Hey everyone, looking for some guidance on FEIE (bona fide residence vs physical presence).
For context, I originally thought FEIE required being outside the US almost the entire year (like ~330 days), which I knew I didn’t meet since I visit family from time to time. I only recently learned about the bona fide residence test.
My situation:
US citizen living in Mexico for ~3.5 years
Based primarily in Mexico City, now also have a home in Yucatán (completed this year)
In a long-term relationship with my Mexican partner, getting married soon
Spend ~270–300 days/year in Mexico
Travel outside Mexico is occasional and short:
Family visits in the US (a few trips per year)
One ~1 month Europe trip a couple years ago
Total time outside Mexico usually ~60–90 days/year
First year of temporary residency was last year (no Mexican work permit)
Work remotely for a crypto company (no fixed location) and self-report income in the US
I filed US taxes normally and didn’t claim FEIE in prior years.
Now I’m considering:
Amending returns using the bona fide residence test
Starting with last year (~290 days in Mexico + temporary residency)
Questions:
Does this sound like a solid bona fide residence case, even without a work permit?
How much weight does temporary residency actually carry vs just living there long-term?
Would you feel comfortable amending prior years (before residency) with a similar pattern?
Any red flags I should be aware of before filing Form 2555 retroactively?
Appreciate any insight—just trying to understand if this is something I can confidently defend.