US Expat Taxes

are complicated.

Our qualified CPAs

make it easy for

you.

Optimize Tax is trusted by hundreds of Americans living abroad for expert expatriate tax services, FBAR filing, and international compliance. Our expat tax advisors provide tailored guidance for every client, ensuring accuracy and maximum savings.

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American Passport | Expat Tax Preparation

US Expat Tax Filing Requirements at a Glance

📅 Who Must File?

All US citizens and green card holders worldwide, regardless of location or income level. This includes Americans living in UK, Germany, Canada, UAE, Australia, Japan, and all countries.

💰 FEIE Exclusion Amount

$126,500 for 2024 (adjusted annually). Married couples can each exclude this amount if both qualify. Requires 330 days abroad or bona fide residence.

🏦 FBAR Threshold

$10,000 aggregate in foreign accounts at any time during year. Includes all banks, investments, pensions. Filed separately from tax return via FinCEN.

📋 Key Deadlines

June 15 automatic extension for tax filing (tax owed still due April 15). FBAR due April 15 with auto extension to October 15. Extensions available to October 15 for taxes.

🌍 Physical Presence Test

330 full days in foreign countries during any 12-month period. Can travel between multiple countries. Digital nomads frequently qualify using this test.

⚠️ Penalties for Non-Filing

FBAR: $10,000/year non-willful or 50% of balance willful. Form 5471: $10,000+ per form. Late filing penalties apply. Streamlined procedures available for non-willful cases.

💡 Pro Tip: Most Americans in high-tax countries (UK, Germany, Canada, France, Australia) owe zero US tax after FEIE and foreign tax credits, but you still must file annually to maintain compliance.

What Are US Expat Tax Services?

US expat tax services are specialized tax preparation and compliance solutions designed specifically for American citizens and green card holders living abroad. Unlike domestic tax preparation, expat tax services handle the unique complexities of international taxation including:

Core Expat Tax Forms

Complex Situations

Why Do Americans Abroad Need Specialized Tax Services?

The United States is one of only two countries in the world (along with Eritrea) that taxes its citizens based on citizenship rather than residence. This means American citizens must file US tax returns and report worldwide income regardless of where they live – whether in London, Berlin, Dubai, Tokyo, Sydney, or anywhere else on earth.

Professional expat tax services are essential because:

  1. Tax treaty navigation: The US has tax treaties with 60+ countries that prevent double taxation, but these treaties are complex and require expert interpretation

  2. FEIE optimization: Properly calculating physical presence (330 days) or establishing bona fide residence requires detailed documentation and strategic planning

  3. Penalty avoidance: FBAR penalties alone can reach $10,000 per year for non-willful violations, or 50% of account balances for willful violations

  4. Foreign tax credit maximization: Coordinating foreign taxes paid with US tax obligations requires complex calculations and multi-country knowledge

  5. State tax termination: Properly severing tax residency with aggressive states like California, Virginia, and New York requires strategic planning
Pricing for Tax, Bookkeeping & Accounting Service | OptimizeTax

How Much Does US Expat Tax Preparation Cost?

Transparent pricing for Americans living abroad based on complexity of your international tax situation. All packages include complete US tax return preparation, FEIE optimization, and IRS compliance support. Choose based on your income sources and foreign accounts. See detailed service descriptions →

Simple Expat

Single Foreign Income
Starting at

$895

complete filing

Perfect for:

What's Included:

Add-Ons:

💯 Full FBAR compliance

Standard Expat

Multiple Accounts & Income

Starting at

$1,495

complete filing

Perfect for:

Everything in Simple, Plus:

Add-Ons:

💯 Full FBAR compliance

Complex Expat

Foreign Business & Investments

Starting at

$2,495

complete filing

Perfect for:

Everything in Standard, Plus:

Add-Ons:

💯 Full FBAR compliance

💰 Why Choose Professional Expat Tax Preparation?

🎯

vs. DIY Expat Software

TurboTax and H&R Block charge $200-300 but miss treaty benefits, foreign tax credits, and FEIE optimization worth thousands

📊

Average Savings: $3,500+

Through FEIE maximization, housing exclusions, and proper foreign tax credit application

🛡️

Penalty Protection

FBAR penalties up to $10,000 per violation – we ensure 100% compliance

What Forms Do US Expats Need to File?

Complete guide to US expat tax forms and requirements for Americans abroad. From basic FEIE filing to complex foreign business ownership – our licensed CPAs handle all international tax compliance including Form 2555, FBAR, FATCA, Form 5471, and more for US citizens living in the UK, Germany, Canada, UAE, Australia, Japan, Spain, France, Mexico, and worldwide.
Foreign Earned Income Form 2555 | Expat Tax Preparation
↑ Back to Pricing • 🌍 All Expats Worldwide

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) Filing - Form 2555

How to exclude up to $126,500 (2024) of foreign earned income from US taxation using Form 2555. Our expat tax CPAs help you qualify through the physical presence test (330 days in foreign countries) or bona fide residence test, maximize your foreign housing exclusion, and ensure full IRS compliance while minimizing your US tax burden as an American living abroad.
"I've been living in London for 2 years. Do I really need to file US taxes?"
Yes – ALL US citizens must file US tax returns regardless of where they live. The good news: with FEIE, you can exclude up to $126,500 of UK employment income from US taxes. Plus, foreign tax credits eliminate most double taxation on income above the exclusion. We’ve helped hundreds of Americans in the UK navigate this exact situation – proper filing often results in zero US tax owed while maintaining full IRS compliance.

Countries We Serve: United Kingdom (London, Manchester, Edinburgh), Germany (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt), Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal), UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), Spain (Barcelona, Madrid), France (Paris, Lyon), Netherlands (Amsterdam), Switzerland (Zurich, Geneva), Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara), Singapore, South Korea (Seoul), Thailand (Bangkok), Costa Rica, Portugal (Lisbon), Italy (Rome, Milan), New Zealand (Auckland), and 35+ more countries.

↑ Back to Pricing • 🏦 Foreign Bank Accounts

FBAR Filing (FinCEN Form 114) & FATCA Compliance

Required foreign bank account reporting for Americans abroad with accounts exceeding $10,000. We ensure full FBAR and FATCA compliance to avoid penalties up to $10,000 per violation or 50% of account balance for willful violations.
"I have bank accounts in Germany totaling $25,000. What filing do I need?"
You need BOTH FBAR (FinCEN 114) and likely Form 8938 (FATCA). FBAR threshold is $10,000 aggregate at ANY point during the year. Form 8938 threshold for expats is $200,000 on last day or $300,000 anytime during year (married filing jointly). Non-filing penalties are severe: FBAR penalties up to $10,000 per year for non-willful violations, or greater of $100,000 or 50% of account balance for willful violations. We file both forms correctly to ensure full compliance.

Common FBAR Situations by Country: UK (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds accounts), Germany (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank), Canada (RBC, TD Bank, Scotia), Australia (Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB), UAE (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq), Singapore (DBS, OCBC, UOB), Switzerland (UBS, Credit Suisse), Japan (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho), and all international banks worldwide.

International Tax & Compliance Services | FBAR Report Expat Tax Preparation
Nikon Camera and some books and pencil on a city maps
↑ Back to Pricing • 💻 Digital Nomads & Freelancers

Digital Nomad & Location-Independent Tax Services

Specialized expat tax filing for digital nomads, remote workers, and location-independent professionals. We track multi-country presence, optimize travel deductions, and ensure you meet FEIE requirements while working from Bali, Lisbon, Mexico City, or anywhere worldwide.

"I travel constantly between Thailand, Portugal, and Mexico. Can I still qualify for FEIE?"
Absolutely! You need to be physically present in foreign countries for 330 full days in any 12-month period – it doesn’t have to be a calendar year or a single country. We track your travel across Thailand, Portugal, Mexico, and other countries, optimize your 12-month period selection, and document your physical presence to maximize FEIE. Many digital nomads working remotely for US companies or running online businesses successfully exclude $126,500+ using this strategy.

Popular Digital Nomad Destinations We Serve: Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket), Portugal (Lisbon, Porto - NHR program), Spain (Barcelona, Valencia - digital nomad visa), Mexico (Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Tulum), Indonesia (Bali, Jakarta), Colombia (Medellín, Bogotá), Costa Rica (San José), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi), Philippines (Manila), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Croatia (Zagreb, Split), Georgia (Tbilisi), and worldwide.

↑ Back to Pricing • 🏢 Foreign Business Owners

Foreign Business Ownership & Investment Reporting

Complex international tax compliance for Americans owning foreign corporations, partnerships, or investments abroad. We handle Form 5471, Form 8865, PFIC reporting, and controlled foreign corporation rules to ensure full IRS compliance and minimize global tax burden.
"I own a UK limited company. What forms do I need beyond my personal return?"
You likely need Form 5471 (ownership in foreign corporation) if you own 10%+ of the UK company or meet other filing requirements. Additionally, you may owe tax on deemed dividends under Subpart F or GILTI rules even if the company doesn’t distribute profits. Penalties for failing to file Form 5471 start at $10,000 per year per form and can increase dramatically. We prepare Form 5471, calculate any US tax owed, optimize foreign tax credits for UK corporation tax paid, and structure distributions tax-efficiently.

Foreign Entity Types We Handle: UK (Limited Company, LLP), Germany (GmbH, UG), Canada (Corporation, Partnership), Australia (Pty Ltd), UAE (LLC, Free Zone), Singapore (Pte Ltd), Hong Kong (Limited), Netherlands (BV), Ireland (Limited), France (SARL, SAS), Switzerland (GmbH, AG), and all international business structures.

a person pointing a laptop
Form 1099 | Expat Tax Preparation
↑ Back to Pricing • 🏖️ American Retirees Abroad

US Retiree Tax Services for Americans Living Abroad

Specialized tax preparation for American retirees abroad receiving Social Security, pensions, IRA distributions, and foreign retirement income. We optimize taxation across borders, handle foreign pension reporting, and ensure Medicare tax compliance.
"I'm retired in Spain receiving Social Security and a US pension. Do I still file US taxes?"
Yes, US citizens must file regardless of age or location. However: Social Security is generally taxable only in the US (per US-Spain treaty), and your US pension is also typically US-taxed with Spanish exemption. You’ll file Form 1040 reporting all worldwide income, but treaty benefits prevent double taxation. If you also receive a Spanish pension, that requires foreign pension reporting on Form 8938. We optimize your filing to minimize taxes while ensuring both US and Spanish compliance.

Popular Retirement Destinations We Serve: Spain (Costa del Sol, Barcelona, Valencia), Portugal (Algarve, Lisbon - NHR tax benefits), Mexico (Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta), France (Provence, Paris), Italy (Tuscany, Amalfi Coast), Panama (Panama City, Boquete - Pensionado visa), Costa Rica, Ecuador (Cuenca), Greece, Croatia, and worldwide retirement communities.

US Expat Tax Services by Country

Specialized expat tax preparation for Americans living in the top expat destinations worldwide. We understand local tax treaties, foreign tax credits, and country-specific compliance requirements.

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

London • Manchester • Edinburgh • Birmingham

Key Considerations:

🇩🇪

Germany

Berlin • Munich • Frankfurt • Hamburg
Key Considerations:

🇬🇧

Canada

Toronto • Vancouver • Montreal • Calgary
Key Considerations:

🇦🇪

United Arab Emirates

Dubai • Abu Dhabi • Sharjah

Key Considerations:

🇦🇺

Australia

Sydney • Melbourne • Brisbane • Perth
Key Considerations:

🇯🇵

Japan

Tokyo • Osaka • Kyoto • Yokohama
Key Considerations:

🇪🇸

Spain

Barcelona • Madrid • Valencia • Seville
Key Considerations:

🇫🇷

France

Paris • Lyon • Nice • Marseille
Key Considerations:

🇲🇽

Mexico

Mexico City • Playa del Carmen • San Miguel
Key Considerations:

Serving Americans in 50+ Countries Worldwide

Beyond our top destinations, we serve US expats in Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, South Korea, Thailand, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Israel, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and everywhere Americans live abroad.

US Expat Tax Questions Answered - Complete FAQ

Common questions about US expat tax filing, FEIE eligibility, FBAR requirements, deadlines, and costs for Americans living in the UK, Germany, Canada, UAE, Australia, Japan, and worldwide.

💡 Do I have to file US taxes if I live abroad?

Yes, ALL US citizens and green card holders must file US tax returns every year regardless of where they live in the world – whether you’re in London, Berlin, Dubai, Sydney, Tokyo, or anywhere else. The United States taxes based on citizenship, not residence, which makes it unique among countries. This requirement applies even if you owe no tax after applying the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or foreign tax credits. However, expats automatically receive a 2-month filing extension to June 15th (though any tax owed is still due April 15th). The good news: most expats in high-tax countries like UK, Germany, Canada, France, or Australia owe little or no US tax after properly applying FEIE (excludes up to $126,500 for 2024) and foreign tax credits for taxes paid to their country of residence.

How much foreign income can I exclude from US taxes?

For tax year 2024, you can exclude up to $126,500 of foreign earned income from US taxation using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) filed on Form 2555. This amount adjusts annually for inflation ($120,000 in 2023, $112,000 in 2022). Additionally, you can claim the foreign housing exclusion for qualified housing costs exceeding approximately $18,000, potentially excluding thousands more. If you’re married filing jointly and both spouses qualify, you can each claim the full exclusion ($253,000 combined for 2024). Combined with foreign tax credits for income above the FEIE limit, most American expats in countries like UK, Germany, Canada, France, or Australia end up owing zero US tax despite the filing requirement.

What is the physical presence test and how do I qualify?

The physical presence test requires you to be physically present in foreign countries for at least 330 full days (not partial days) during any consecutive 12-month period. This 12-month period does not need to align with the calendar year – you can choose any 12-month period that works best for your situation. Days spent in international waters or airspace (flying) don’t count as foreign presence. You can move between multiple countries and still qualify – for example, spending time in UK, Germany, and Spain all counts toward your 330 days. Many digital nomads traveling between Thailand, Portugal, Mexico, and Bali use this test successfully. We track your travel across all countries and optimize your 12-month period selection to maximize your FEIE exclusion.

Do I need to file FBAR if I have foreign bank accounts?

Yes, you must file FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report – FinCEN Form 114) if the aggregate (combined total) value of ALL your foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at ANY point during the year – even for just one day. This includes all bank accounts, investment accounts, pension accounts, and any account where you have signature authority. For example, if you have accounts at Barclays in UK ($6,000), Deutsche Bank in Germany ($3,000), and a Wise account ($2,000), you exceed the $10,000 threshold and must file FBAR. This filing is completely separate from your tax return, filed electronically with FinCEN, and due April 15th with automatic extension to October 15th. Penalties for non-filing are severe: up to $10,000 per year for non-willful violations, or the greater of $100,000 or 50% of account balance for willful violations.

Can I use both FEIE and Foreign Tax Credit?

No, you cannot claim both FEIE and Foreign Tax Credit on the SAME income. However, you can use FEIE to exclude earned income up to $126,500, then use Foreign Tax Credit on investment income, income above FEIE limit, or other non-excluded income. We analyze which strategy minimizes your overall tax – often FEIE is better in low-tax countries, FTC better in high-tax countries.

What are expat tax filing deadlines?

US expats get automatic 2-month extension: June 15th for filing (vs April 15th for US residents). However, any tax owed is still due April 15th or interest applies. You can request further extension to October 15th. FBAR due April 15th with automatic extension to October 15th if e-filed. State returns generally due April 15th (varies by state). We handle all deadlines and extensions.

How much do expat tax services cost?

Our US expat tax preparation starts at $895 for simple returns with FEIE only. Standard returns with FBAR, foreign income, self-employment: $1,495+. Complex returns with foreign business (Form 5471), investments (PFIC), or multiple countries: $2,495+. Streamlined catch-up filing for delinquent years: $2,995+ per year. All pricing transparent and provided upfront after consultation.

What if I haven't filed US taxes in years?

We help through Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures – allows qualifying expats to catch up on 3 years tax returns and 6 years FBAR with reduced/eliminated penalties if non-compliance was non-willful. Must certify failure to file wasn’t intentional. Common for Americans abroad who didn’t know filing requirements. Don’t wait – penalties increase over time and IRS is getting better at finding unreported foreign accounts.

Do tax treaties affect my US filing?

Yes! US has tax treaties with 60+ countries including UK, Germany, Canada, France, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, etc. Treaties prevent double taxation, determine which country can tax certain income types (pensions, Social Security, business profits), and provide benefits like reduced withholding rates. We apply all beneficial treaty provisions. However, you still must FILE US returns even if treaty eliminates all US tax.

How are foreign pensions reported?

Foreign pensions (UK pensions, German pensions, Canadian RRSPs, Australian super, etc.) must be reported on Form 8938 if exceeding thresholds. Distributions may be taxable on US return depending on treaty. Some foreign pensions qualify as PFICs requiring Form 8621. Employer contributions to foreign pensions may be taxable income. We handle all foreign pension compliance for retirees and workers abroad.

What about cryptocurrency for expats?

Crypto gains are taxable regardless of location. Crypto held on foreign exchanges (Binance, Kraken, etc.) may require FBAR if accounts exceed $10,000. Crypto received as income (mining, staking, airdrops) is taxable. FEIE generally doesn’t apply to investment gains, only earned income. Many countries have crypto-friendly tax rules, but US taxes still apply. We ensure proper reporting and optimize foreign tax credits.

Can digital nomads qualify for FEIE?

Absolutely! Digital nomads traveling between Thailand, Portugal, Mexico, Spain, Bali, etc. can qualify using physical presence test (330 days outside US in any 12-month period). We track your travel, optimize your 12-month period selection, and document presence across multiple countries. Many remote workers and online business owners successfully exclude $126,500+ while maintaining nomadic lifestyle.

Do I need Form 5471 for my UK limited company?

Probably yes. Form 5471 is required if you own 10%+ of foreign corporation OR meet other ownership/transaction thresholds. UK Limited Companies, German GmbHs, Canadian Corporations, etc. all require 5471 reporting. Penalties for non-filing: minimum $10,000 per form per year. Additionally, you may owe US tax on deemed dividends (Subpart F, GILTI) even if company doesn’t distribute. We prepare Form 5471 and minimize global tax burden.

How do I terminate state tax residency?

Moving abroad doesn’t automatically end state tax obligations. California, Virginia, New Mexico, South Carolina are particularly aggressive. You must establish domicile change: get foreign driver’s license, register to vote abroad, close state bank accounts, sell state property, file final state return declaring non-residency. Some states require “safe harbor” rules (183+ days outside state). We prepare final state returns and advise on clean break strategies.

What's the difference between FBAR and Form 8938?

Both report foreign accounts but different thresholds and agencies. FBAR (FinCEN 114): $10,000 aggregate threshold, filed with Treasury, separate from tax return, due April 15. Form 8938 (FATCA): $200,000-$600,000 thresholds (higher for expats), filed with IRS as part of tax return, includes more asset types. Many expats must file BOTH. We determine your requirements and file all necessary forms.

Can I deduct foreign housing costs?

Yes, through foreign housing exclusion/deduction. You can exclude foreign housing costs exceeding base amount ($18,000 for 2024) from income, on top of FEIE. Includes rent, utilities (not phone/TV), parking, furniture rental. Max exclusion varies by location – higher in expensive cities like London, Dubai, Tokyo, Singapore. Self-employed use deduction instead. We maximize housing exclusion based on your specific location and costs.

What are PFIC rules for foreign mutual funds?

Yes, we prepare prior year returns for any year back to 2018, handle amended returns when errors are discovered, and assist with IRS payment plans for back taxes. Critical for businesses that missed filing deadlines, discovered errors, or changed entity types. Pricing: $400-800+ per year depending on complexity.

Do I qualify for bona fide residence test?

Bona fide residence requires being resident of foreign country for uninterrupted tax year, with intention to stay indefinitely. Factors: type of visa, home establishment, family location, community ties. Easier than physical presence (no day counting) but harder to prove. Common for long-term expats with work permits in UK, Germany, UAE, etc. vs digital nomads who use physical presence. We determine best option for your situation.

How does self-employment tax work for expats?

Self-employed expats (freelancers, consultants, business owners) pay 15.3% self-employment tax on net earnings, even while living abroad. FEIE doesn’t eliminate SE tax, only income tax. However, US has totalization agreements with 30 countries (UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) to avoid double social tax. If covered by foreign social system, often exempt from US SE tax with certificate of coverage. We optimize SE tax burden.

Can I contribute to IRA while living abroad?

Yes, if you have earned income. However, if you claim FEIE to exclude all earned income, you have zero “compensation” for IRA purposes – can’t contribute. Solution: use Foreign Tax Credit instead of FEIE, or only claim partial FEIE. Roth IRA income limits still apply. Traditional IRA deduction may be limited. For self-employed, SEP-IRA and Solo 401(k) available. We optimize retirement contributions for expats.

What happens if I renounce US citizenship?

Expatriation triggers exit tax if you’re “covered expatriate” (net worth $2M+, or avg annual tax $201,000+ over 5 years, or non-compliant with 5 years taxes/certifications). Exit tax treats all assets as sold (mark-to-market), with $866,000 exclusion (2024). Ongoing reporting of US-source income, inheritance restrictions. We advise on expatriation tax consequences and alternatives before you renounce. This is permanent and complex – seek professional advice.

Ready for Expert US Expat Tax Preparation?

Join 500+ Americans living abroad who trust OptimizeTax for complete expat tax filing with FEIE optimization, FBAR compliance, and international tax expertise. Whether you’re in London, Berlin, Dubai, Tokyo, or anywhere worldwide – we ensure full IRS compliance while minimizing your US tax burden.

Serving US expats in 50+ countries: UK, Germany, Canada, UAE, Australia, Japan, Spain, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Singapore, and worldwide.
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