Saudia Arabia Flag

Understanding Taxes for Expats in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia does not impose income tax in Saudi Arabia for foreigners, including expats in Saudi Arabia. However, U.S. citizens working in Saudi Arabia as an American must comply with IRS tax obligations, including filing annual tax returns and foreign account reporting.

Featured In

Image
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.

Saudi Arabia

Tax Rules for Expats in Saudi Arabia

While Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax, expats earning income must consider U.S. tax obligations. U.S. citizens working in Saudi Arabia as an American must file U.S. tax returns and report foreign financial accounts if they exceed IRS thresholds.

Tax Requirements

U.S. Federal Tax Return (Form 1040)

U.S. citizens and green card holders must report worldwide income, even when residing in Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR)

If foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000, U.S. expats must file FinCEN Form 114 to report their holdings.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)

Qualifying expats can exclude up to $126,500 (2024) in foreign income from U.S. taxation using Form 2555.

Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)

Since there is no income tax in Saudi Arabia for foreigners, the FEIE is a more applicable tax reduction strategy.

Self-Employment Tax

U.S. expats operating as independent contractors in Saudi Arabia must pay U.S. self-employment tax on net earnings.

State Tax Obligations

Depending on your last U.S. residence, you may still have state tax obligations unless you officially sever ties.

Zakat Tax (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia levies a 2.5% Zakat tax on specific assets, but this applies primarily to Saudi nationals and businesses.

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

The 15% VAT applies to goods and services in Saudi Arabia, but it does not impact income tax.

No U.S.-Saudi Tax Treaty

There is no tax treaty between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, so U.S. expats must fully comply with IRS tax laws.

Key Tax Insights

Key Facts for Expats in Saudi Arabia

While Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax, U.S. expats must still meet their IRS filing obligations. Here are some key considerations:

Image

No Personal Income Tax

Foreigners and residents do not pay income tax in Saudi Arabia.

Image

U.S. Tax Obligations Apply

U.S. citizens must still file IRS tax returns annually.

Image

Zakat & VAT Exist

Zakat tax and 15% VAT apply to businesses and purchases.

Start your Expat Tax Return Journey Now

    By entering your email, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy. You agree to receive emails from Expat Tax Abroad and may opt-out anytime.

    Easy to File Taxes

    Expat Taxes Have Never Been Easier

    Filing U.S. taxes as an expat doesn’t have to be stressful. Our streamlined process makes it quick, secure, and hassle-free, ensuring you meet all IRS requirements

    Gather Your Documents

    Collect income statements, foreign tax records, and bank account details to prepare for your expat tax return.

    Submit Your Information

    Securely upload your documents through our encrypted portal, and our expat tax specialists will review everything for accuracy.

    We Handle the Rest

    Our team prepares your return, ensures compliance, and files it on your behalf—giving you peace of mind.

    Why Choose Us?

    Expert Tax Solutions for U.S. Expats Living Around the World

    Expat-Focused Tax Expertise

    We specialize in U.S. expat taxes, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and tax treaties. Our team navigates complex reporting requirements, foreign tax credits, and exclusions to minimize your tax burden.

    Secure & Hassle-Free Filing

    Our online portal provides encrypted, easy document submission, so you can file from anywhere. We handle everything from FBAR reports to state taxes, ensuring a smooth process.

    Personalized Support & Compliance Assurance

    Each client gets a dedicated tax professional to answer questions, optimize deductions, and keep them compliant. We provide tailored strategies to avoid penalties and maximize savings.

    Image

    Testimonials

    What Our Clients Have to Say

    Ryan Frith
    Ryan Frith
    “A great combined package for a gift.”
    L. M. Scott
    L. M. Scott
    “Great reader, light weight to hold. Easy to change settings and the colour is pretty but has no impact on use of course. Options on fonts and size are great. So far have not found an issue with it.”
    Deanne Painter
    Deanne Painter
    “This product is so portable, it’s light and easy to hold for the avid reader and you can read any genre without people knowing what you’re reading 😏😉😋”
    M.l
    M.l
    “Great sound, works seamlessly with all of our smart devices. Connected quickly and made our home ‘smart’ so easily”
    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 you pay taxes in Saudi Arabia as an expat?

    No, Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on residents or foreigners.

    Yes, U.S. expats must report worldwide income to the IRS annually.

    No, expats in Saudi Arabia are exempt from income tax.

    Yes, Americans can work in Saudi Arabia if they obtain a valid work visa.

    No, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia do not have a tax treaty.

    Yes, a 15% VAT applies to most goods and services in Saudi Arabia.

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

    Stay Updated with the Latest Expat Tax Tips and Updates