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Foreign Income Exclusion Calculator
Enter the cap that applies to you, the days that qualify and the total days in the year. The result prorates the exclusion and prices the tax it removes at the rate you supply.
Caps, qualifying periods and interaction with credits are set by the country. Confirm eligibility before relying on the figure.
Proration for a partial year
When only part of the year qualifies, the cap is usually prorated by the qualifying period. The calculator does that with a day ratio, which is a reasonable estimate when the qualifying period is continuous.
A year split between qualifying and non-qualifying work can need a different method. If the period is broken, treat the result as a first estimate and check the allocation rule.
Exclusion is not the same as a credit
An exclusion removes income from the base; a credit reduces tax after the base is set. The tax saved here is therefore an estimate: it applies the rate you enter to the excluded amount, rather than recomputing a progressive return.
Claiming an exclusion can also affect other reliefs and credits. The tool does not model those interactions, so the final return may differ from this figure.
Frequently asked questions
Is the exclusion claimed automatically?
No. It is normally claimed on a return and usually requires evidence of residence, work location and the qualifying period.
What counts as a qualifying day?
The definition is national. It can depend on where work is performed, physical presence and the period tested, so check the current rule rather than assuming every day abroad counts.
Can the exclusion and a foreign tax credit be used together?
Sometimes, but not for the same income. The rules on stacking and allocation differ, so confirm the interaction before filing.