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Taxes, voting and staying connected abroad
The paperwork that follows you overseas, and how to stay on top of it.
Taxes
- U.S. citizens file U.S. taxes wherever they live.
- The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion doesn't cover pensions, annuities or Social Security.
- VA disability compensation is not taxable by the U.S. Your host country's treatment depends on its tax treaty. For example, an IRS memo says VA disability is taxable only by the U.S. under the U.S.-Germany treaty.
- Treaty treatment of military retired pay varies. Talk to an expat tax professional.
Voting
Send a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) every calendar year and after each move. FVAP.gov walks you through it.
Stay connected
- Enroll in the State Department's STEP program for embassy alerts.
- Keep a U.S. phone number for VA, bank and login verification codes.
- Store your DD-214, VA award letters and FMP letter securely online.
Last reviewed November 2026.