565
USD
Strategic Consultation for Retirees
If you want clarity before taking action, a consultation with an expat tax expert can help. We walk through your situation, explain what applies (and what doesn’t), and outline next steps — without pressure to move faster than you’re comfortable with.
$250+
USD
State Tax Review for Retired Expats
If you previously lived in a U.S. state with ongoing tax ties, we review whether state filing is still required and help resolve lingering obligations when necessary.
$185
USD
Your Questions, Answered: US Tax Guides & Resources
Visit the Knowledge Center
US Expat Tax FAQs
Can Greenback help me file U.S. taxes if I’m retired and living abroad?
Yes. Greenback specializes in U.S. taxes for Americans living overseas, including retirees. Whether your income comes from Social Security, pensions, retirement account withdrawals, or foreign financial accounts, we help ensure everything is filed correctly and in line with IRS rules — even when no tax is ultimately owed.
My income is only Social Security or retirement distributions. Can Greenback help me determine whether I need to file?
Yes. Many retirees file unnecessarily, and others unknowingly miss required filings. Greenback helps retirees determine whether filing is required, which income must be reported, and how U.S. tax rules apply to Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and annuities while living abroad.
I haven’t filed U.S. taxes in years since retiring overseas. Can Greenback help me catch up without penalties?
In many cases, yes. The IRS offers Streamlined Filing Procedures for taxpayers whose noncompliance was non-willful — a situation that applies to many retirees abroad. Greenback has helped thousands of expats use these IRS programs to catch up on missed filings, often without paying late-filing penalties.
My foreign bank accounts are joint with my spouse. Can Greenback help me understand my reporting obligations?
Yes. Joint accounts can still trigger reporting requirements for U.S. citizens, even when the spouse is not American. Greenback reviews account ownership, balances, and structure to ensure reporting is handled correctly and conservatively.
Can Greenback help me understand how my retirement income is taxed across countries?
Yes. Retirement income is often treated differently by the U.S. and your country of residence. Greenback helps retirees understand:
- How pensions, IRAs, and Social Security are taxed
- When tax treaties apply — and when they don’t
- How to avoid or reduce double taxation using proper filings
Do I still need to file U.S. taxes if I’m retired and living abroad?
Yes. Retirement does not end your U.S. filing obligation. U.S. citizens are taxed based on citizenship, not employment or residence. Many retirees still need to file because of Social Security, pensions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), or foreign financial accounts, even when no U.S. tax is ultimately owed.
Greenback works with retired expats every year to determine whether a return is required, which forms apply, and how to file correctly without unnecessary stress or over-filing. For many retirees, simply filing properly, even if the outcome is a zero tax liability, helps prevent future issues if circumstances change or they later return to the U.S.
Do tax treaties automatically protect my retirement income from double taxation?
No. Treaties can help, but they must be applied correctly. Many retirees assume treaties eliminate U.S. tax automatically — which can lead to filing errors. Greenback ensures treaty provisions, Foreign Tax Credits, and other relief mechanisms are applied correctly for your situation.
Can Greenback help me address missed U.S. tax filings from earlier in my retirement — without triggering penalties?
In many cases, yes. Greenback has helped retirees address past U.S. tax filing gaps using IRS procedures designed for non-willful situations. When handled correctly, penalties are often avoided, and compliance can be restored without unnecessary stress or risk.
I’m retired. Do FBAR and foreign account rules still apply to me?
Yes. FBAR and FATCA reporting apply based on account balances, not employment. Many retirees hold foreign accounts for daily living or savings and don’t realize reporting is required. Greenback helps retirees understand what must be reported — and how to fix missed filings when necessary.
Retire with confidence. Keep your U.S. taxes stress free.
