Harris Acknowledges Tax Issues for Americans Living Overseas

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has committed to resolving lingering tax problems for U.S. citizens living abroad.

In a letter released October 29, Harris acknowledged taxes as one of many issues for overseas Americans that she would address if she wins the November 5 election.

“I recognize the unique challenges faced by Americans living overseas, and I want to assure you that a Harris-Walz administration will take your concerns seriously — whether it’s improving access to consular services, addressing the complex challenges you face with banking, taxation, and financial services, or ensuring equal treatment in immigration and citizenship processes,” said the letter, dated October 24.

American Citizens Abroad, an advocacy group for overseas residents, welcomed the move.

“A serious issue for the millions of U.S. citizens living overseas is tax policy. . . . It is important for both major party candidates and members of Congress to commit to a tax policy that treats hard working Americans overseas fairly,” the organization said in an October 29 statement.

Notably, Harris didn’t directly respond to American Citizens Abroad’s previous request that she make a pledge similar to the one made by former President Trump to end the potential “double taxation” of Americans living abroad.

While overseas citizens are eligible for some tax credits and have a certain level of income exclusion, interest groups such as American Citizens Abroad claim U.S. citizens still face a potential duplication of taxes on their income and hurdles in complying with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.