Hello Reader,

I've curated some great pieces of content I've found over the past month to help you and your business stay “in the know” 🧐 and keep you updated on any important tax updates 💡 and news worldwide that may affect your expat life.

So, finish off your week with some notable news and interesting articles.

And in case you don't already follow Matriarch ....👇

🏡 A Guide for Expats Selling Property

Thinking about selling your foreign home or rental property? Whether it’s your longtime residence or an income-generating investment, it’s important to understand how the sale will be taxed both in your host country and back in the U.S. From calculating capital gains and applying key exclusions under IRS §121 to understanding foreign country reliefs like the UK’s Private Residence Relief, there’s a lot to consider. And if currency fluctuations impact your mortgage payoff, you could be looking at a taxable foreign exchange gain under IRS Section 988. This blog walks you through the essentials—like how the U.S. Foreign Tax Credit can ease double taxation on rental gains—and offers real-life examples to help you feel confident and prepared. Check out the full blog here!

🔍 Matriarch’s Take: Tax & Tariff Updates to Keep on Your Radar

There’s plenty stirring in Washington, and it’s worth paying attention (even if we do get whiplash trying to stay up-to-date on everything)! President Trump recently reaffirmed his push for permanent income tax cuts, with additional proposals to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and even Social Security benefits—ideas that could reshape tax planning for many Americans. Meanwhile, the Administration announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting March 4th, only to pause implementation until April 2nd while a broader “America First” trade policy review is underway. These changes could carry real implications for your financial strategy in the months ahead.

🏛️ Legislative Movement + Crypto News

House Republicans are aiming to extend key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act through a budget reconciliation bill, with a goal of landing it on the President’s desk by Memorial Day. But let’s not forget: the clock is ticking with government funding set to expire March 14th and recesses interrupting the spring schedule—so timelines may get tight. And for the crypto crowd, a first-of-its-kind shift: the Senate just voted to repeal an IRS reporting requirement for digital assets that was set to begin in 2027. Yes, the Congressional Review Act was used to roll back a tax rule—an historic move that could ease some compliance concerns for crypto holders.

📉 US Consumer Confidence Takes a Noteworthy Dip in March

Consumer confidence took a noticeable dip this March, with the Consumer Sentiment Index falling to 57.9 from 64.7 in February. Rising inflation expectations—now at 4.9% for the year ahead—are a big part of the story, alongside growing worries about tariffs and how they might affect everyday prices and the broader economy. As sentiment softens, it’s a signal that many are feeling uneasy about what’s ahead—something to keep in mind as we look toward potential shifts in spending and economic momentum in the months to come.

🇨🇦 A New Era for Canada: Mark Carney Takes the Helm Amid Trade Tensions

Canada has a new prime minister—Mark Carney—who’s stepping into leadership at a pivotal moment. The former central banker, now the country’s 24th prime minister, is already deep in talks with the U.S. as trade tensions rise and tariffs impact billions in exports. Carney, who replaces Justin Trudeau with strong backing from the Liberal Party, brings calm confidence to the table, acknowledging President Trump’s goals while signaling that innovative, collaborative solutions are within reach.

In a decisive exchange at the G7 summit in Quebec, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly firmly told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that "Canada's sovereignty is not up for debate," responding directly to discussions about President Trump's comments regarding making Canada the 51st state. During what she described as a "frank" conversation, Joly also addressed ongoing concerns about tariffs and trade relations between the two neighboring countries.

📱TikTok Talks Heat Up as April 5 Deadline Looms

The clock is ticking on TikTok—again. President Trump recently shared that his administration is actively working with four different buyer groups as negotiations for the platform’s sale continue to progress. After a brief 12-hour ban earlier this year, the administration extended the divestment deadline to April 5 via executive order. If ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, doesn’t finalize a sale by then, the U.S. could see another full-scale ban, with internet service providers and app stores barred from hosting the app.

At the heart of this issue are longstanding concerns over national security and data privacy tied to TikTok’s Chinese ownership—concerns that aren’t going away anytime soon. Whether you're a business owner using TikTok for marketing or just keeping an eye on tech policy trends, this is a moment worth watching.

🪐 A Warmer, Wetter Mars? New Discoveries Hint at Ancient Life-Friendly Conditions

​New findings from NASA’s Perseverance rover are reshaping what we know about ancient Mars. Scientists discovered kaolinite—a clay that forms in warm, wet environments—scattered across Jezero Crater. That’s a big deal, because it suggests Mars may have once had a much more Earth-like climate, possibly even capable of supporting microbial life. A warmer, wetter Mars? That’s one more reason to keep looking up… especially since Mars has been so visible in the North American skies lately!

That's all for today...

See you next month!

Mary 💗

Now enjoy your morning brew ☕and finish the week strong! 🩷