Industries · U.S. expats
U.S. Expat Tax Preparation for Americans Living Abroad
Americans abroad
Living abroad doesn’t end your U.S. tax obligations
The United States taxes its citizens and green card holders on their worldwide income, no matter where they live. If your income is above the filing threshold for your filing status and age — generally the same thresholds that apply at home — you still need to file a U.S. return each year, even if you won’t owe anything after exclusions and credits.
Done right, most expats owe little or no U.S. tax. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Foreign Tax Credit are designed to prevent double taxation, but you have to claim them. There are also separate reporting rules for foreign bank accounts (FBAR) and foreign assets (FATCA) that carry steep penalties if they’re missed. We handle it all remotely — secure uploads, video meetings and e-signatures — in your time zone’s working hours whenever possible.
- Automatic two-month extension to June 15 for filers living abroad
- FEIE vs. Foreign Tax Credit comparison every year
- FBAR and Form 8938 reporting handled with your return
What we handle
Everything Americans abroad need to file
Annual U.S. returns
Form 1040 prepared for your situation abroad.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
Bona fide residence or physical presence tests and Form 2555.
Foreign Tax Credit
Credit for taxes paid abroad to avoid double taxation (Form 1116).
FBAR (FinCEN 114)
Required when foreign accounts total more than $10,000 at any point in the year.
FATCA Form 8938
Reporting of specified foreign financial assets above the thresholds.
State residency questions
Whether your former state still expects a return.
Fully remote
How it works from anywhere in the world
- 1
Video consultation
We meet by Zoom at a time that works in your time zone.
- 2
Secure upload
Send foreign and U.S. documents through our encrypted portal.
- 3
Review & e-sign
We prepare your return, FBAR and forms for online review and signature.
FAQ
Expat tax questions
Do I still have to file a U.S. tax return if I live abroad?
Generally, yes. U.S. citizens and green card holders are taxed on worldwide income and must file when their income meets the filing threshold — even if they owe nothing after exclusions and credits.
What is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion?
The FEIE lets qualifying taxpayers exclude a set amount of foreign earned income each year (adjusted annually for inflation). You must meet the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test — 330 full days abroad in a 12-month period — and claim it on Form 2555.
Should I use the FEIE or the Foreign Tax Credit?
It depends on the tax rate where you live, the type of income you earn and your future plans. In high-tax countries the Foreign Tax Credit often works better; in low-tax countries the exclusion may. We compare both before filing.
What is an FBAR and do I need to file one?
If the combined value of your foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any time during the year, you generally must file FinCEN Form 114, known as the FBAR. It is filed separately from your tax return, and penalties for missing it can be significant.
What is FATCA Form 8938?
Form 8938 reports specified foreign financial assets with your tax return once they pass certain thresholds. For single filers living abroad, that generally means more than $200,000 on the last day of the year or more than $300,000 at any time during the year.
I’m behind on my U.S. filings. What should I do?
Don’t panic. The IRS offers programs such as the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures for taxpayers whose failure to file was non-willful. We review your situation and help you catch up — see IRS problem resolution.