Expat Taxation

TAX PREPARATION FOR U.S. CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD

U.S. returns for Americans overseas — including the exclusions, credits, and foreign account reports that keep you from paying tax twice.

The United States taxes its citizens and green card holders on worldwide income, wherever they live. Moving abroad doesn’t end your U.S. filing requirement; it adds to it. At Victoria Bogdanovich CPA, we prepare U.S. returns for Americans living and working overseas, coordinated with the tax you already pay in your country of residence.

Who this is for

• U.S. citizens and green card holders working abroad for a foreign or U.S. employer
• Americans who are self-employed or own a business overseas
• Retirees living abroad with U.S. and foreign pensions
• Families with a non-U.S. spouse
• Expats who are behind on U.S. filings

What we handle

• Foreign earned income exclusion (Form 2555) — including the foreign housing exclusion, and whether you qualify under the physical presence or bona fide residence test
• Foreign tax credit (Form 1116) — often better than the exclusion when you live in a higher-tax country
• FBAR and Form 8938 — reporting of foreign bank, investment, and pension accounts
• Foreign pensions and investment funds — including funds treated as PFICs
• Self-employment tax — and whether a totalization agreement removes it
• Filing status with a non-U.S. spouse — including the election to file jointly
• U.S. state ties — whether your last state still expects a return

Common mistakes we see

Assuming no return is needed because no tax is owed. The exclusion and credits only apply if you file and claim them.

Choosing the exclusion when the credit is better. The wrong choice can cost you, and some elections are hard to undo.

Forgetting foreign accounts. Local bank, savings, and pension accounts usually need to be reported, even when they’re ordinary where you live.

Buying local mutual funds. Funds that are normal abroad can be taxed harshly in the U.S. as PFICs.

Deadlines

Americans living abroad get an automatic extension to June 15 to file, and can request an extension to October 15. Interest on any tax owed still runs from April 15. The FBAR is due April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15.

How it works

1. Check your fit — about 1 minute. Answer a few questions and see your starting fee.
2. Create your client portal account and complete our Client Application.
3. Meet with us — free Tax Discovery Zoom meeting. Upload your last two years of returns at least 24 hours before the meeting so we can discuss an estimated fee range on the call.
4. Receive your engagement package with your estimated fee and scope of work. Work begins once you sign.

Starting price

Personal return with foreign accounts or foreign income: starting at $3,500.

Foreign businesses, several countries, PFICs, and late filings are quoted after we review your last two years of returns. Your engagement package sets out your estimated fee and what it covers. Work outside that scope is billed separately.

See your starting fee

Frequently asked questions

I haven’t filed since I moved abroad. What now?
There are IRS procedures for expats who didn’t know they had to file that can reduce or remove penalties. The right path depends on your history, so these cases start with a paid Initial Consultation.

Can you work with me if I’m in a different time zone?
Yes. Our process runs through a secure client portal and Zoom, so you can work with us from anywhere.

Do I need to file a state return?
Sometimes. Some states continue to treat you as a resident after you move abroad unless you clearly cut ties. We review your situation each year.

My spouse isn’t a U.S. citizen. Can we file jointly?
Possibly, by election — but that brings your spouse’s worldwide income into the U.S. return. We compare the options before you decide.

See also Foreign Assets & International Tax Reporting.

Ready to see where you fit? Take the 1-minute fit check or see our pricing and how it works.