FAQ
Every Question We’re Asked, Answered Honestly.
Grouped by topic. If yours isn’t here, the first conversation is free — ask us directly.
Filing Basics
Do I really have to file US taxes if I live abroad?
Yes. US citizens and green card holders must file a federal return every year if their income exceeds the standard filing thresholds — regardless of where they live or where the income is earned. Filing is required even when, thanks to exclusions and credits, nothing is owed.
Will I be taxed twice — by the US and my new country?
Usually not, if handled correctly. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, Foreign Tax Credits, and bilateral tax treaties exist precisely to prevent double taxation. Most expats who file properly owe little or nothing to the IRS.
What are the deadlines for expats?
Tax owed is due April 15. Expats get an automatic filing extension to June 15, and can request October 15 with Form 4868. FBAR is due April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15. Interest on unpaid tax runs from April 15 regardless of extensions.
I’m self-employed abroad. Anything special?
Yes — two things. Your filing threshold drops to just $400 of net earnings, and self-employment tax (15.3%) is not removed by the FEIE. If you live in a country with a US totalization agreement, you can usually pay into only the local social system — with a certificate of coverage to prove it.
FBAR & Foreign Accounts
What is FBAR and does it apply to me?
If the combined value of your foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point in the year, you must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). It’s separate from your tax return, and penalties for missing it start around $10,000 — the one form no expat should ignore.
Is Form 8938 the same as FBAR?
No — different form, different agency, different thresholds. Form 8938 (FATCA) attaches to your tax return and kicks in at much higher balances for expats ($200,000+ year-end for single filers abroad). Many expats must file both; filing one never satisfies the other.
Do foreign pensions and joint accounts count?
Generally yes. Most foreign pension accounts, investment accounts, and accounts you hold jointly (reported at full value) count toward the FBAR threshold — as do accounts you merely have signature authority over, like an employer’s.
Can I invest in local funds and ETFs?
Be careful — most non-US pooled investments are PFICs to the IRS, with punitive tax treatment and heavy reporting (Form 8621). The standard advice for Americans abroad is to keep investments US-domiciled where possible, and get advice before buying anything pooled locally.
Catching Up
I haven’t filed in years. Am I in trouble?
Very likely not — if you act before the IRS contacts you. The Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures let most non-willful expats catch up with just 3 years of returns and 6 years of FBARs, penalty-free. It’s the single best route back to compliance.
Should I just quietly file the missing years?
No. “Quiet disclosure” creates a paper trail without penalty protection and can disqualify you from the official programs. If you’re behind, choose the proper route — streamlined or delinquent procedures — with guidance.
How much does catching up cost?
For straightforward cases, professional preparation of a full streamlined package typically runs a low four-figure amount — often less than a single FBAR penalty would have been. You’ll see a fixed quote in writing before anything starts.
Will I owe back taxes?
Often little or nothing. Once the FEIE and Foreign Tax Credits are applied to the catch-up years, many expats’ returns show zero tax due — the cost is the paperwork, not the taxes.
Working With Us
Are you a CPA firm? Who actually prepares my return?
We’re not a tax firm — we’re your independent guide and coordinator. Your return is prepared by a vetted, US-licensed CPA or Enrolled Agent from our network who specializes in expat taxation for your country. We assess, explain, match, and stay with you through the process.
What does the free Tax Check involve?
A 20-minute call — video or phone. We learn your situation, you ask anything, and you leave knowing what you must file, what you can likely exclude, and what help (if any) would cost. No documents required, no obligation afterward.
How is pricing decided?
Everything is fixed-fee and quoted in writing before work begins. The Assessment is a flat fee (credited toward preparation if you proceed). Preparation itself is quoted by the matched professional based on a defined scope — no hourly surprises, ever.
What if I don’t like the professional you match me with?
Tell us. You meet your professional before committing, and if the fit isn’t right — style, communication, anything — we rematch you at no cost.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Your details are shared only with the professional you’re matched with, through secure channels, and never sold or passed to anyone else. See our Privacy Policy for the full picture.
Question Not Here?
Ask it directly — the first conversation is always free, and honest answers are the whole point.
Ask Us Anything