Even as an Expat, you still need to file a tax return and, depending on your income, pay taxes, as long as you have a U.S. citizenship. Your worldwide income is taxable even if you filed a tax return and paid taxes in the country where you reside. If your taxable income is over $20,000 a year and you are married; or $10,000 and single; or made over $400 per year as self-employed or contractor, you  need to file a tax return.

There is a long list of tax filing requirements the IRS has determined for Expats: 

• Automatic Extension until 6/15 but pay taxes on 4/15
• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) of $104,100 only if the return is filed
• Spouses get another $104,100 of foreign earned income exclusion (FEIE)
• If your income is over the FEIE amount, claim a house deduction
• Credit for taxes paid in your country of residence
• Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) reporting requirements
• Foreign Bank Accounts Reporting (FBAR) requirements
• Foreign companies ownership involves more IRS reporting
• Foreign trust creation involves more IRS reporting
• Self-employment income is subject to FICA (social security and medicare taxes)
• The IRS is watching you
• IRS special programs for Expats
• Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC)