US Expat Tax Services for Americans Abroad

Author: Randall Brody, Enrolled Agent | Licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury | Last Reviewed: July 2026

Key Takeaways

US citizens and green card holders must file a US tax return every year, regardless of where they live.
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) can significantly reduce or eliminate your US tax liability.
Tax Samaritan’s enrolled agents specialize exclusively in US expat taxes — we do not file domestic US returns.
You work with the same enrolled agent every year. No handoffs. No re-explaining your situation.
FBAR, FATCA, and foreign business reporting requirements apply to most Americans living abroad and carry significant penalties for non-compliance.
A free tax quote is available with no obligation.

The Tax Obligation That Follows You Abroad

The United States is one of only two countries in the world that tax their citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where they live. If you are a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) living outside the United States, you are required to file a US federal tax return every year — even if you live and work entirely in another country, even if you pay taxes in your country of residence, and even if you have never set foot on US soil in years.

This is not a technicality that can be ignored. The IRS has significantly expanded its international enforcement infrastructure in recent years, through FATCA reporting by foreign financial institutions, information exchange agreements with more than 100 countries, and increased scrutiny of Americans who have not been meeting their filing obligations.

The good news: the tax code contains powerful provisions specifically designed to prevent double taxation for Americans abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, the Foreign Tax Credit, foreign housing exclusions, and an extensive network of tax treaties can significantly reduce — or in many cases eliminate — your US tax liability. But claiming these benefits requires an enrolled agent who understands how they apply to your specific situation.

Is This Right for You?

Tax Samaritan’s expat tax services are designed for:

US citizens or green card holders living and working outside the United States
Americans who have not filed US tax returns for one or more years while abroad
Expats who have been filing their own returns and are uncertain whether they’ve claimed all available exclusions and credits
Americans abroad who have foreign financial accounts, foreign investments, or foreign business interests
Retirees who have moved abroad and are unsure of their US tax obligations
Dual citizens with US tax obligations in addition to the tax laws of their country of residence

What Tax Samaritan Handles for You

A Tax Samaritan expat tax engagement is comprehensive. We don’t simply prepare your Form 1040 — we review your entire tax picture to identify every exclusion, credit, deduction, and treaty benefit available to you.

Annual US Tax Return Preparation

We prepare your federal tax return with full application of all expat-specific provisions: the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), Foreign Housing Exclusion, and any applicable tax treaty benefits. We analyze your specific situation to determine which combination of these provisions produces the best outcome for you.

FBAR & Foreign Account Reporting

If you have foreign financial accounts, you likely have FBAR reporting obligations (FinCEN Form 114) and potentially FATCA obligations (Form 8938). Tax Samaritan handles both as part of your annual compliance, ensuring you meet every reporting deadline and avoid the severe penalties for non-compliance.

State Tax Analysis

Some US states continue to assert tax jurisdiction over residents who move abroad. We analyze your state tax obligations and, where appropriate, advise on steps to establish non-residency and eliminate ongoing state filing requirements.

Foreign Income and Asset Review

Foreign pensions, rental income, foreign mutual funds, and business interests all have specific US tax treatment — and in some cases, complex reporting requirements. We review your complete financial picture to ensure nothing is missed and no penalties are incurred.

Proactive Planning and Advice

Tax compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. Throughout the year, your enrolled agent is available to answer questions and provide guidance on decisions that affect your tax position — including employment changes, foreign investments, property purchases, retirement planning, and major life events.

Why Expats Choose Tax Samaritan

Same Enrolled Agent, Every Year

You will not explain your situation to a new preparer each year. From your first engagement, you work with a dedicated enrolled agent who learns your tax history, understands your financial goals, and applies that knowledge to every return. Consistency is not a feature — it is the core of how Tax Samaritan works.

Enrolled Agents, Not Just Preparers

Tax Samaritan’s professionals are Enrolled Agents — the highest credential awarded by the IRS. Enrolled Agents are licensed by the US Department of the Treasury and are authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS in audits, collections, and appeals. If the IRS ever questions your return, your Tax Samaritan enrolled agent can appear on your behalf.

Expat-Only Practice

Tax Samaritan does not file domestic US returns. Our entire practice is focused on the tax situations faced by Americans living and working outside the United States. This means our enrolled agents are not generalists who handle expat returns as a sideline — they are specialists who work in this area every day.

Audit Satisfaction Guarantee

According to IRS data, expats are audited at nearly six times the rate of domestic taxpayers. Tax Samaritan’s Audit Satisfaction Guarantee means that if you are audited on a return we prepared, we handle the audit process at no additional charge. You should never have to face the IRS alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most straightforward expat returns are completed within two to three weeks of receiving all required documents. Complex returns — those involving foreign business interests, multiple countries, or back filing — may take longer. Your enrolled agent will provide a timeline specific to your situation at the start of the engagement.

Yes. Expats who are behind on US tax filings may qualify for the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, which allow qualifying taxpayers to catch up without penalties. Tax Samaritan specializes in late filing situations and will determine the most appropriate compliance path for your circumstances.

The documents needed depend on your income sources, but typically include: prior year tax returns, W-2s or foreign income statements, records of any foreign financial accounts, foreign tax returns or tax payment records, and Social Security numbers for yourself and any dependents. Your enrolled agent will provide a complete document request checklist at the start of the engagement.

Yes, where required. Many expats have state filing obligations even after moving abroad, depending on their prior state of residence and the steps taken to establish non-residency. Tax Samaritan analyzes your state tax situation as part of the overall engagement.

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax professional authorized by the US Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. The EA credential requires passing a comprehensive three-part exam covering all aspects of the tax code, and EAs are subject to continuing education requirements. The EA credential is the highest credential the IRS awards to tax professionals.

Submit your information through our quote request form. An enrolled agent will review your situation — income sources, countries involved, foreign accounts, business interests — and provide a clear, upfront fee estimate with no obligation. There is no cost to get a quote, and you are under no obligation to proceed.

See more common questions about working with Tax Samaritan.

Work With an Enrolled Agent Who Specializes in Expat Taxes

Randall Brody is an Enrolled Agent licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Tax Samaritan’s team has more than 25 years of experience focused exclusively on US expat tax preparation and compliance — serving Americans in more than 193 countries.

Start with a free tax quote. Tell us about your situation and receive a clear, upfront fee estimate with no obligation.

Get My Free Tax Quote

What Our Expat Clients Are Saying

Tax Samaritan did a great job for my most recent tax year, efficient and on time. I have used two other companies online before but Randall’s personal touch and advise outshines all others. You won’t be disappointed if you engage with Tax Samaritan!

— David W

JALPAIGURI, INDIA

Tax Samaritan is excellent to work with. They worked through some complicated issues and have been professional all the way. I highly recommend them to anyone, especially expats. They understand how complicated it can be.

— Paul K

COLORADO, USA

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