Expat Tax Preparation
Why Expat Tax Preparation Matters
Living or working abroad comes with complex US tax obligations — and mistakes can be costly. From reporting worldwide income to FBAR and FATCA disclosures, foreign tax credits, and treaty considerations, expat filings require precision and a strategy-first approach.
At BlancPeak, we don’t just prepare returns. We review your global income, foreign accounts, and residency status to ensure accurate reporting, reduce double taxation, and maintain full compliance. The result: compliant filings, minimized risk, and a tax strategy that supports your life abroad with confidence.
What's Included
- U.S. federal expat tax filings (Form 1040 and required schedules)
- FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and FATCA reporting
- Foreign earned income and housing exclusions
- Foreign tax credit optimization
- Treaty-based guidance for income and investments
- Support for dual-status returns and expatriation cases
We Help With
- Double taxation exposure between the US and foreign jurisdictions
- FBAR and FATCA compliance for foreign accounts and assets
- Uncertainty around the foreign earned income exclusion and tax credits
- Missed or misunderstood global income reporting deadlines
- Complex tax treaty and residency rules
Explore More Tax Preparation Services
- Individual Tax — accurate filings and maximized deductions
- Corporate Tax — compliance and efficiency for corporations
- S-Corporation Tax — specialized support for S-corporations
- Partnership Tax — clear, compliant filings with accurate K-1s
- Estate & Trust Tax — filings that protect assets and meet IRS requirements
- State & Local Tax — expertise in multi-state and local filings
FAQs: Expat Tax Preparation
Expat tax compliance is complex. These FAQs cover US filing requirements for citizens abroad, FBAR and FATCA reporting, double taxation relief, missed filings, expatriation, and when CPA guidance matters to stay compliant year-round.
Do US citizens living abroad still need to file a US tax return?
Yes. US citizens and green card holders are required to report their worldwide income, regardless of where they live. Even if you pay taxes in your country of residence, a US return is still required. Tools such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) can often reduce or eliminate double taxation when applied correctly.
What is FBAR, and when do I need to file it?
FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) is required if the combined value of your foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year. This includes checking, savings, investment, and certain joint accounts. Missing an FBAR filing can trigger significant penalties — even when the omission is unintentional. Our CPAs ensure accurate tracking and timely filing.
How does FATCA reporting differ from FBAR?
FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) applies when foreign assets exceed specific thresholds, which vary based on filing status and residency. Unlike FBAR, FATCA is reported on IRS Form 8938 as part of your tax return. Many expats are required to file both. We coordinate FATCA and FBAR reporting to ensure compliance without duplication or gaps.
Can expats really avoid double taxation?
In many cases, yes. Through proper use of the Foreign Tax Credit, treaty provisions, and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, US expats can significantly reduce — or fully offset — double taxation. The key is correct classification, documentation, and timing. Without proper planning, expats often overpay or create reporting issues that surface later.
What if I haven’t filed US tax returns for several years while living abroad?
This is more common than many realize. The IRS offers programs such as the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, which allow eligible taxpayers to catch up on past filings while minimizing penalties. Our CPAs guide you through the process, assess eligibility, and handle filings end-to-end.
Do you also assist with expatriation (giving up US citizenship)?
Yes. Expatriation involves complex tax considerations, including potential exit tax exposure for certain individuals. We help evaluate whether expatriation makes sense, determine if the exit tax applies, and prepare the required filings to ensure the process is handled correctly and efficiently.
