MyExpatTaxes Sheds Light on the Effects of the SAVE Act for Americans Living Overseas

Impact of the SAVE Act on Americans Abroad

• Legislative Background: The SAVE Act (H.R.22), which aims to change voter registration processes for Americans living abroad, is moving towards a crucial Senate vote after being signed by President Trump on March 25, 2025, and narrowly passing the House on April 10 with a vote of 220–208. To become law, it requires 60 votes in the Senate.

• Proposed Changes: The bill would mandate in-person identity verification for mail-in and online voter registration, reversing protections established by the 1993 National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). This poses significant challenges for expatriates who primarily depend on absentee ballots for voting.

• Potential Consequences: MyExpatTaxes warns that the in-person verification requirement could disenfranchise millions of Americans living overseas, limiting their ability to register and participate in elections.

Insights from the 2024 US Election Survey

• Survey Overview: MyExpatTaxes conducted the 2024 US Election Survey, the largest of its kind, gathering responses from over 1,500 Americans residing in 89 countries.

• Key Findings:

  • 64% of respondents believe the principle of "no taxation without representation" is still relevant today.
  • Nearly 60% indicated they would relinquish their voting rights to avoid filing US taxes.
  • 73% confirmed they have cast ballots from abroad, highlighting the significance of absentee voting for expatriates.

• Implications for Engagement: The survey results suggest that the outcome of the SAVE Act could significantly influence how Americans abroad engage with US democracy in the future, indicating a strong interest in the intersection of taxation and representation among expatriates.

About MyExpatTaxes

• Company Profile: MyExpatTaxes is a leading provider of tax software and services for US expatriates, assisting them in complying with IRS regulations. The company is based in Vienna, Austria, and also conducts research on issues pertinent to the global expat community.