FEIE Tax Shield
Stop double taxing your foreign income. Calculate exactly how much US Federal Income Tax you can legally erase using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.
Based on the Physical Presence Test (330 full days in a foreign country).
Estimated US Tax Due
Estimated Tax Saved
This is a high-level estimate and does not include Self-Employment Tax or State Taxes. Consult a US CPA.
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How to Use the FEIE Calculator
- 1
Enter your total **Foreign Earned Income** for the tax year.
- 2
Use the slider to set how many days you spent **outside the US**.
- 3
Select your Filing Status (Single vs Married limits the exemption differently in some edge cases).
- 4
Instantly see how much of your income is shielded from US Federal Tax and your estimated savings.
Why the FEIE is the Ultimate Nomad Hack
The United States is one of the only countries that taxes citizens on their worldwide income, regardless of where they live. As a digital nomad, this means you are normally subjected to US tax even if you pay tax in your host country.
However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows qualifying expats to completely exclude over $120,000 of foreign earned income from their US Federal Tax bracket.
To qualify, you must pass the Physical Presence Test (330 days outside the US in any 12-month period) or the Bona Fide Residence Test. Using the FEIE can reduce your US tax bill to zero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the FEIE cover Self-Employment Tax?
No. The FEIE only excludes you from Federal Income Tax. If you are an independent contractor (1099), you must still pay the ~15.3% Self-Employment Tax on your net earnings, unless you are in a country with a Totalization Agreement or use a Foreign Corporation.
What is the FEIE limit for 2026?
The exact IRS limit adjusts every year for inflation. For 2026, it is projected to be around $130,000 per qualifying individual.
Do I still have to file a tax return?
Yes. The FEIE is not automatic. You MUST file Form 1040 and attach Form 2555 to claim the exclusion, even if your tax owed is zero.
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