GTN Mobility Tax Blog

Whether you manage business travelers, short-term international employees, or remote workers, you have no doubt heard about the “183-day rule.”

This commonly referenced rule is part of many international income tax treaties and generally states that an individual may be exempt from income tax in a Host country if they are present in that country for fewer than 183 days within a defined period – often a calendar year or rolling 12-month period. However, this threshold is just one of several conditions that must be met for the exemption to apply.

Globally, many tax jurisdictions expect an employer (as well as the employee) to track and report business travel outside of their Home location. However, simply applying a “183-day” threshold does not always work to ensure tax compliance. On that basis we will take a deeper dive into the impact of income tax treaties on the tax cost of business travel, short-term assignments, and remote work scenarios.

Navigating the complex landscape of US tax regulations can be daunting, especially for individuals who may have inadvertently found themselves delinquent in their tax filings. Many Americans living abroad, including "accidental Americans"—those who hold US citizenship by birth but have never lived or worked in the US—are often unaware of their obligation to file US tax returns. And this lack of awareness can lead to unfiled returns and substantial penalties.

Whether you're a US citizen or green card holder living abroad—or supporting employees who are—the US tax system presents unique challenges. Unlike most countries, the United States taxes individuals based on citizenship rather than residency. As a result, US citizens and green card holders must file annual US income tax returns and report worldwide income and gains, no matter where they live or work.

Tax equalization is a policy widely used by companies with mobile employees. At its core, tax equalization is a mechanism to ensure that an employee is neither better nor worse off financially, from a tax perspective, for having accepted an international assignment. However, there are many misconceptions about what exactly it means to be “tax equalized.” One common misconception is that implementing the policy will automatically result in high company costs and administrative burdens.

The modern workforce is a mobile one and has expanded beyond the traditional short- or long-term assignment. Today, mobility includes a variety of work arrangements such as remote and hybrid work, as well as short-term business travel. This shift has provided greater flexibility in how and where employees work, allowing organizations to access a wider talent pool and operate more efficiently across different locations. However, with increased flexibility comes the challenge of navigating complex reporting and filing requirements to avoid financial, legal, and reputational risks.

The global mobility landscape is continuously evolving, often bringing significant changes that directly impact businesses, mobile employees, and the broader mobility industry. In our recent webinar, we explored key legislative, economic, and policy developments that could shape mobility programs in the months ahead. With new regulations taking effect and additional proposals on the horizon, staying informed is crucial for strategic planning.