🇺🇸 Taxes · United States
Taxes in the United States
Who is a US tax resident, how tax treaties work, and the individual income tax, corporate tax and VAT rates that apply in 2026.
The United States taxes its citizens and tax residents on their worldwide income. Non-resident aliens are taxed only on income from US sources.
Who is a US tax resident
You are a US tax resident for tax purposes if:
- You are a lawful permanent resident — a green card holder. Resident status generally continues until the green card is officially revoked, even if you move abroad indefinitely.
- You meet the "substantial presence test": present in the US for at least 31 days in the current year, and 183 equivalent days total across the current year and the two preceding years.
The same rules apply to people who gave up a green card if they held it for at least 8 of the 15 years before relinquishing it. Always get professional tax advice before obtaining or relinquishing a green card.
Tax treaties
The US has income tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. If a treaty is in force between the US and your country of residence, its provisions can override the usual resident-alien rules. For example, if you can show a "permanent home" is available only in your home country, you are generally classified as a nonresident alien for US income tax purposes — but you need to file a specific form to claim this.
Determining your US tax status correctly, and applying a tax treaty, is not simple. On a consultation we review your situation and propose a solution.
What to know
Residency status sets your tax burden
Residents are taxed on worldwide income, non-residents only on US-source income. Getting your status right determines how much tax you owe.
Tax treaties reduce double-taxation risk
If a tax treaty is in force between the US and your country, its provisions can change your status and lower your tax burden.
A green card means tax obligations
Holding a green card generally makes you a US tax resident, even if you live abroad full time.
FAQ
Who counts as a US tax resident?
Do non-residents pay tax on their worldwide income?
What is the individual income tax rate in the US?
What corporate tax rate applies in the US?
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