US citizens and green card holders in Medellin, Bogota and across Colombia
US Taxes for Americans in Colombia
Living or working remotely in Colombia means thinking about two tax systems, and there is no income tax treaty between them. We prepare your US returns, and Canadian returns if you also file in Canada. We do not prepare Colombian returns, so keep a local adviser for Colombian tax, as Gurleen Kaur is not licensed there.
Quick answer
Do Americans in Colombia have to file US taxes?
Yes, generally, on worldwide income. Colombia can tax you as well: you are generally a tax resident after more than 183 calendar days, including entry and exit days, in any 365-day period (DIAN), and residents are taxed on income from Colombia and abroad (DIAN). The IRS treaty list does not show a US-Colombia income tax treaty (IRS), so the choice between the foreign tax credit and the foreign earned income exclusion matters.
What usually applies
| Situation | What it can mean for your US filing | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Remote worker or digital nomad | Your income goes on Form 1040 wherever your client is. Your days in Colombia can make you a Colombian tax resident | IRS, DIAN |
| Tax resident in Colombia | Compare Form 1116 and Form 2555 on your numbers. You cannot take a credit for tax on amounts you exclude | Publication 54 |
| Self-employed | Self-employment tax generally applies the same way abroad, and the SSA list shows no agreement with Colombia | IRS, SSA |
| You own a Colombian SAS or other company | Form 5471 is likely if you control a company treated as a corporation | IRS |
| Colombian accounts and property | FBAR over US$10,000 in total; Form 8938 above the thresholds. Rent from property goes on your US return | IRS, IRS |
Tools and next steps
Tools: Form 5471 checker, FBAR calculator and Streamlined checker. Behind on filings? See IRS amnesty and Streamlined. Want it handled every year? See the yearly package for Americans abroad.
How it works
- Send your request. Tell us where you live, what you earn and what you own, using the form below.
- Review and fixed quote. We review your last returns and give you a written scope and fee.
- Preparation and review. We prepare your US forms and go through them with you remotely.
- Filing. Your forms are filed, and your file carries forward to next year.
Please do not send tax IDs or statements through the website form. If we work together, documents come in through our secure client portal.
Common questions
How many days make me a Colombian tax resident?
Generally more than 183 calendar days, including entry and exit days, in any 365 consecutive days. Confirm your position with a Colombian adviser.
Is there a US-Colombia tax treaty?
The IRS list of income tax treaties does not show one.
Should I use the exclusion or the credit?
It depends on your income and the Colombian tax on it, so both should be run. You cannot take a credit for tax on amounts you exclude.
Do you prepare my Colombian return?
No. We prepare your US returns, and Canadian returns if you also file in Canada. We can coordinate with your Colombian accountant.
I work remotely for a US company from Medellin. Do I still file?
Yes, generally. How the income is taxed depends on your days, your status and how you are paid.
Sources
Every rule and figure on this page links to the IRS, CRA or other official source it comes from. Amounts change; we re-check them before each engagement.
- DIAN (Colombia): Residence for tax purposes
- DIAN (Colombia): Oficio 14755 of 2019, residents and foreign source income
- IRS: United States income tax treaties, A to Z (reviewed January 3, 2026)
- SSA: International Social Security agreements, POMS GN 01701.005
- IRS: Publication 54, Tax Guide for US Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad
- IRS: Foreign earned income exclusion (reviewed June 12, 2026)
- IRS: Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
- IRS: Instructions for Form 8938
- IRS: Instructions for Form 5471
Gurleen Kaur, CPA licensed in British Columbia and Washington State. Last updated November 2, 2026. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice for your situation.
Related guides: Yearly package, Americans abroad, Form 5471 service, FBAR requirements, IRS amnesty and Streamlined.
Living in Colombia? Request a quote
Tell us your situation in a few lines. We confirm whether we can help, what records matter and the next step. Substantive advice begins under a paid diagnostic or signed engagement.
Prepared and signed by a licensed US CPA who can represent you before the IRS. Verify Gurleen Kaur's Washington licence (#41150) on CPAverify