Expat Chat Episode 169 - Taxation of US Retirement Accounts
Fri Feb 06 2026
Welcome to the one hundred sixty ninth episode of the #ExpatChat podcast, Taxation of US Retirement Accounts. In this episode, Atlas Wealth Group’s Managing Director – APAC, James Ridley, is joined by special guest Martin Jack, Atlas Wealth’s US specialist Financial Planner, while co-host Brett Evans is away.
With US tax season underway, James and Martin unpack one of the most common and confusing topics facing Australian expats in the United States: how US retirement accounts are taxed and what happens to them when you eventually return home. They break down the key differences in how the IRS and the ATO treat US retirement accounts, and why those differences can create unexpected tax outcomes on repatriation.
The conversation covers the most common US retirement structures, including 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, and employer-sponsored matching strategies, as well as less familiar plans such as 403(b) and 457 accounts. Martin explains what is taxed versus tax-free, how transactions are viewed from an Australian perspective, and what returning expats should carefully consider before making decisions around their retirement savings.
Packed with practical scenarios and expert insights, this episode is essential listening for Australian expats in the US who want clarity and confidence around US retirement accounts, cross-border tax rules, and planning for life after repatriation.
Relevant Links:
• Upcoming US events – atlaswealth.com/events
• The Expat's Handbook available for pre-order - atlaswealth.com/resources/the-exp…working-overseas/
• Facebook Group – Join the Australian Expat Financial Forum: facebook.com/groups/AustralianExpatFinancialForum
• Ask Atlas – Submit your questions for the podcast: atlaswealth.com/news-media/austra…ian-expat-podcast
• Expat Mortgage Podcast – atlaswealth.com/news-media/austra…-mortgage-podcast
• Weekly Recap Podcast – atlaswealth.com/news-media/atlas-…kly-recap-podcast
If you enjoy the content, let us know by giving the episode a thumbs up and subscribing. Feel free to share your feedback or questions in the comments below.
About Atlas Wealth Group:
Atlas Wealth Group was established to meet the growing demand from Australian expats for professional financial guidance. We specialise in providing tax, financial planning, wealth management, and mortgage services to Australian expats around the world. Whether you’re based in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, or the Americas, our team has the expertise to help you manage your global financial journey.
To learn more, visit www.atlaswealth.com
Connect with us:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlaswealthmgmt
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/atlas-wealth-management
X: www.x.com/atlaswealthmgmt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/atlaswealthgroup
Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlaswealthmgmt
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Welcome to the one hundred sixty ninth episode of the #ExpatChat podcast, Taxation of US Retirement Accounts. In this episode, Atlas Wealth Group’s Managing Director – APAC, James Ridley, is joined by special guest Martin Jack, Atlas Wealth’s US specialist Financial Planner, while co-host Brett Evans is away. With US tax season underway, James and Martin unpack one of the most common and confusing topics facing Australian expats in the United States: how US retirement accounts are taxed and what happens to them when you eventually return home. They break down the key differences in how the IRS and the ATO treat US retirement accounts, and why those differences can create unexpected tax outcomes on repatriation. The conversation covers the most common US retirement structures, including 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, and employer-sponsored matching strategies, as well as less familiar plans such as 403(b) and 457 accounts. Martin explains what is taxed versus tax-free, how transactions are viewed from an Australian perspective, and what returning expats should carefully consider before making decisions around their retirement savings. Packed with practical scenarios and expert insights, this episode is essential listening for Australian expats in the US who want clarity and confidence around US retirement accounts, cross-border tax rules, and planning for life after repatriation. Relevant Links: • Upcoming US events – atlaswealth.com/events • The Expat's Handbook available for pre-order - atlaswealth.com/resources/the-exp…working-overseas/ • Facebook Group – Join the Australian Expat Financial Forum: facebook.com/groups/AustralianExpatFinancialForum • Ask Atlas – Submit your questions for the podcast: atlaswealth.com/news-media/austra…ian-expat-podcast • Expat Mortgage Podcast – atlaswealth.com/news-media/austra…-mortgage-podcast • Weekly Recap Podcast – atlaswealth.com/news-media/atlas-…kly-recap-podcast If you enjoy the content, let us know by giving the episode a thumbs up and subscribing. Feel free to share your feedback or questions in the comments below. About Atlas Wealth Group: Atlas Wealth Group was established to meet the growing demand from Australian expats for professional financial guidance. We specialise in providing tax, financial planning, wealth management, and mortgage services to Australian expats around the world. Whether you’re based in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, or the Americas, our team has the expertise to help you manage your global financial journey. To learn more, visit www.atlaswealth.com Connect with us: Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlaswealthmgmt LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/atlas-wealth-management X: www.x.com/atlaswealthmgmt Instagram: www.instagram.com/atlaswealthgroup Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlaswealthmgmt