Understanding the foreign earned income exclusion and its application is crucial because it involves more than just filling out a form; it requires a deep knowledge of eligibility criteria, including the bona fide residence and physical presence tests.

Below, you’ll find a few of the top questions from a recent webinar on the topic and their accompanying answers. If you choose to attend the on-demand version of this webinar, you can access the full recording and the entire list of Q&As.   

Q: Is the foreign earned income exclusion amount in U.S. dollars?

A: Yes, the foreign earned income exclusion is calculated in U.S. dollars and is adjusted annually for inflation.

Q: Is rental income considered for the foreign earned income exclusion?

A: No, foreign rental income cannot be excluded under the foreign earned income exclusion as it is considered passive income, not earned income.

Q: Do you need to pay taxes in a foreign country to meet the bona fide residence test?

A: Not necessarily. No single factor is controlling. All factors must be considered to determine if the taxpayer qualifies.

Q: What if someone owns a home in the U.S. but rents it out?

A: One of the requirements for the foreign earned income exclusion is that the taxpayer’s tax home is in a foreign country. Owning a home in the U.S. does not automatically establish an abode in the U.S., especially if it is rented out.

To learn more about tackling Form 2555 and the foreign earned income exclusion, you can watch our on-demand webinar. NATP members can attend for free, depending on membership level! If you’re not an NATP member and want to learn more, join our completely free 30-day trial.

Question: Benny has been preparing for the World Series by oiling his catching glove, planning out his game day snacks and, of course, reviewing his tax situation. Due to the great seats he secured for the games, he anticipates catching a home-run baseball. Benny’s personal tradition is to return the ball by immediately throwing it back onto the field. He fears that his catch and release of the valuable ball will generate income or gift tax consequences to him. Is that the case?

Answer: No, there will be no income nor gift tax consequences to Benny. The IRS has informed taxpayers that the catch and release of a home-run baseball will not create any taxable income [IRS News Release 98-56, 9/08/1998].

The IRS has likened the situation to a taxpayer’s refusal to accept a prize or unsolicited merchandise awarded in all types of contests. Generally, prizes are included in the recipient’s gross income for federal income tax purposes unless the contest winner refuses to accept the prize [Rev. Rul. 57-374, 1957-2 C.B. 69].

Benny’s return of the ball will also not constitute a taxable gift being made. For there to be a gift, the donor must have sufficient property or ownership interest in the transferred property.

Now armed with the facts, Benny can fearlessly execute his plan to throw back the World Series ball, knowing there are no income or gift tax consequences to him.

In celebration of National Women’s Small Business Owners Month, we are proud to showcase the inspiring stories of women tax firm owners who are the heart and soul of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) community. These women not only manage thriving businesses but also uplift their clients and communities through their dedication, expertise and passion for helping others succeed. Join us as we highlight their journeys, from navigating complex tax issues to offering personalized financial guidance, and how they are making a difference in the lives of small business owners across the country.

1. Amy Brosnan, After The Tax Return, LLC, Florida

After the Tax Return is a tax business that works with state and federal audits as well as resolution for taxpayers. We help taxpayers catch up on filings, help clients get payment arrangements set up and work with clients to remove penalties. While our firm does taxes, we specialize in helping taxpayers with their interactions with the IRS, especially after they have filed their tax returns.

2. Caitlin Chancellor, Chancellor CPA, Mississippi

A local CPA firm specializing in accounting, tax, and advisory services for entrepreneurs in the PineBelt.

3. Kathy Cormier, Cormier and Rabb CPAs PA, Florida

Serving individuals and small businesses in the Tampa Bay area and beyond, our team, comprised of experienced tax accountants and certified public accountants (CPAs), is committed to delivering exceptional client services in tax return preparation, tax planning, accounting and consulting.

4. Samantha Santaniello, R.S.K. Tax & Consulting LLC, New York

With a combined experience of 25 years dedicated to supporting business owners and real estate investors, Samantha and Kathy bring a unique perspective to the table. Both proud alumni of Fordham University, we initially pursued separate paths until a pivotal moment changed our course. After our mother’s passing eight years ago, we decided to heed her long-standing wish for us to venture into entrepreneurship together. As a family-owned business, we understand the trials and triumphs that come with running a small business. Our personal experiences have shaped our approach, driving us to not only provide financial guidance but also serve as mentors and advocates for our clients’ success.

5. Amy Rose Herrick, Amy Rose Herrick, ChFC, Virginia

Amy is a comprehensive independent financial consultant, No. 1 best-selling author, tax professional, educator, licensed insurance agent for personal lines and much more. 33+ years in the financial industry as a self-employed professional.

6. Zakiya Ballard, ABC Financial Group, Georgia

Zakiyah is a U.S. Army veteran, trailblazing entrepreneur and key leader at ABC Financial Group, where she combines her passion for finance with her dedication to empowering clients. As the managing partner, Zakiyah has built a reputation for providing expert accounting and tax services, while fostering long-term relationships with clients. Known for her strategic insights and hands-on approach, she helps individuals and businesses navigate complex financial challenges. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to community success make her a true inspiration and a driving force behind ABC Financial Group’s growth.

7. Lorra Brown, LBE Consulting, Texas

LBE Consulting offers expert tax and business consulting services tailored to empower small business owners, especially women-owned enterprises. We focus on providing personalized financial guidance, from bookkeeping to strategic tax planning, ensuring our clients understand their financials to make informed business decisions. Our mission is to educate, uplift and lead entrepreneurs toward financial success.

8. Barbara Mendez, APEX Tax & Small Business Advisors, Indiana

We are not your ordinary, stuffy accounting firm, quite the contrary! Our founder, Barbara Mendez, insisted we find a way to stand out in the crowd and make clients feel welcomed, less stressed about coming in to do taxes and make it an experience that felt more like sitting down and having coffee with a friend. We are a local, female-owned firm striving to help our clients become and remain educated about their taxes, compliant with tax and bookkeeping regulations to keep them in good standing with the IRS, as well as their state and local taxing authorities. We were born out of necessity in our area for a firm that not only prepared tax returns for individuals but also for small business owners who needed additional assistance from LLC setup and beyond-including helping them with software, bookkeeping best practices and helping them network with other small business owners just like them.

9. Esther Marrero, EGM Business and Home Solutions, Florida

At EGM Business and Home Solutions, we handle businesses so that business owners don’t have to. Whether they want to start a new business and don’t know where to begin or are looking for professional accounting and bookkeeping services, we assist with their day to day business so they don’t have to. We assist with household budget and help individuals with ITIN’s and translation of documents.

10. Susie Smith, SAS Tax & Accounting, LLC, Alabama

With 19 years of experience as the owner of SAS Tax & Accounting, LLC, Susie has built a firm dedicated to supporting small businesses. Her passion lies in helping small businesses thrive, treating each client as family and fostering a friendly, welcoming environment. Specializing in tax and bookkeeping services, SAS Tax & Accounting strives to simplify complex tax concepts for my clients, ensuring they understand and feel confident in their financial decisions. Susie’s commitment to small businesses goes beyond numbers; it’s about building lasting relationships and providing personalized support to help them succeed.

11. Tiffany Kohl, Boss Lady Tax and Books LLC, Florida

Tiffany operates a small tax and accounting firm offering tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, notary and other business services.