FEIE Calculator
If you're a US citizen and spend significant time abroad, you can save up to $130,000 (2025) per person on your federal income taxes. Do you qualify? This is a physical presence test calculator for the US foreign earned income tax exclusion (FEIE).
Physical Presence Test Results
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How does it work?
To qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and save up to $126,500 on your U.S. federal taxes (2024 limit), you typically need to meet the Physical Presence Test (PPT). Here's what that means in plain English:
1. Spend 330 Full Days Abroad
- •A full day means 24 straight hours from midnight to midnight.
- •Travel over international waters or airspace doesn't count as time abroad.
- •Any day spent fully abroad counts, whether you're working, vacationing, or just relaxing.
- •Special exceptions apply if you must leave due to war or civil unrest.
Example:
Fly from NYC to Paris, departing June 10, arriving June 11 at 9:00 a.m. Your first full day abroad starts June 12.
2. Pick the Best 12-Month Window
- •You can start the 12-month window on any day, and it ends exactly one year later (the day before that same date).
- •These windows can overlap—allowing flexibility in maximizing days abroad.
Example:
Working in New Zealand from Jan 1, 2025, through Aug 31, 2026, with brief U.S. visits each year.
To ensure you meet the requirement, you can overlap two periods (e.g., Jan 2025–Dec 2025 and Sep 2025–Aug 2026).
3. How Our Calculator Helps
Simply enter your travel dates, and the calculator automatically:
- •Identifies all potential 12-month periods
- •Counts eligible full days abroad
- •Provides a clear, instant result so you can adjust travel plans if needed
4. Important Reminders from IRS Publication 54
- •Intent or purpose of stay abroad does not matter
- •Short travel under 24 hours between countries doesn't cost days
- •Longer trips (over 24 hours) across international waters may cost multiple days
- •U.S. airport transit under 24 hours between two foreign locations doesn't count as a U.S. presence
Our tool simplifies the complex rules, so you can quickly determine your FEIE eligibility—letting you save money and focus on your global adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Physical Presence Test?
The Physical Presence Test (PPT) is one of two ways to qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. You must be physically present in a foreign country or countries for at least 330 full days during any 12-month period. This is the most common test used by digital nomads and expats.
What counts as a "full day" abroad?
A full day is a continuous 24-hour period from midnight to midnight spent in a foreign country. If you depart from or arrive in the U.S. on a particular day, that day doesn't count as a full day abroad. Time spent traveling over international waters or airspace also doesn't count.
Can I visit the U.S. during my 12-month period?
Yes! You can visit the U.S. during your qualifying period, as long as you still meet the 330-day requirement. This means you can spend up to 35 days (365 - 330 = 35) in the U.S. or traveling over international waters during your 12-month period.
Does my 12-month period have to be a calendar year?
No! Your 12-month period can begin on any day and doesn't need to align with the calendar year or tax year. You can choose the 12-month period that works best for your travel schedule. Many expats use overlapping periods to qualify for multiple tax years.
How much can I save with the FEIE?
For 2024, you can exclude up to $126,500 of foreign earned income from U.S. federal taxation. If you're married and both spouses qualify, you can each claim the exclusion, potentially excluding up to $253,000 of combined income. This doesn't include additional benefits like the Foreign Housing Exclusion.
Is this calculator accurate for my situation?
This calculator helps you determine if you meet the Physical Presence Test based on your travel dates. However, qualifying for FEIE involves other requirements (like having foreign earned income and filing Form 2555). Always consult with a qualified tax professional who specializes in expat taxation for personalized advice.
Ready to Calculate Your Expat Taxes?
Now that you know you qualify for FEIE, use our full expat tax calculator to estimate your total tax savings.