Donald Trump vows to end ‘double taxation’ for Americans living abroad

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump said he would end the “double taxation” of millions of American citizens living abroad if he returns to the White House.

“I support ENDING the double-taxation of overseas Americans!” Trump said in a statement on Wednesday, after it had first been reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Currently, Americans residing outside the U.S. must file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which can result in them paying taxes in both the U.S. and their country of residence depending on whether there’s a double tax agreement or not. 

The proposal is aimed at the millions of Americans living outside the country who are eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 presidential election, for whom the U.S. policy of taxing citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live has long been a contentious subject.

“Fellow Americans living abroad, your vote is more important than ever,” Trump said in the statement. “No matter where you are, your voice can make a difference.”

Campaigners such as the advocacy group Republicans Overseas have long argued that a residence-based taxation policy similar to that of other countries would be fairer, eliminate administrative burdens and stop some people from paying tax on the same income.

Republicans Overseas said in a news release last week that it had secured Trump’s support for the move, after more than a decade of lobbying politicians for reform, and that it would be “life-changing for millions.”

Trump’s statement did not provide specific details of his proposal on double taxation.