I've submitted the paperwork for our United States taxes on time. No late penalties for us this year!

Being an expat has many clear advantages. However, one of the clear disadvantages is the tax situation. The US is the only country (that I know of at least) that requires you to declare and pay taxes on money earned outside the country. I don't mind paying taxes (our tax rates are still some of the lowest in the world), but it's the hassle and the time needed to make it all happen, that bugs me the most. Luckily we have an accounting company helping us or I would still be working on our 2010 taxes!

And paying your taxes doesn't have to be so stressful and labor intensive. Since 2004, Swedes have been able to pay their Swedish taxes via SMS from their mobile phones. Their entire system is that streamlined...