Getting Started On Your Expat Tax Return
With the IRS officially opening the 2026 filing season and now accepting Tax Year 2025 returns, it’s easy to assume you still have plenty of time before your tax return is due. But filing season moves quickly, and the deadlines don’t change. Waiting until the last minute to get started on your tax return often leads to panic and unnecessary stress. And who needs that!!!
Getting Started On Your Tax Return – Avoid Tax Deadline Problems
I agree – getting started on your tax return is rarely fun unless you are eagerly anticipating a tax refund. But getting them done early can mean fewer headaches.
Tax returns for most taxpayers are due Wednesday, April 15, 2026. U.S. citizens and residents living abroad automatically receive a two-month extension to June 15, 2026, although any tax owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid interest.
It is very common to think, “Getting started on your return? I don’t need to get started on my return because I have three more months to work on it.” Well, here’s how to avoid that misconception and more reasons why you should be getting started with your tax return early:
8 Reasons to File Early for Expats
1. Tax professionals book up quickly as the deadline approaches
If you’re planning to have your return done by a tax professional, such as an Enrolled Agent, getting started on your tax return now and avoiding the tax deadline rush and the need for tax extensions is a great way to reduce stress and late filing penalties and interest. Schedules fill up fast, and the closer you get to the tax deadline, the less time they’ll have time to get to know you, your tax situation and prepare your return before the deadline.
2. Qualified tax professionals take time to find
If you don’t have a tax professional yet, don’t hire a preparer that prepares taxes as a side job. Start looking for someone that is an accredited tax professional that has made an investment in time and expertise to provide the most accurate and complete tax return – such as an Enrolled Agent or CPA. It is also important that the tax professional understands any tax issues that are unique to your situation. For example, if you live and work overseas, you want to hire a tax professional that is knowledgeable and experienced in the unique tax issues and rules for American taxpayers residing overseas instead of a friend of a friend that can help you with your taxes.
3. Preparing your own return leaves no room for mistakes
If you are preparing your own tax return, getting started on your tax return with tax software makes preparation a lot easier then what it was only a few years ago. However, you still need to understand what you’re doing and if you need help and don’t understand the tax laws you are on your own to get answers and have no recourse for any mistakes or errors made on your return. While it is a no-brainer that if you have a complex return that you need a tax professional to prepare your taxes, oftentimes a tax professional can save your money and lower your tax liability even if your return is easy and provide the assurance and confidence that your return is prepared and filed correctly.
4. Organizing your tax documents takes longer than you think
No matter who’s doing your return, you need to have your invoices, receipts, checkbook and ledger in good shape before getting started on your tax return. Locate and organize your tax information, including current year tax documents, such as W-2s, 1099s, etc. and prior-year tax returns for reference. Your selected tax professional will most likely provide you with a list of tax documents and information that will be needed for the preparation of your return once you are ready to get started with the preparation of your return.
5. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay your filing
By getting started on your tax return sooner, the better you can avoid scrambling to find or obtain missing paperwork. If there are errors with your tax documents, such as your W-2, you will need the extra time to get the corrected documents.
6. You won’t know if you’re getting a refund or owe taxes until you file
You may be due a refund, but you won’t know for sure until your return is prepared. Getting your refund sooner is always better than getting it later. If you owe taxes, you can always file your return and wait till April 15 to pay the tax due.
7. Early filing helps you maximize IRA tax deductions
By getting started on your tax return early, you’ll know whether you are eligible for a tax-deductible IRA contribution and then still have time to make the contribution, which will then further reduce your tax liability on your 2025 tax return.
8. Filing early gives you time to fix problems before the deadline
If you have your taxes prepared and file your tax return early and you find that there is a problem or surprise issue, you will have more time to fix it or find the information needed long before the filing deadline of April 15. Filing early gives you more time to solve problems or manage issues should they arise.
Getting Started On Your Tax Return Early
So, don’t put off preparing your tax return until the last minute. Now that the IRS is accepting returns for the current filing season, it’s in your best interest to get started as early as you can. An early start gives you more control, fewer surprises, and far less stress as deadlines approach. Getting ahead of it now can make the entire process feel a lot less taxing. Give it a try this year.
You can also request a no-charge, 30-minute consultation by requesting a quote for our services here:
