Keep More of
What You Earn.
You work hard for every client and every dollar. The FEIE can save you $15,000-$25,000+ in federal income tax, but there's a catch for freelancers. We help you understand exactly what you'll save.
Honest calculations • SE tax explained • No surprises
Important: Self-Employment Tax Still Applies
The FEIE excludes your income from federal income tax. That's where the $20,000+ savings come from. However, self-employment tax (15.3%) is NOT reduced by the FEIE. You'll still owe ~$17,000 on $120,000 of SE income. But don't worry, the income tax savings are still massive, and we help you calculate exactly what you'll owe.
What $120,000 in Freelance Income Actually Looks Like
Here's the honest math. No misleading promises.
Without FEIE
With FEIE
Your Net Tax Savings with FEIE
$22,800
That's $22,800 more in your pocket every year, even after paying SE tax.
Freelancing Abroad Is Complicated Enough
You didn't become your own boss to spend hours on tax tracking.
Tax calculations are a nightmare?
Self-employment tax, income tax, FEIE exclusions, quarterly estimates... It's a maze. Get clarity on what you actually owe and save.
Losing receipts and documentation?
When you're your own boss, nobody is tracking your travel for you. Store everything in one place and generate reports instantly.
Unsure what you can actually exclude?
The FEIE excludes income tax, but self-employment tax works differently. Understand exactly what you're saving (and still owing).
Tools Built for Freelance Reality
Variable income? Multiple clients? No HR department? We've got you covered.
Realistic Savings Projections
Unlike other calculators, we show your actual savings after accounting for SE tax. No surprises come April.
Quarterly Estimate Helper
Know how much to set aside each quarter. Factor in your FEIE exclusion to avoid overpaying estimated taxes.
Multi-Year Tracking
Freelance income varies. Track multiple years and see your qualification status across different 12-month periods.
Document Storage
Upload invoices, contracts, and travel docs. Everything organized for tax season and potential audits.
Self-Employment Tax FAQ
Common questions from freelancers about the FEIE.
Why doesn't the FEIE reduce my self-employment tax?
Self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) is calculated on your net self-employment income, regardless of where you earned it. The FEIE only affects federal income tax. Think of it this way: SE tax is for your retirement benefits, so it's not tied to where you live.
Is it still worth it as a freelancer?
Absolutely. Even with SE tax still owed, you're saving $15,000-$25,000+ per year in income tax. That's money you can reinvest in your business, travel, or retirement. The FEIE is still one of the biggest tax benefits available to Americans abroad.
Can I reduce my SE tax some other way?
Yes! If the country you live in has a Totalization Agreement with the US (like the UK, Germany, Canada, etc.), you may be able to pay into their system instead. This requires coordination with a tax professional who understands international treaties.
What about quarterly estimated taxes?
With the FEIE, your quarterly estimates drop significantly because you're only paying SE tax (not income tax). FEIE Tracker helps you calculate how much to set aside each quarter so you don't overpay or get hit with penalties.
Trusted by Freelancers Worldwide
Join thousands of self-employed expats saving on taxes.
"I was paying a CPA $2,000/year just to help me track FEIE days. Now I do it myself and feel more confident about my numbers than ever."
Alex M.
Freelance Developer
Based in Portugal
"The SE tax breakdown was eye-opening. I finally understand what the FEIE actually saves me and what I still need to pay. No more confusion."
Rachel K.
Design Consultant
Traveling Freelancer
"Being self-employed abroad is complicated enough. This tool makes the FEIE part simple. Worth every penny of the Pro plan."
Tom S.
Marketing Freelancer
Mexico City
Freelancer FEIE Checklist
You have self-employment income
1099 clients, freelance projects, or your own business
You spend 330+ days outside the US
Any consecutive 12-month period counts
Your tax home is in a foreign country
Where you regularly conduct business
You understand SE tax still applies
Budget ~15.3% for Social Security + Medicare