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.
Get started with your filingWho 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
What this filing may involve
Every situation is different. The forms below commonly apply — your specific filing may vary.
- 1 Form 1040 (US Individual Income Tax Return) — retirement income is fully reportable
- 2 Form 1116 — Foreign Tax Credit on investment or pension income taxed by the host country
- 3 FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) — for foreign accounts used for pension receipt or daily banking
- 4 Form 8938 — FATCA reporting if foreign financial assets exceed thresholds
- 5 Form 1116 AMT — Alternative Minimum Tax calculation if applicable
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
How Nomadic.Tax works
AI-assisted preparation with licensed professional review — every time.
We review all income sources and apply applicable treaty provisions for your country
FTC is applied to offset local tax paid on pension or investment income
FBAR and FATCA obligations are assessed and prepared
A licensed CPA reviews your return and files before the extended expat deadline
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
[INSERT: customer testimonial, e.g. "retired US expat in Chiang Mai, Thailand, saved money and stress using Nomadic.Tax"]
- retired US expat, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Relevant plans
Choose the package that best fits your situation, or view all plans.
- ✓ Everything in Premier
- ✓ Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555)
- ✓ Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116)
- ✓ FBAR filing (FinCEN 114) included
- ✓ Everything in Expat
- ✓ Schedules D & E for investments and rentals
- ✓ Foreign asset reporting (Form 8938)
- ✓ FBAR filing (FinCEN 114) included
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.