Am I required to pay taxes in the U.S. after getting a green card?

Yes. Once you obtain a green card, you are considered a tax resident of the United States. This means that, as a general rule, you are required to report your income to the U.S. tax authority and, in many cases, to pay taxes in accordance with the country’s tax laws.

One important point is that this obligation typically covers worldwide income: green card holders generally must file annual returns reporting all earnings, including those received outside the United States. At the same time, there are mechanisms to prevent double taxation, such as agreements the U.S. maintains with certain countries, which can reduce or eliminate being taxed twice on the same income.

• Tax residents generally report worldwide income, both inside and outside the U.S.
• International agreements may ease or prevent double taxation.
• Each situation is different, and tax rules can be complex.

Because every case is unique and the rules can change, the wisest course is to check the official guidelines (IRS) and consult a qualified tax professional, being cautious of strategies that seem too simple.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.