How to qualify for Foreign Earned Income Exclusion when splitting time between countries?

This is a great question! The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) has two ways to qualify: the Physical Presence Test (330 days outside the US in a 12-month period) or the Bona Fide Residence Test. Since you'll be in the US for 4-5 months each year, you won't meet the Physical Presence Test. However, you might qualify under the Bona Fide Residence Test if you can establish that Poland is your true tax home. This doesn't require a specific number of days, but looks at factors like: - Where your permanent home is located - Where your family lives - Where you maintain economic ties - Your intentions to return to the foreign country If you establish bona fide residence in Poland, you could potentially exclude some of your foreign income from US taxes. But be aware that any money earned while physically working in the US (even remotely for your Polish employer) won't qualify for the exclusion.

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I was in almost your exact situation - splitting time between US and Hungary (about 7 months there, 5 months here). I learned that establishing a "tax home" in the foreign country is crucial. For me, what worked was using the Foreign Housing Exclusion alongside the FEIE. Since you won't qualify for the Physical Presence Test, focus hard on documenting everything for the Bona Fide Residence Test. Keep all your Polish bank statements, rental agreements, utility bills, residency permit paperwork, etc. Also, don't forget about FBAR requirements if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 total at any point in the year! I got hit with penalties for missing that.

Don't forget about Form 8833 for claiming treaty benefits! The US-Poland tax treaty might let you avoid double taxation, but you MUST file this form to claim the benefits. I missed this my first year as an expat in Germany and it was a huge headache. Also, look into whether you qualify as a tax resident in Poland under their rules. Sometimes you can be a tax resident of both countries, which is when the treaty provisions become super important.