The number of Americans renouncing their citizenship, along with long-term green card holders ending their United States tax residency, has reached its highest level since 2020 over the past year. An analysis of Federal Register data revealed 5,790 names on the U.S. expatriation list over the last four quarters. These individuals have reported their loss of U.S. citizenship or long-term permanent resident status to the Treasury Department. Greenback Expat Tax Services highlighted this as the highest four-quarter total in six years.
A notable increase occurred from April to June with 1,781 names recorded, marking a 68.5% rise from the same period last year. The first half of the year saw a total of 3,243 names, reflecting a 38.5% increase from the first half of 2025. It’s important to note that the list only indicates when the Treasury was notified of a status change, not when it took place. Nonetheless, yearly data suggests a significant growth in Americans leaving the U.S. for good over the past decade.
The Trend Behind the Latest Surge
Historical data analysis by Greenback shows that between 2000 and 2008, fewer than 500 Americans lost their citizenship on average, with an annual count of 452 names during that period. This situation changed dramatically after Congress passed the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) in 2010, requiring foreign institutions to report U.S. account holders’ foreign assets. FATCA increased the cost of living abroad for American expatriates, imposing taxes in both the U.S. and their country of residence.
Alexander Marino, head of Moody’s renunciation law practice, explained the widespread adoption of FATCA, involving over 190 countries since its implementation in 2014. He emphasized the technological advances and tighter restrictions that make U.S. citizens more accountable for unfiled tax returns. The law’s impact is clear; regardless of living in low-tax countries like the United Arab Emirates or high-tax ones like the U.K., U.S. taxes remain applicable.
Following FATCA’s passage, expatriation list counts surged, reaching 5,409 in 2016. Though numbers fell to 2,071 in 2019, they hit a modern-history record of 6,705 in 2020 and have stayed high since.
Factors Driving Renunciation
The demand for renouncing U.S. citizenship has grown notably, prompting renunciation lawyers like Marino to advise clients on avoiding lengthy embassy wait times. Many individuals have sought this change to bypass double taxation or due to ideological and political disagreements, notably linked to Donald Trump’s influence.
Additionally, the State Department’s recent decision to reduce the renunciation fee by 80% has driven renunciations higher. Initially free, the fee was set at $450 in 2010 and increased to $2,350 in 2015, making it one of the world’s highest. As of April 13, the fee returned to $450.
Considering Renunciation? Steps to Take
Americans abroad can renounce U.S. citizenship at an embassy or consulate, involving form completion, State Department review, interviews, and taking an oath. Approval by the State Department is essential. It warns about possible statelessness and mentions entry restrictions for former citizens renouncing to evade taxes. Contact editors Matthew Robinson and Sam Wilson for Newsweek’s coverage.