When moving abroad, many Americans find themselves in unfamiliar territory when it comes to taxes. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a lifestyle change, your US tax obligations don’t go away, and in fact, they may become more complex. This is where a US expat tax accountant becomes a valuable partner.
One of the biggest surprises for Americans living overseas is that the United States is one of the few countries in the world that taxes based on citizenship rather than residency. This means that even if you live in another country full time, earn income abroad, and pay local taxes, you’re still required to file a US federal tax return every year.
US citizens must report their worldwide income, including:
This can create confusion for expats, especially when local and US tax systems don’t align. A US expat tax accountant understands both the US tax code and the additional forms and disclosures required for expats. They help ensure that you remain compliant while also taking advantage of exclusions, credits, and treaty provisions.
A major concern for Americans living abroad is double taxation, being taxed by both the US and their host country. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this, but they must be applied correctly. A US expat tax accountant can help you benefit from provisions such as:
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
This exclusion allows qualifying expats to exclude up to $126,500 (for tax year 2024) of foreign earned income. To qualify, you must pass either the Physical Presence Test (being outside the US for at least 330 full days in a 12-month period) or the Bona Fide Residence Test.
Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)
If you pay taxes to a foreign government, you may be able to claim those payments as a credit to reduce your US tax liability. This is especially useful for those who earn more than the FEIE limit or don’t qualify for the FEIE.
Totalization Agreements
If you’re paying into a foreign social security system, the US may have an agreement with your country of residence to prevent dual contributions to two systems. An expat tax accountant can determine if your country is covered under such an agreement.
Incorrectly applying these benefits can lead to underpayment or overpayment of taxes—or worse, audits and penalties. An experienced accountant will ensure they’re used properly and in the best order for your unique situation.
Filing as an expat often involves more than just a standard Form 1040. The IRS requires numerous international information returns that carry steep penalties if omitted or filled out incorrectly. These include:
FBAR (FinCEN Form 114)
If you have foreign financial accounts with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file an FBAR. This includes checking, savings, pension accounts, investment accounts, and even foreign life insurance policies with a cash value.
FATCA (Form 8938)
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), you may also need to report your foreign assets on Form 8938 if they exceed certain thresholds ($200,000 for single filers living abroad).
Form 8621 (PFIC)
If you own foreign mutual funds or other investments that qualify as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs), you may need to file Form 8621, which is one of the most complex forms in the IRS system.
Form 5471 and 8865
If you own a portion of a foreign corporation or partnership, you’re likely required to file these forms. Missing them can result in penalties starting at $10,000 per form.
A US expat tax accountant is familiar with these reporting rules and will make sure that you’re meeting your obligations. More importantly, they’ll ask the right questions to determine what applies to you and what doesn’t.
An expat tax accountant does more than just file your return—they help you plan strategically for your financial future. This includes:
Retirement Planning
Contributions to a US-based retirement plan like an IRA or 401(k) may be affected by your foreign income or residency status. Similarly, distributions from foreign pensions may have US tax consequences. Your accountant can help structure your retirement savings for both countries.
Real Estate and Rental Income
If you own property overseas, rental income must be reported on your US return. There are also capital gains implications when you sell. A tax professional can help you structure ownership and depreciation to minimize tax liability.
Foreign Inheritance or Gifts
Receiving or giving large sums of money across borders can trigger Form 3520 or gift tax issues. A US expat tax expert will help you report these correctly and avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties.
Transition Back to the US
If you plan to return to the US eventually, a professional can help you prepare for that transition by minimizing tax exposure and ensuring proper reporting during the move.
Living abroad doesn’t exempt you from US tax deadlines but it does add complexity. A qualified US expat tax accountant can help you understand which deadlines apply to you and make sure you never miss a critical filing date.
Here are the key dates to know:
An experienced expat tax professional ensures you don’t miss these important deadlines and takes care of requesting extensions when needed. This not only saves you time and stress but also reduces the risk of penalties from late filings. Whether you’re just moving abroad or have been overseas for years, your accountant will create a timeline tailored to your situation and keep you on track year-round.
Filing US taxes from abroad can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already adapting to a new country, culture, and lifestyle. Mistakes can be costly, not just in terms of overpaying taxes, but also in penalties for missing forms or filing late.
Here’s where a US expat tax accountant adds real value:
Given that the IRS can impose penalties of $10,000 or more per form for certain omissions, the cost of hiring a professional is often small compared to what you could lose by doing it yourself or using a preparer unfamiliar with expat tax rules.
Choosing the Right US Expat Tax Accountant
Not all accountants are experienced in expat taxation. Many US-based CPAs rarely deal with international filings, and even large tax software companies may not offer adequate support for Americans abroad. When selecting an expat tax accountant, look for someone who:
At Universal Tax Professionals, we’ve helped thousands of Americans living abroad file their US tax returns accurately and efficiently. Whether you’re newly relocated or have been living overseas for years, we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
What to Do If You Haven’t Filed While Living Abroad
Many Americans living overseas are surprised to learn they were supposed to continue filing US tax returns, even if they haven’t lived in the US for years. If you’ve fallen behind, don’t panic. The IRS offers amnesty programs like the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, which allow eligible expats to catch up on past returns and FBARs without facing penalties.
To qualify, you generally need to:
A US expat tax accountant can determine whether you qualify and prepare your filings correctly. This is a crucial step in becoming compliant without triggering unnecessary costs or legal issues. If you’re behind, the best time to get caught up is now, with expert help.
Moving abroad opens the door to new opportunities but it also brings new responsibilities, especially when it comes to your taxes. US tax laws for expats are anything but simple, and failing to comply can result in penalties, stress, and financial consequences. A US expat tax accountant serves as your expert guide, helping you stay compliant, avoid double taxation, and make informed financial decisions while abroad.
If you’re planning a move overseas or already living outside the US consider speaking with a professional who knows the ins and outs of expat tax requirements. A 15-minute tax consult could save you hours of confusion and potentially thousands in taxes or penalties.
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When asked to present screenshots for deals, you are able to do so and miss no more than 9x deals through the entirety of the agreement. This means that the work required to grow the network is being done consistently.
OVERVIEW
This website is operated by AnyExpat Ltd. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to AnyExpat Ltd. AnyExpat Ltd offers this website, including all information, tools and services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here.
By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink. These Terms of Service apply to all users of the site, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/ or contributors of content.
Please read these Terms of Service carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any services. If these Terms of Service are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Service.
Any new features or tools which are added to the current store shall also be subject to the Terms of Service. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to the website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.
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SECTION 1 – ONLINE STORE TERMS
By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site.
You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws).
You must not transmit any worms or viruses or any code of a destructive nature.
A breach or violation of any of the Terms will result in an immediate termination of your Services.
SECTION 2 – GENERAL CONDITIONS
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.
You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks.
You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the service is provided, without express written permission by us.
The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms.
SECTION 3 – ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS AND TIMELINESS OF INFORMATION
We are not responsible if information made available on this site is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk.
This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve the right to modify the contents of this site at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our site. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our site.
SECTION 4 – MODIFICATIONS TO THE SERVICE AND PRICES
Prices for our products are subject to change without notice.
We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time.
We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service.
A flat rate of 20% is due on all sales is retained by AnyExpat Ltd, this includes postage costs so price your items to consider this.
SECTION 5 – PRODUCTS OR SERVICES (if applicable)
Certain products or services may be available exclusively online through the website. These products or services may have limited quantities and are subject to return or exchange only according to our Return Policy.
We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the colors and images of our products that appear at the store. We cannot guarantee that your computer monitor’s display of any color will be accurate.
We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to limit the sales of our products or Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction. We may exercise this right on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to limit the quantities of any products or services that we offer. All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at anytime without notice, at the sole discretion of us. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. Any offer for any product or service made on this site is void where prohibited.
We do not warrant that the quality of any products, services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the Service will be corrected.
SECTION 6 – ACCURACY OF BILLING AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION
We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e-mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors.
You agree to provide current, complete and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made at our store. You agree to promptly update your account and other information, including your email address and credit card numbers and expiration dates, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed.
For more detail, please review our Returns Policy.
SECTION 7 – OPTIONAL TOOLS
We may provide you with access to third-party tools over which we neither monitor nor have any control nor input.
You acknowledge and agree that we provide access to such tools ”as is” and “as available” without any warranties, representations or conditions of any kind and without any endorsement. We shall have no liability whatsoever arising from or relating to your use of optional third-party tools.
Any use by you of optional tools offered through the site is entirely at your own risk and discretion and you should ensure that you are familiar with and approve of the terms on which tools are provided by the relevant third-party provider(s).
We may also, in the future, offer new services and/or features through the website (including, the release of new tools and resources). Such new features and/or services shall also be subject to these Terms of Service.
SECTION 8 – THIRD-PARTY LINKS
Certain content, products and services available via our Service may include materials from third-parties.
Third-party links on this site may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites, or for any other materials, products, or services of third-parties.
We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party’s policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you engage in any transaction. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the third-party.
SECTION 9 – USER COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS
If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, ‘comments’), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any comments that you forward to us. We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments.
We may, but have no obligation to, monitor, edit or remove content that we determine in our sole discretion are unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Service.
You agree that your comments will not violate any right of any third-party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, personality or other personal or proprietary right. You further agree that your comments will not contain libelous or otherwise unlawful, abusive or obscene material, or contain any computer virus or other malware that could in any way affect the operation of the Service or any related website. You may not use a false e-mail address, pretend to be someone other than yourself, or otherwise mislead us or third-parties as to the origin of any comments. You are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party.
SECTION 10 – PERSONAL INFORMATION
Your submission of personal information through the store is governed by our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy.
SECTION 11 – ERRORS, INACCURACIES AND OMISSIONS
Occasionally there may be information on our site or in the Service that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information in the Service or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order).
We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify information in the Service or on any related website, including without limitation, pricing information, except as required by law. No specified update or refresh date applied in the Service or on any related website, should be taken to indicate that all information in the Service or on any related website has been modified or updated.
SECTION 12 – PROHIBITED USES
In addition to other prohibitions as set forth in the Terms of Service, you are prohibited from using the site or its content:
(a) for any unlawful purpose; (b) to solicit others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (c) to violate any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (d) to infringe upon or violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (e) to harass, abuse, insult, harm, defame, slander, disparage, intimidate, or discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (f) to submit false or misleading information;
(g) to upload or transmit viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Service or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet; (h) to collect or track the personal information of others; (i) to spam, phish, pharm, pretext, spider, crawl, or scrape; (j) for any obscene or immoral purpose; or (k) to interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Service or any related website, other websites, or the Internet. We reserve the right to terminate your use of the Service or any related website for violating any of the prohibited uses.
SECTION 13 – DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free.
We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable.
You agree that from time to time we may remove the service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the service at any time, without notice to you.
You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products and services delivered to you through the service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement.
In no case shall AnyExpat Ltd, our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility.
Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.
SECTION 14 – INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless AnyExpat Ltd and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Service or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party.
SECTION 15 – SEVERABILITY
In the event that any provision of these Terms of Service is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms of Service, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions.
SECTION 16 – TERMINATION
The obligations and liabilities of the parties incurred prior to the termination date shall survive the termination of this agreement for all purposes.
These Terms of Service are effective unless and until terminated by either you or us. You may terminate these Terms of Service at any time by notifying us that you no longer wish to use our Services, or when you cease using our site.
If in our sole judgment you fail, or we suspect that you have failed, to comply with any term or provision of these Terms of Service, we also may terminate this agreement at any time without notice and you will remain liable for all amounts due up to and including the date of termination; and/or accordingly may deny you access to our Services (or any part thereof).
SECTION 17 – ENTIRE AGREEMENT
The failure of us to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
These Terms of Service and any policies or operating rules posted by us on this site or in respect to The Service constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between you and us and govern your use of the Service, superseding any prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and us (including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the Terms of Service).
Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms of Service shall not be construed against the drafting party.
SECTION 18 – GOVERNING LAW
These Terms of Service and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Clyde Offices, 2nd Floor, 48 West George Street, Glasgow, BFP, G21BP, United Kingdom.
SECTION 19 – CHANGES TO TERMS OF SERVICE
You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at this page.
We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following the posting of any changes to these Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes.
SECTION 20 – CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at [email protected].
