Salary After Tax · Updated June 2026

FEIE Calculator: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion shields up to $132,900 of foreign-earned income from US tax in 2026 (indexed annually). Married couples who both work abroad can each claim it – up to $265,800 of household exclusion.

FEIE covers earned income only (salary, wages, self-employment) – never dividends, interest, capital gains, pensions, or rental profits. And crucially for freelancers: it excludes income tax, not self-employment tax, which survives in full.

Salary after tax calculator · 2026

Where

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401(k) deferral % (US)

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Where every dollar goes

2026 rules: federal brackets, $16,100/$32,200 standard deductions, $184,500 SS wage base. Hourly figures assume 40 h/week × 52. Non-US figures are planning estimates incl. employee social charges.

Key insights

$132,900 excluded per qualifying taxpayer (2026).
Earned income only – investment income never qualifies.
SE tax survives the FEIE for freelancers.
Housing exclusion stacks for high-rent postings.
High-tax countries often favour the FTC instead.

What the exclusion does and doesn't do

Qualify via Physical Presence (330 days) or Bona Fide Residence, file Form 2555, and the first $132,900 of earned income drops out of US taxable income. The Foreign Housing Exclusion can stack on top for high-rent cities (base ~16% of FEIE, capped by city).

The stacking rule prices the rest: income above the exclusion is taxed at the bracket it would occupy without the exclusion – so a $250k earner's unexcluded slice starts in the higher brackets, not at 10%.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is the FEIE for 2026?

$132,900 per qualifying taxpayer (IRS-indexed). Dual-earning couples can exclude up to $265,800 between them, each filing their own Form 2555.

Does FEIE eliminate self-employment tax?

No – SE tax (15.3% structure) applies regardless of the exclusion unless a totalization agreement assigns you to the foreign social system.

Can I exclude investment income?

Never – FEIE covers earned income only. Dividends, interest, gains, rents, and pensions remain fully reportable and taxable under normal rules.

FEIE or Foreign Tax Credit?

Low-tax country (UAE, nomad regimes): FEIE wins. High-tax country (Germany, UK): FTC usually wins and builds carryforwards. Revoking FEIE locks you out for 5 years, so model before switching.

Do I still have to file if FEIE zeroes my tax?

Yes – the exclusion is claimed on a filed return (Form 2555 with the 1040), plus FBAR/FATCA disclosures where thresholds are met.

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