@jenniferaconners , as I understand the QBI regs ----
(a) QBI does not include items such as:
items that are not properly includable in taxable income
.
.
- Income that is not effectively connected with the conduct of business within the United States
(b) It has nothing to do with whether you claim Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or Foreign Tax credit -- depends only on the source of the income i.e. it must be US sourced/ connected
Here is a good articulation of the can and cannots of the QBI -->
https://www.taxlawforchb.com/2019/05/the-section-199a-deduction-effectively-connected-foreign-income...
And here is more from the IRS -->
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-provision-11011-section-199a-qualified-business-i...
Are you US citizen/Resident Alien/ Resident Alien for tax purposes ? Is your tax home abroad ? Do you pass the Physical Presence Test ? Which country is the income from ( self-employment ) -- assuming that the work was done abroad
