Expat Taxes 101: Will You Be Double-Taxed? (US Retirees Abroad) — with Michelle Miele | Queer Money Ep. 615

Expat Taxes 101: Will You Be Double-Taxed? (US Retirees Abroad) — with Michelle Miele | Queer Money Ep. 615

Author: Queer Money November 11, 2025 Duration: 29:58

Navigating Expat Taxes: Insights for Dream Retirees

Snagged a dream place in Puerto Vallarta or Mykonos… and now the IRS is at the door? Today we’re joined by expat tax expert Michelle Miele (Director of Paperwork) to decode how U.S. taxes work when you retire abroad. We cover Social Security, IRA/401(k)/Roth distributions, self-employment/online business income, countries with and without U.S. tax treaties, foreign tax credits, and common traps (like selling your U.S. home after you change tax residency). Three real-world scenarios—Mexico, Portugal, and Thailand—show you how this plays out.

Key Takeaways:

  • Filing ≠ owing. You’ll likely file in the U.S. even after moving, but credits/treaties can prevent double tax.
  • Order matters: generally file where you live first, then the U.S., and use foreign tax credits to offset.
  • Roth alert: some countries tax Roth distributions; plan timing and residency to protect withdrawals.
  • Entity traps: your LLC/S-corp may be treated as a corporation abroad; confirm local treatment before you move.
  • Real estate timing: if selling a U.S. primary home, sell while still a U.S. tax resident to preserve exclusions.
  • Benefits trade-off: higher taxes in some countries may be offset by much lower healthcare and living costs.

Related Queer Money Episodes:

  • Ep 614 — Top 5 Cities for Gay Retirement in Taiwan
  • Ep 610 — Best LGBTQ+ Retirement Cities in Greece
  • Ep 607 — The $6,000 “Boomer Bonus” Deduction Strategies
  • Ep 599 — Affordable Gay-Friendly Cities in Portugal
  • Ep 542 — Gay Expats in Mexico: Pacific Coast Edition

Chapters:

  • 00:11 - Navigating Taxes as an Expat Retiree
  • 03:51 - Understanding Tax Obligations for Expats
  • 11:34 - Tax Implications of Living Abroad
  • 14:10 - Tax Obligations for Expats: A Case Study
  • 21:25 - Retirement Abroad: Tax Implications
  • 28:09 - Planning for Retirement Abroad

Mentioned in this episode:

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Talking about money is personal, but it’s also deeply tied to our identities and the specific challenges we face. Queer Money®: How Gay People Do Money digs into that unique intersection, moving beyond generic financial advice to address what it really means to build a stable, prosperous life as an LGBTQ+ person. This bi-weekly podcast is a direct conversation about creating the generational wealth that has historically been out of reach for many in our community, framing financial security as both a practical necessity and a form of empowerment. Each episode tackles the real-world systems and personal hurdles that can stand in the way, from navigating retirement planning without traditional family structures to confronting the economic pressures of what’s termed the anti-LGBTQ+ industrial complex. You’ll hear actionable strategies for eliminating debt, growing personal wealth, and moving toward a retirement that’s not just secure but genuinely enjoyable. The discussion also expands into lifestyle, exploring some of the most affordable and welcoming cities across the country for living or visiting, all through a lens that understands queer lived experience. Tuning in regularly means joining a broader mission to foster resilience and independence, one financial decision at a time. The goal is straightforward: to help the community sleep better at night, knowing the future is on firmer ground.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Queer Money®: How Gay People Do Money
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