Six years ago, we began the journey that helped turn Wanderlust Tariff into the company it is today. In the early days, our focus was simple: build the business from the ground up. We bootstrapped rather than immediately scaling for rapid growth. We created workflows that worked (even if they weren’t perfect), relied on tools that solved individual needs, and built our first momentum entirely through word of mouth. Now, six years later, we’ve grown into a business with a stro

Over the past several years here in Germany, many of us watched with a mix of relief and disbelief as the government debated—and ultimately passed in January 2024—a new law formally allowing dual citizenship under certain conditions. Early drafts even included a “well-integrated fast track” route, but those generous provisions were scaled back in committee hearings and legislative redrafts. As news outlets such as The Local reported, the changes and a surge of applications ha

One of the biggest surprises our freelancer clients run into is this: you can still owe U.S. self-employment (SE) tax even if you haven’t lived in the United States for years. That often becomes the centerpiece of our planning conversations—especially for Americans who are fully integrated into Germany’s tax system and assume “Germany taxes cover everything.” What self-employment tax actually is (and why it shows up) U.S. self-employment tax is essentially Social Security + M

No—not that thing. Probably not the second or third thing you’re thinking of either. And yes, a lot happened. But for Americans living abroad, something genuinely notable occurred: for the first time in years, both major presidential campaigns spoke directly to expat voters—and specifically about issues that matter to us. Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign published a white paper; former President Donald Trump posted a video. Different formats, different styles—but both

Moving to Germany is an exciting step—new opportunities, new systems, and a new way of life. But for Americans abroad, one thing doesn’t change: U.S. tax obligations follow you, no matter where you live. Wanderlust Tariff was created to help Americans in Germany navigate that reality with clarity and confidence. This blog will be a monthly resource covering U.S. tax compliance, common pitfalls, and planning considerations specific to life in Germany—all from the perspective o