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US Expats in Ghana: Taxation & Compliance

US expats in Ghana must comply with Ghanaian tax laws and US tax obligations. Learn about Ghana taxes, the Ghana tax rate, and IRS filing requirements to avoid penalties and double taxation.

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U.S. Expat Tax Deadline

15th June

Expat Tax Deadline

For U.S. expats, the automatic tax filing extension deadline is June 16th in 2025. If more time is needed, filing Form 4868 before this date extends the deadline to October 15th. The FBAR must also be submitted by October 15th. Certain special cases may qualify for an additional extension until December 15th.

Ghana

Understanding Taxes for US Expats in Ghana

US expats in Ghana are subject to Ghanaian tax laws on income earned in Ghana. However, they must also comply with US tax laws, including Form 1040 filing, FBAR reporting, and using Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) to reduce double taxation.

Tax Requirements

Tax Residency in Ghana

Expats residing in Ghana for 183+ days per year are considered tax residents.

Income Tax in Ghana

Residents pay progressive rates from 0% to 30% on worldwide income.

Non-Resident Tax Rate

Non-residents pay 25% flat tax on Ghana-sourced income.

Capital Gains Tax

15% tax applies to capital gains from property or business sales.

VAT in Ghana

Standard VAT is 12.5%, plus 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL).

US Federal Tax Return (Form 1040)

US expats in Ghana must report worldwide income to the IRS.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)

Allows exclusion of up to $120,000 in foreign income if qualified.

Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)

Offsets Ghanaian taxes paid against US tax liability.

US-Ghana Tax Treaty

No formal US-Ghana tax treaty, but tax credits and exclusions help minimize double taxation.

Key Tax Insights

Tax Facts for US Expats in Ghana

US expats in Ghana must comply with Ghanaian and US tax laws. Understanding Ghana taxes and IRS requirements prevents double taxation.

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Ghanaian Residency Rules

Expats staying 183+ days annually are considered Ghana tax residents and taxed on worldwide income.

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Ghana Tax Rates

Ghanaian income tax follows a progressive rate up to 30% for residents and a flat 25% for non-residents.

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US Expats Must File US Tax Returns

US expats in Ghana must file Form 1040 and report foreign accounts if balances exceed $10,000 (FBAR requirement).

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    FAQs

    We Have All Your Queries Covered

    Have questions about your U.S. expat state taxes? We’re here to help. Below are answers to some common queries we encounter from expats around the world.

    Do US expats in Ghana pay taxes in Ghana and USA?

    Yes, US expats in Ghana must file both Ghanaian and US tax returns, but can claim Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) or FEIE to avoid double taxation if they are living in Ghana as a foreigner.

    Residents pay progressive tax rates up to 30%, while non-residents pay a flat 25% on Ghana-sourced income.

    No, Ghana does not have a US-Ghana tax treaty, but US expats can use FEIE or FTC to reduce their tax burden.

    No, US Social Security benefits are not taxed in Ghana, which is a consideration if you are living in Ghana as an American.

    Yes, if they have foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000, they must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114).

    Yes, capital gains tax in Ghana is 15% for both residents and non-residents.

    Still have questions? Contact us today to get expert guidance on all your U.S. expat state taxes.

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