Nomadic.Tax
JURISDICTION/US AUTHORITY/IRS TAX YEAR/2025 CLUSTER/US

US Tax Filing for Retirees Abroad

Retiring abroad doesn't end your US tax obligations. Social Security benefits, pension distributions, IRA withdrawals, and investment income all remain subject to US reporting. Depending on your country of retirement, a tax treaty may reduce what you owe, and the Foreign Tax Credit can offset local tax paid. We help US retirees abroad file efficiently and understand their ongoing compliance requirements.

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APPLICABILITY/WHO THIS IS FOR

Who this is for

✓ US citizens or green card holders who have retired and moved abroad
✓ Retirees receiving Social Security, pension, or annuity income from abroad
✓ Americans taking IRA or 401(k) distributions while living outside the US
✓ Retired expats with US investment portfolios generating dividends and capital gains
✓ Those who need to understand treaty provisions for pension income in their country of residence
FILING RECORD/FORMS THAT MAY APPLY

What this filing may involve

Every situation is different. The forms below commonly apply — your specific filing may vary.

Form 1040 — US Individual Income Tax Return) — retirement income is fully reportable
Form 1116 — Foreign Tax Credit on investment or pension income taxed by the host country
FinCEN Form 114 — FBAR) — for foreign accounts used for pension receipt or daily banking
Form 8938 — FATCA reporting if foreign financial assets exceed thresholds
Form 1116 — AMT — Alternative Minimum Tax calculation if applicable
DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION REQUIRED

Documents usually needed

■ SSA-1099 for Social Security income
■ 1099-R for pension, IRA, and annuity distributions
■ 1099-DIV and 1099-INT for US investment income
■ Foreign bank account statements showing maximum balances
■ Evidence of foreign tax paid on any locally taxable income
PROCESS/RETURN ASSEMBLY

How Nomadic.Tax works

AI-assisted preparation with licensed professional review — every time.

1
INFORMATION
We review all income sources and apply applicable treaty provisions for your country
2
DOCUMENTS
FTC is applied to offset local tax paid on pension or investment income
3
AI PREPARATION
FBAR and FATCA obligations are assessed and prepared
4
PROFESSIONAL REVIEW / E-FILE
A licensed CPA reviews your return and files before the extended expat deadline
PROFESSIONAL REVIEW/CPA / ACCOUNTANT SIGN-OFF

When human review matters

ⓘ Social Security benefits may be partially taxed in the US and may also be taxable in your country of retirement
ⓘ Many tax treaties have specific articles covering pension and Social Security income — treaty analysis is essential
ⓘ Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) still apply even while living abroad

Relevant plans

Choose the package that best fits your situation, or view all plans.

Most popular

Expat
$499
For Americans living abroad — FEIE, foreign tax credits and FBAR included.
  • ✓Everything in Premier
  • ✓Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555)
  • ✓Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116)
  • ✓FBAR filing (FinCEN 114) included
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Investor
$599
For expat investors and landlords with income on top of work or business.
  • ✓Everything in Expat
  • ✓Schedules D & E for investments and rentals
  • ✓Foreign asset reporting (Form 8938)
  • ✓FBAR filing (FinCEN 114) included
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REFERENCE/COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about US Tax Filing for Retirees Abroad

Is Social Security taxable if I live abroad?

Up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be subject to US federal income tax depending on your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of Social Security). Some tax treaties exempt Social Security from local tax in your country of residence.

Are IRA withdrawals taxable while living abroad?

Yes. IRA distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income in the US regardless of where you live. The applicable tax treaty may affect how they're treated in your country of residence.

Can I contribute to an IRA while retired abroad?

Only if you have earned income (wages or self-employment). Pension, Social Security, and investment income alone don't qualify you to make IRA contributions.

Who is this for?

Browse by your situation for tailored guidance and the right package.

US Expats Abroad US retirees living overseas who still owe annual US federal returns on worldwide income. See who this is for →

Related filing services

US Expat Tax Filing → View filing service Foreign Tax Credit — Form 1116 → View filing service FBAR Filing — FinCEN Form 114 → View filing service See All Pricing & Plans → View pricing & packages

Ready to get your Retirees Abroad filing handled?

AI-assisted preparation, reviewed and e-filed by licensed professionals. Fixed price, no surprises.

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