It starts on a much smaller scale, perhaps with sweets off a counter, but can quickly escalate if not challenged. Some of those men (and women) I have worked alongside as Prison Chaplain began their life of crime by pinching sweets. Julie's total exclusion is $94,079. On her American expat tax return she also gets to claim a personal exemption ($3,650) and standard deduction ($5,700). Thus, her taxable income is negative. She owes no U.S. tax. ...