Taxbytes for Expats

Hosted by Stephanie Wickham, ExpatTaxes.ie

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Aug 2026

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Are you an expat who is confused by the Irish tax system? Maybe you are planning a move to or from Ireland and want to understand how to navigate the complex tax issues that arise? Taxbytes for Expats is the show that explains in simple terms the dos and don'ts of Irish taxes for expats.

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September 1, 202619 min

Preliminary Tax in Ireland: What Expats Need to Know

Preliminary tax in Ireland can catch expats by surprise, particularly when they file their first Irish tax return. In this solo episode, Stephanie Wickham explains who may need to pay preliminary tax, how the payment is calculated and why cash-flow planning matters. She covers the rules for chargeable persons, the different bases available for calculating preliminary tax, Revenue filing deadlines and some of the practical payment issues that arise when income or funds are coming from overseas. For expats, the wider lesson is to look at Irish tax obligations before the filing deadline is approaching. Foreign income, self-employment, overseas tax payments and the timing of a move to or from Ireland can all affect the position. A relatively small amount of planning earlier in the year can make a real difference. About the Host Stephanie Wickham is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant and the founder of Expat Taxes. She specialises in Irish and international tax matters affecting expats, returning Irish emigrants and people with ongoing cross-border tax obligations. Her own experience of living in Australia for eight years before returning to Ireland also gives her a very practical understanding of what an international move involves beyond the tax return. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wickham-b4aba13b/ Website: https://expattaxes.ie/ ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Why Preliminary Tax Matters for Expats (02:14) Irish Tax Year and Filing Deadlines (04:00) Who Is a Chargeable Person? (05:07) Foreign Income and Preliminary Tax (06:29) How Preliminary Tax Works (07:13) How Much Preliminary Tax Should You Pay? (09:15) Alternative Preliminary Tax Calculation Methods (11:25) Revenue Online Filing Deadline and Tax Payments (13:08) Self-Employed Expats and Cash Flow Planning (15:38) Preliminary Tax When Moving To or From Ireland (16:21) Capital Gains Tax Has Separate Payment Rules (17:21) Final Practical Takeaways

August 18, 202644 min

Tax Issues to Consider When Departing Ireland with Stephanie Wickham (Ask About Wealth podcast)

This is a guest episode of "Ask About Wealth" where Stephanie Wickham talks about tax planning for expats with Paul Overy. To find out more, head to AskAboutWealth.ie . Tax planning for expats in Ireland can make a significant difference before an international move takes place. In this guest episode of Ask About Wealth, Stephanie Wickham explains how Irish tax residency, ordinary residence and domicile affect people leaving Ireland, returning home or moving here for the first time. She also discusses the remittance basis of taxation, Double Taxation Agreements, foreign income and investments, and why taking advice before relocating can help avoid unexpected Irish tax liabilities. About the Guest Stephanie Wickham is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant and the founder of Expat Taxes. She specialises in Irish and international tax matters affecting expats, returning Irish emigrants and people with ongoing cross-border tax obligations. Her own experience of living in Australia for eight years before returning to Ireland also gives her a very practical understanding of what an international move involves beyond the tax return. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wickham-b4aba13b/ Website: https://expattaxes.ie/ ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Guest Episode Introduction (01:01) Meet Stephanie Wickham and Expat Taxes (04:31) Stephanie’s Own Experience Returning to Ireland (07:43) Tax Residency, Ordinary Residence and Domicile (12:13) Working Abroad and Bringing Savings Back to Ireland (15:39) Tax Planning Before Leaving Ireland (21:41) How Double Taxation Agreements Really Work (24:02) Tax Compliance Versus Tax Planning (27:50) Why Specialist Cross-Border Tax Advice Matters (31:17) Moving to Ireland and the Non-Dom Rules (38:24) When Tax Savings Come With a Lifestyle Cost (42:13) Planning Ahead Before an International Move

August 4, 202621 min

US Tax Planning When Moving to Ireland: Essential Steps

Moving from the United States to Ireland creates a tax position that can be more complicated than many people expect. US citizens generally remain within the US tax system after moving abroad, while becoming liable to Irish tax under Ireland’s rules on tax residency, domicile and income source. US tax planning when moving to Ireland is the focus of this episode with Stephanie Wickham and US expatriate tax specialist Josh Katz. They explain how state residency, foreign tax credits, filing deadlines and investment rules can affect Americans living in Ireland. Stephanie and Josh also discuss how US state tax residency can continue to affect Americans after they move to Ireland, estimated US tax payments, and why taking advice before the move can help estimate the Irish liability. Planning before the move is essential. Selling shares, funds or a US property before becoming Irish tax resident may produce a different result from selling after arrival, particularly where Irish Capital Gains Tax would otherwise apply. Timing can make a real difference, although pre-arrival sales are not automatically appropriate for everyone. Key Topics in this Episode: why leaving the US does not automatically end state tax exposure how foreign tax credits may reduce US tax on income taxed in Ireland why mid-year moves and mismatched filing deadlines cause practical problems how estimated US tax payments can affect cash flow after moving why PFIC rules matter when Americans buy Irish or European funds when selling investments or property before arrival may be worth considering how Irish and US tax advisers coordinate cross-border tax returns when detailed planning is valuable and when the first tax return may be sufficient About Josh Katz: Josh Katz is a US CPA and the founder of Universal Tax Professionals. He specialises in US tax compliance and planning for Americans living abroad and works with clients in more than 50 countries. His work covers annual US tax returns, FBAR reporting, foreign companies, trusts, investments, compliance programmes and cross-border tax planning. He regularly works with Americans living in Ireland, people moving between Ireland and the United States, and taxpayers who have only recently discovered that they should have been filing US returns. Get in touch with Josh Katz & Universal Tax Professionals: Website: https://universaltaxprofessionals.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuanathankatz/ Email: info@universaltaxprofessionals.com ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (00:38) When US Expats May Still Owe Tax (01:49) US State Tax Residency After Moving Abroad (03:55) Timing Issues in the First Year in Ireland (05:47) Quarterly US Tax Payments and Cash Flow (08:44) Foreign Tax Credits and Treaty Misunderstandings (11:16) PFIC Rules for Non-US Funds and ETFs (13:13) Investment Options for Americans in Ireland (15:06) Tax Planning Before Moving to Ireland (18:28) Coordinating Irish and US Tax Returns (19:17) Working with Josh and His US Tax Team (21:07) Closing Remarks and Tax Disclaimer

July 21, 202622 min

US Tax Filing Rules for Americans Living in Ireland

US tax filing for Americans in Ireland can involve annual IRS returns, foreign bank account reporting and careful coordination with Irish tax obligations. In this episode, Stephanie Wickham speaks with US CPA Josh Katz about what Americans living abroad must file, why filing does not necessarily mean paying tax twice, and how missed returns can often be corrected. Stephanie and Josh also explain the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, which may help Americans who failed to file because they genuinely did not know about their obligations. Eligible taxpayers may be able to submit a limited number of past tax returns and FBARs, together with a statement explaining that the failure was non-wilful. Finally, they consider the practical challenge of coordinating Irish and US filing dates. US returns are generally due earlier than Irish income tax returns, although Americans abroad may have access to automatic and requested extensions. Where US tax may be payable, an estimated payment may still be needed by the April deadline to reduce interest or penalties. About Josh Katz: Josh Katz is a US CPA and the founder of Universal Tax Professionals. He specialises in US tax compliance and planning for Americans living abroad and works with clients in more than 50 countries. His work covers annual US tax returns, FBAR reporting, foreign companies, trusts, investments, compliance programmes and cross-border tax planning. He regularly works with Americans living in Ireland, people moving between Ireland and the United States, and taxpayers who have only recently discovered that they should have been filing US returns. Get in touch with Josh Katz & Universal Tax Professionals: Website: https://universaltaxprofessionals.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuanathankatz/ Email: info@universaltaxprofessionals.com ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to US Tax for Americans Abroad (00:50) Meet Josh Katz of Universal Tax Professionals (03:22) Why Americans Abroad Still Need to File (04:23) FBAR Reporting and Foreign Bank Accounts (06:18) Common US Expat Tax Misconceptions (08:16) PFIC Rules and Foreign Investment Risks (10:38) Catching Up on Missed US Tax Returns (13:02) When Professional Tax Advice Is Helpful (14:55) Coordinating Irish and US Tax Returns (18:03) Foreign Tax Credits and Double Taxation (19:10) Irish and US Filing Deadlines (21:24) Estimated Payments and Late Payment Risk

July 7, 202621 min

Practical Planning for Expats Returning to Ireland

Returning to Ireland can be far more complicated than booking flights and packing boxes. In this episode of Taxbytes For Expats, Stephanie Wickham speaks with Sarah Owen from Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project about the emotional and practical realities of moving back. They discuss planning, documentation, accommodation, support networks, and why “home” can feel different after years abroad. It is a practical conversation for Irish expats thinking about returning, especially those unsure where to start. The conversation looks beyond the romantic version of “coming home” and into the practical details that can catch people out, from housing and school places to PPS numbers, medical records, employment and support services. Sarah explains that people often speak to Crosscare about practical matters first, but the emotional adjustment comes up naturally in conversation. Many returning emigrants find it difficult to say they are struggling, especially when family members have been hoping for their return. That can make the transition feel isolating, even when the move was wanted. This conversation is a useful starting point for any returning Irish expat, family or professional who wants to make the move with fewer surprises and a clearer sense of what needs to happen next. Main Topics The emotional adjustment of returning to Ireland and why “home” can feel different after time abroad. Practical planning before moving back, including work, schools, location and family needs. Key documents to gather before leaving another country, such as medical records, birth certificates and marriage certificates. Accommodation challenges for returning Irish expats in the current Irish housing market. Support available through Irish networks abroad, Citizens Information and Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project. About the Guest Sarah Owen works with Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project, a government-funded service supporting Irish people abroad and those returning to Ireland. The project provides information, guidance and signposting for a wide range of situations. Some people are planning a return years in advance. Others are coming home because of crisis, conflict, deportation or sudden changes in personal circumstances. Crosscare helps people understand where to start, what services may be relevant and what practical steps they may need to take. Sarah brings a grounded and compassionate perspective to the conversation, with a clear understanding that returning to Ireland can be both a hopeful and stressful experience. Website: https://diasporasupport.ie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahelisabethowen/ ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Taxbytes for Expats (00:49) Why Returning “Home” Can Feel Different (01:33) The Emotional Side of Moving Back to Ireland (04:36) Planning Before You Return (05:34) Documents to Gather Before Leaving (06:28) Accommodation and the Reality of Ireland’s Housing Market (08:49) Support Networks for Irish People Abroad (12:25) Why Online Advice Needs a Pinch of Salt (14:48) Where to Start If You’re Thinking of Coming Home (17:46) How Crosscare Supports Returning Irish Expats

June 16, 202620 min

Returning to Ireland: What Irish Expats Need To Know

Returning to Ireland can look straightforward from the outside. You know the place, you may have family here, and there is often a comforting idea that moving home should be easier than moving away. As Sarah Owen explains in this episode, that is not always how it works in practice. Stephanie Wickham speaks with Sarah Owen from Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project about the real-life issues facing Irish citizens and their families when they are emigrating or returning to Ireland. Sarah explains why planning a return should include more than flights and shipping boxes. It highlights the importance of checking housing options, PPS numbers, school places, healthcare access, social welfare eligibility and local supports before the move, especially where the return is happening quickly. For anyone also dealing with foreign income, foreign savings, foreign assets, tax residency or cross-border tax questions, this episode is a useful reminder that the practical and financial pieces often overlap. Personalised tax advice may still be needed where the timing of the move affects Irish tax resident status, worldwide income, Irish-source income or future tax compliance. About the Guest Sarah Owen is Project Leader with Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project, a Dublin-based nonprofit funded by the Government of Ireland. Crosscare provides information and advocacy assistance to Irish citizens moving abroad and returning to Ireland, with a particular focus on people who are marginalised or in crisis. Sarah is a dual Irish and French citizen with lived experience of migration. She has worked in Irish diaspora support and engagement for almost 15 years, across frontline support, policy, research and outreach. Her work is grounded in helping people make informed migration decisions, rather than pushing them towards or away from returning. Website: https://diasporasupport.ie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahelisabethowen/ ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Taxbytes for Expats (00:30) Introducing Sarah Owen and Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project (02:01) Sarah’s background and lived experience of migration (03:59) How Crosscare supports Irish citizens abroad and returning home (07:37) Recent trends in Irish emigration and return migration (09:46) Sponsor Message: Currencies Direct (10:32) Why returning to Ireland is not always straightforward (12:40) Information, advocacy and making an informed return (13:59) Social welfare, housing supports and habitual residence (15:45) Red tape, GP access, schools and family supports (16:52) Reverse culture shock, identity and belonging (18:44) How long it can take to feel settled back in Ireland

June 2, 202622 min

Tax Residency Myths, UK Assets & Remote Work Risks: What Expats Get Wrong with Nicola Goldsmith (Part 2)

There are some great opportunities to take, and mistakes to avoid, when making the move from or to the UK. And the best way to make the most of the move is to chat to an expert in cross-jurisdictional tax to make it easy! In this second part of my conversation with Nicola Goldsmith, we get into the areas that tend to trip people up most. And honestly, this comes up a lot in conversations with clients. There’s often a belief that tax residency is something you can manage or “choose,” or that if you’re not physically in a country, you’ve left the tax system behind. As Nicola explains, it’s not quite that simple. We step through what really happens when you leave the UK but keep UK assets, how double tax treaties actually work in practice (and why they don’t eliminate tax altogether), and the risks that come with business structures and remote working across borders. The key thing to note here is that many of these issues aren’t obvious until you’re already in the middle of them. And by then, it can be costly to unwind. This is one of those areas where understanding the detail upfront can make a very real difference. Main Topics Discussed in this Episode The Myth of “Choosing” Your Tax Residency: A common misconception is that you can decide where you’re tax resident, when in reality, tax authorities have extensive data to determine your position whether you realise it or not. How Tax Authorities Track Your Movements: From flight data to banking activity, Nicola explains how easily tax authorities can cross-reference information across jurisdictions when something doesn’t add up. Understanding Double Tax Treaties in Practice: Double tax treaties don’t eliminate tax - they determine where tax is paid first and how relief is given, which is often misunderstood by expats. Keeping UK Assets While Living Abroad: Just because you’ve left the UK doesn’t mean your UK income or gains fall outside the UK tax net, particularly when it comes to property and other source-based income. Business Structures, Remote Work & Permanent Establishment Risks: Running a business or working remotely from another country can unintentionally create tax exposure in that new jurisdiction, even for individuals operating through their own company. Book a consult with Nicola Website: www.expattaxes.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-goldsmith-tep-cta-b22363149/ ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (00:30) Residency Mistakes: Can You Choose Where You're Tax Resident? (01:07) How Tax Authorities Track Your Movements (02:25) The Reality of “Self-Assessment” and Data Cross-Checking (04:01) Global Information Sharing Between Tax Authorities (05:15) Leaving the UK but Keeping UK Assets: What to Know (05:41) How Double Tax Treaties Actually Work (07:31) Why UK Income Often Remains Taxable (09:01) Real Client Scenarios: When Things Go Wrong (10:16) Business Structures & Permanent Establishment Risks (12:49) Remote Work, Employers & Cross-Border Tax Issues (17:26) Why Tax Rules Haven’t Caught Up with Modern Working (18:22) What It’s Like to Work with Nicola Goldsmith

May 19, 202638 min

UK Tax Residency Explained, Planning Your Exit & Avoiding Costly Mistakes with Nicola Goldsmith (Part 1)

There’s a lot to consider when you’re an expat, in or outside the UK, and trying to be tax compliant. You might not think so, but tax planning starts before you even book your flights. In this episode, I’m joined by Nicola Goldsmith, one of our trusted UK partners for Expat Taxes UK, for the first part of a really practical conversation around UK tax planning for expats. Nicola brings nearly three decades of experience in cross-border tax, and what I particularly enjoy about this discussion is how grounded it is in real-life decision-making. As Nicola agrees, tax is far more about problem-solving than it is about numbers. We walk through the fundamentals of UK tax residency, what actually determines where you’re taxed, and why timing is everything if you’re planning a move. This comes up a lot in conversations with clients, because people usually leave decisions too late and miss opportunities that are entirely legitimate. Nicola explains how differences in tax years can create short windows for planning, the importance of understanding your income streams across borders, and how new rules like the FIG regime are changing the landscape for those arriving in or returning to the UK. If you’re considering a move to or from the UK, or you’re already navigating life across jurisdictions, this episode will help you better understand the common misconceptions and where early advice can make a meaningful difference to your overall tax position. Main Topics Discussed in this Episode Why Tax is Really About Problem Solving: Nicola shares her journey into tax and explains why the real skill lies in solving people’s individual circumstances—not crunching numbers. Understanding the Complexity of UK Tax Rules: We discuss how UK tax legislation works in practice, including why headline rates can be misleading and how different rules interact in unexpected ways. Planning Ahead When Leaving or Moving to the UK: The key thing to note here is that early planning creates opportunities—particularly around timing, structuring income, and managing assets across borders. Using Tax Residency Timing to Your Advantage: This is one of those areas where small timing differences—sometimes just days—can open up legitimate planning opportunities, including periods of non-residence. A Practical Overview of UK Tax Residency Rules: Nicola breaks down the fundamentals of UK tax residency, including automatic tests, the ties test, and how split-year treatment works in real-life scenarios. Book a consult with Nicola Website: www.expattaxes.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-goldsmith-tep-cta-b22363149/ ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Taxbytes for Expats (01:11) Introducing Nicola Goldsmith & Her Tax Background (02:25) Why Tax is About Problem Solving, Not Numbers (04:10) How Tax Systems Differ Across Countries (06:03) Understanding UK Tax Complexity & Rates (10:19) Key Considerations When Leaving the UK (12:12) Planning Opportunities & Non-Residency Windows (13:57) Why Early Tax Planning Matters for Expats (14:23) Timing Your Move & UK Tax Year Nuances (15:56) The New FIG Regime Explained (18:25) Changes to Inheritance Tax & Domicile Rules (23:08) UK Tax Residency Rules Simplified

May 5, 202619 min

Life After the Move: What US Expats Need to Know About Living in Ireland with Tom Lennon (Part 2)

In any expat’s journey, the planning required to get to Ireland comes first. Once you get here, though, it's easy to forget the next step: coming to terms with being here. In Part 2 of my conversation with Tom Lennon, we focus on what happens after you arrive in Ireland and cover some of the practical realities for US Expats that no spreadsheet can fully prepare you for. We talk through car insurance and the driving process (and why your US claims history matters more than you might expect), as well as Tom’s experience adjusting to the Irish healthcare system. We also touch on cost of living, where some of the biggest surprises tend to come. Tom also mentions what happens once you’re comfortable after the move: introducing your new world to friends and family, and finally shipping the golf clubs over! If you’re a US Expat, Tom’s story will give you everything you need to manage the planning and day-to-day adjustments that make all the difference to a successful move to Ireland. Main Topics Discussed in this Episode: Car Insurance & Driving in Ireland: Why your US car insurance claims history impacts your insurance cost, and what to expect when getting on the road in Ireland. Adapting to the Irish Healthcare System: A firsthand comparison between the US and Irish systems, including how insurance works and what surprises expats most. The Real Cost of Living in Ireland: Looking beyond rent to understand where expats often save money, particularly on healthcare and transport. Settling In & Building a Life Locally: The importance of small, everyday wins, from understanding local systems to putting yourself out there and making connections. Planning vs Lived Experience: Why even the best-laid plans only go so far, and how using trusted resources alongside real-world insights helps smooth the transition. Resources Tom Recommends for Expats: Citizens Information service: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/ Expat Taxes: https://expattaxes.ie/ Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project: https://diasporasupport.ie/ ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (00:50) Driving in Ireland & First Impressions (01:50) Car Insurance Explained for US Expats (03:46) The Reality of Insurance Costs (04:33) Planning the Move & “Creating Wins” (05:45) Settling In & Understanding Daily Life (06:30) Navigating the Irish Healthcare System (07:44) Public vs Private Healthcare in Ireland (08:37) Cost of Living: Ireland vs the US (11:04) Transport, Lifestyle & Hidden Savings (13:10) Adjusting to Life & Cultural Differences (15:56) Advice for Expats Making the Move (17:46) Looking Ahead: Life in Ireland

April 21, 202620 min

A US Expat’s Move to Ireland: How to obtain Citizenship through Foreign Birth & Making a Plan with Tom Lennon (Part 1)

Expats from the US can have a harder time than most if they want to move to Ireland. With his calm approach and a propensity to plan ahead, it's easy to think Tom Lennon had it all figured out! In this episode, I’m joined by Tom Lennon, one of our clients who recently made the move from North Carolina to Limerick with his wife, Mary Lane. What started as a family connection to Ireland turned into a very real pathway through the Foreign Birth Registration process and, ultimately, a full relocation. Tom shares how that journey unfolded, from gathering documentation to that moment where it all starts to feel very real. The key thing to note here is that this wasn’t a rushed decision. We talk through the practical steps they took to test the move before committing: short stays, different locations, and giving themselves permission to change their minds along the way. Tom also shares how they approached choosing where to live, what surprised them about Ireland today, and why Limerick ended up being the right fit for them, even though it’s not the most obvious choice for expats. This is one of those areas where the emotional and practical sides of a move really overlap. Tom gives an honest account of what settling in actually looks like. If you’re thinking about making a similar move, there’s a lot here that will help you think it through and plan ahead for what’s important. Main Topics Discussed in this Episode: The Decision to Move to Ireland: Tom shares how a long-standing connection to Ireland, combined with a push during COVID, turned a “what if” into a real relocation plan. Navigating the Foreign Birth Registration Process: A practical look at how Tom secured Irish citizenship through ancestry, including the timeline, documentation, and what made the process feel achievable. Planning the Move with Flexibility in Mind: This comes up a lot with clients - Tom explains their step-by-step approach, using trial stays and keeping an “exit strategy” to reduce risk and pressure. Choosing Where to Live in Ireland: Tom walks through how they tested different locations across Ireland and why Limerick ultimately stood out as the right fit for their lifestyle. Adjusting to Life in Ireland as an Expat Retiree: An honest reflection on settling in, from housing challenges to cultural expectations, and what it really feels like to start building a life in a new country. Resources Tom Recommends for Expats: Citizens Information service: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/ Expat Taxes: https://expattaxes.ie/ Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project: https://diasporasupport.ie/ ***** Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. *Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct* ***** If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/ . ***** Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Taxbytes for Expats (00:30) Meet Tom Lennon & His Move to Ireland (02:31) The Decision to Relocate During COVID (04:28) Irish Citizenship & the FBR Process (06:31) Making the Move Feel Real (07:25) Trial Runs & Having an Exit Strategy (09:25) Choosing Where to Live in Ireland (10:44) Discovering Limerick as the Right Fit (11:39) Life in Limerick: Surprises & First Impressions (13:47) Diversity & Changing Ireland (15:02) Finding Community & Avoiding Tourist Traps (16:18) Settling In: Housing, Lifestyle & What’s Next