Our Newsletter

Expats & Tax Reform - Expats In Rome 1Taxes For Expats has received many requests to explain the tax filing requirements for Americans residing in Italy.

Here are a few easy to digest guides covering what you need to know – and nothing you don’t.

  1. Please see our U.S. Tax Guide for 2018 for complete info on tax filing requirements as an American abroad.
  2. We’ve also put out an entire section of our website devoted to the recent tax reform and its effect on expats – TFX on Tax Reform

 

Expats & Tax Reform - Expats In Rome 2

Expat Tax 101

 

  • Although filing is compulsory – most don’t have to pay. The good news is that most expats don’t end up paying any taxes to the IRS. There are many tax deductions available which allow taxpayers to deduct more than $100,000 from their taxable income. But – they must continue to file. Failure to do so can lead to penalties.

 

  • FBAR & FATCA filing requirements (treasury). Aside from filing returns, you may also be subject to FBAR and FATCA (Form 8938) filing requirements. These forms do not generate tax due, but are simply informational — do not ignore these! Failure to file these informational forms may generate large penalties. FBAR is filed with the treasury and is required if the sum of your non-US accounts exceeds $10k USD at any point in the year.  FATCA (form 8938) has higher thresholds (depends on where you live and what your marital status is – see our full guide link above), and is filed as part of your tax return to the IRS.

 

How do the requirements differ from stateside taxpayers?

 

  • Two extra months to file:: The first and most straightforward difference is the date when your tax return is due. If you reside abroad on tax day, April 15, you are eligible for an automatic extension to file until June 15. If you would like, you can also apply for an additional extension to file until October. Now – although you can file later with the extension, if you do wind up owing tax, interest will begin to accrue from April 15. 

 As of last year (2017),, the date for FBAR is April 15 as well.

 

  • Unlike a U.S. employer which will issue a W-2, which will be sent to the IRS and to you, your foreign employer will not provide you with such a form (and even if there is a local tax declaration, it does not get forwarded to the IRS). As such, you should keep accurate records of your finances.

 

 

Self Employed in Italy – Read Carefully!

Like many other western countries, Italy has a Totalization agreement with the US. What this means in plain english is that if you pay into the social security system of the foreign country as a self-employed individual, you do not have to pay into the U.S. system as well Ie – you won’t have to pay Self employment tax.

  • What makes Italy different, is that this only applies to Italian citizens. Non-citizens of italy must pay into the US Social security system. Exemption from SECA tax for self-employed US citizens/green card holders residing in Italy is granted only to Italian citizens. Non-citizens of Italy must pay self-employment to the US Social Security system.

 

  • Most people make contributions to the Italian system (INPS) – to receive social benefits and medical coverage – yet, those contributions cannot be claimed for exemption from US SECA tax – unless the taxpayer is a citizen of Italy.

Ines Zemelman, EA is the founder of www.taxesforexpats.com  She can be reached at ines@taxesforexpats.com

With its magnificent Baroque architecture, restaurants nestled in the shadows of Bernini’s fountains and bars frequented by Rome’s finest, Piazza Navona is a glamorous spot to see and be seen. But just a few steps away lies a cozy little nest where you can settle for the afternoon with your laptop, a coffee and a huge slab of cake, meet your friends for brunch, lunch or aperitivo and catch some great live music in the evening.

Its name might imply noise and chaos, but Ex Circus is a chilled out café-meets-bar-meets-bistrot, with a unique, artistic and laid-back style.  Definitely no creepy clowns or lion taming here – and the only magic tricks you’ll see are when they’re mixing the cocktails.

Ex Circus cafe in Rome 3

If you’re a freelancer who craves company and is fed up of staring at the same four walls in your apartment while you frantically tap away on your laptop, this is the perfect place for you to get a bit of work done (thanks to the free WiFi) and still feel connected to the outside world.

The friendly staff, assisted by a charming little spaniel called Ruby, are attentive and chatty enough to keep you well-fuelled with tasty treats, caffeine and booze, but relaxed enough to let you sink into one of the comfy couches and feel right at home.

It also boasts a creative and varied menu, offering anything from bagels, sandwiches and superfood salads to a generous Sunday brunch and yummy desserts, all for reasonable prices (particularly surprising when you consider Ex Circus’s location near one of the world’s best piazzas). Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for here, with diverse sweet and savory dishes to ensure those with a meat-free diet don’t end up feeling like an afterthought.

If you’re in the mood for a chai latte or an artisanal beer, there is also a wide selection of teas, coffees and alcoholic beverages available.

But for all Ex Circus’s quirky coziness, after 5pm it transforms itself into a cool nightspot, hosting live bands and singer-songwriters from across the musical spectrum, from rock and folk to jazz and reggae.

So choose your favorite chair and become one of the regulars at one of Rome’s hidden little gems. We promise it will soon become your regular hideaway or the perfect place to meet some new friends.

 

Ex Circus cafe in Rome 4

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday: 08.00 to 22.30
Friday and Saturday: 08.00 to 02.00
Sunday: 09.00 to 20.00

For more information visit the Ex Circus Facebook page

Contact info