International Finance FAQs

Do I need to notify the IRS when I move overseas?

No, you do not need to notify the Federal IRS or state tax system when you move to an international location.  However, Reliant must be notified any time you travel to or from the US so that we can report your taxes accurately.  Use the Travel Notification Form for notifying us of all travel outside your home country. 

Once you are Released to Assignment and have moved to your location, Reliant makes note that you are in a foreign location and don't have to pay state taxes.

Am I required to pay state taxes? 

Since you are no longer residing in one of the 50 states, Reliant does not pay taxes for you.  If for any reason you need those paid, you'll need to ask Reliant for that. If you have state tax obligations after you leave the U.S., you may need to attend to those on your own. 

• Note, when you return on furlough, we keep you listed as a foreign residence because furlough is a temporary work assignment. It is not a relocation of residence. So, our default is to NOT pay state taxes during furlough. Contact Reliant if you have an obligation that's different from this. 

Do I have to file my taxes in the U.S. while living overseas?

A U.S. citizen is ALWAYS responsible to report and file their tax returns EACH year, no matter where they live. When residing outside of the U.S., the deadline for filing is June 15.

How will I receive my paycheck while I am overseas?

We have several options for receiving your paycheck overseas. Please see this page for details.

Will I have to pay foreign taxes as an international Worker?

Every country is different. You have the responsibility of talking with your supervisor and/or other ex-pats in the area to understand your local tax obligations. We also highly recommend working with a local accountant that can guide you through the process. If you are in a secure location, keep in mind that your W2 may need to be submitted and will have Reliant Mission's name on it.

What is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion? 

Many who live outside of the U.S. for more than a year qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion; this greatly reduces the amount of tax that needs to be paid for many people. You may qualify. In 2022, an eligible foreign worker can exclude up to $112,000 of income from federal income taxes. Read about the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and speak with your tax advisor for more details.

Can I receive parsonage as an international worker?

If you are ordained or commissioned, you may be eligible to receive parsonage. For many international staff who qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, the parsonage does not typically lower their tax liability since the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion exempts them from paying federal income taxes on any earned income under $112,000 (for tax year 2022).

For more information, see Parsonage

Can I save for retirement as an international worker?

Reliant employees are eligible for the 401(k) plan after one year of service.  Employees will be auto-enrolled in the 401(k) plan at the quarterly enrollment date following their one-year eligibility date.  Reliant does offer an employer match. Reliant matches up to 5% of your eligible wages (salary and bonuses) in a contribution that comes from the MTD account (if you contribute at least that much through payroll deductions). The source of the employer match is from funds raised to the MTD account that funds your ministry (so you have to raise the match). Reliant allows you to choose whether funds contributed from your paycheck are “Pre-Tax” or Roth. The match contribution will always be Pre-tax.  There is a conversion process if you want your employer match converted to Roth funds. You can find more information at 401(k) Retirement Plan. 

Who can I talk to for help with tax decisions?

Reliant can not make recommendations about tax decisions, so it is the worker's responsibility to seek that input from a financial advisor or tax specialist. Below is a tax specialist that other international workers with Reliant have consulted:

As of January 1, 2023, Reliant is offering a $100 subsidy for filing taxes with either of these services. 

The goal of this subsidy and process is to help connect you with a personal accountant that you can take your unique, overseas-related questions to and receive personalized answers. 

If you already are working with a personal accounting service, we will also provide the subsidy for accounting services. Send your receipt to international@reliant.org and we will transfer $100 into your MTD account. This does not include online, impersonal services such as Turbotax, H&R Block, etc. 

Tax preparation fees can be recovered as an Expense Recovery Bonus - see Reimbursement and Expense Recovery Bonus Standard for more information.

What U.S. banks are recommended for international workers to use?

International Staff are free to use any bank they'd like! In the event that an international worker is looking for bank recommendations, below are banks Reliant has heard of that market towards those working overseas.