What if you earn money or hold assets overseas? You’ll probably have a stack of extra forms on top of that.
Add in time zone differences, multiple currencies, and local tax rules, and suddenly, US tax season feels much less straightforward.
That’s where Taxes for Expats (TFX) comes in. For over 20 years, they’ve specialized in helping Americans abroad understand their IRS obligations, including which forms are needed, how to avoid paying tax twice, and when special reporting rules like FBAR or FATCA apply.
In this review, we’ll examine the challenges that expats face and how TFX addresses them with expert advisors, a clear process, and tools that reduce paperwork so you can enjoy life overseas.
The hidden obstacles of expat tax filing
The reality is that if you’re a US citizen, you must file Form 1040 every year, regardless of where you live. And that’s just the starting point.
To avoid being taxed twice, most expats must choose between two main strategies:
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) lets you exclude a certain amount of foreign income, and the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116), which gives you credit for taxes paid to another country.
The Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) gives you credit for taxes paid to another country.
Choose the wrong one—or switch without knowing the rules—and you could miss out on significant savings.
Then there are the disclosure forms. If your foreign bank accounts ever exceeded $10,000 in a year, you likely need to file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). Do you have overseas assets above IRS limits? That’s FATCA (Form 8938). Both forms carry hefty penalties if missed, even by accident.
Deadlines can be tricky, too. Expats have until June 15 to file, but taxes owed are still due by April 15, and interest accrues immediately. On top of that, some states expect a return if you maintain ties such as a driver's license, property, or voter registration.
Finally, you have to juggle US rules with your host country’s tax calendar, currency, and treaty terms. Doable? Yes. Easy without expat-specific help? Not usually.
Inside the Taxes for Expats approach
What sets them apart
TFX is not a general accounting firm that "also" handles expat taxes. They exclusively work with Americans living overseas. This focus means their advisors have seen it all: tax treaties in action, dual-status returns, and income from multiple countries.
Every return is handled by experienced professionals who are credentialed as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents, or tax attorneys. Nothing goes out the door without a second review from a senior expert. This second review helps catch errors and uncover opportunities to save.
Pricing is clear from the start. There's no ticking clock or surprise invoices. You'll see flat rates like these:
| Service | What’s Included | Flat Fee (USD) |
| Federal Tax Return | Form 1040 + expat forms 2555 & 1116 | $450 |
| FBAR Filing | FinCEN Form 114 | $85 |
| FATCA Filing | Form 8938 | $100 |
| State Tax Return | Per state | $160 |
| Streamlined Filing Package | 3 years returns + 6 years FBARs | $1,450 |
| Form 5471 | Foreign business ownership | $625 |
They cover more than just the basics. Think FBAR/FATCA compliance, help for late filers
through Streamlined Filing, support for IRS audits, and year-round planning for moves, income changes, and overseas investments.
The human + tech combo
TFX has a process designed for expat life. Here’s how it works:
Custom onboarding: You start with a short intake form. Then you get a personalized checklist, so you know exactly what to send (and what you can skip).
Dedicated advisor: One person guides you from start to finish. No getting bounced between departments.
Smart tools: Their portal is secure, encrypted, and works anywhere. You can upload docs, message your advisor, and track progress—without printing or mailing a thing.
TQ pre-fill: If you upload last year’s Form 1040, their system can pull key details straight into your Tax Questionnaire. You can edit anything, but it saves you from retyping the same info over and over. This works whether you’re brand-new to TFX or just didn’t file with them last year.
The combination of human expertise and time-saving technology keeps things moving, minimizes mistakes, and lets you focus on your life abroad instead of tax forms.
From document upload to IRS approval — the Taxes for Expats process
TFX has simplified the expat tax process, so you won't get stuck in endless email chains or be left wondering what's next. Here’s the process:
1. Account setup and intake: Create your secure account. Fill out a short questionnaire about where you live, how you earn income, and any special tax situations.
2. Custom checklist: Forget the “send everything” approach. You get a personalized list of exactly which documents to upload.
3. Advisor assignment: You’re paired with a CPA, EA, or JD who specializes in expat tax rules.
4. Preparation and dual review: Your advisor prepares your return. Then, a senior reviewer combs through it to ensure its accuracy and optimization.
5. Client review: See the draft in your portal. Ask questions. Request changes. Approve it when you’re ready.
6. Filing and follow-up: TFX sends your return to the IRS and stores a copy in your account. TFX is also available for any follow-up or planning.
Who gets the most out of TFX?
TFX isn’t for everyone. It’s designed for US citizens and green card holders living abroad who need specialized assistance, not just generic tax services. You’ll likely get the most value if you:
• Are you filing from abroad for the first time and want to avoid rookie mistakes.
• Have income coming from more than one country.
• Are behind on returns and want to use the IRS Streamlined program to catch up.
• Still have ties to a US state (e.g., property, driver's license, or voter registration).
• Hold foreign accounts or assets that require you to file an FBAR or FATCA form.
• Do you need clarity on tax treaties or have dual-citizenship complications?
If your situation is very simple—one W-2 and no foreign accounts—you might not need TFX's full range of services. However, for most expats, especially those navigating multiple tax systems, TFX's narrow focus on expat issues translates to fewer mistakes, less stress, and more time in your day.
Final word
Filing US taxes from overseas is rarely simple. You have to deal with different time zones, foreign paperwork, and IRS rules that apply everywhere.
TFX bridges that gap. Their combination of experienced human advisors and intelligent technology tools streamlines the process, making it faster and less stressful. Add transparent flat-fee pricing, year-round availability, and the ability to handle everything from simple annual returns to multi-year cleanups, and you have a service built for real life abroad.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a retiree, or someone sorting through years of missed filings, TFX delivers more than just tax preparation. For many clients, TFX provides peace of mind—and that’s invaluable when you’re living half a world away from the IRS.
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