What Types of Activities Are Considered Work-Related?

If you’re traveling to the US for work, certain activities may be classified as work-related and could impact your tax residency status, deductions, or exclusions, particularly when determining your eligibility for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or calculating US-sourced income.

  • Attending conferences, seminars, or industry events
  • Participating in business meetings or strategy sessions
  • Job interviews or recruiting-related travel
  • Providing services for a US-based client or employer
  • Conducting fieldwork or inspections for a foreign company with US operations
  • Training or onboarding programs required by an employer

Why This Matters

Spending time in the US for work could affect:

  • Your eligibility for FEIE (especially if it interrupts your 330-day Physical Presence Test window)
  • The sourcing of income—US-based work may be considered US-sourced income and subject to US tax
  • Travel deductions for business expenses (if applicable)

Your Greenback accountant will help determine how your US travel and work-related activities affect your filing obligations and available tax benefits.

Learn more about the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion

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Last updated on May 26, 2025