Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everything you need to know about expat taxes, filing requirements, and how we can help.
Why Should I Hire Accuprotaxsolutions Instead of a US-Based CPA?
While many US-based CPAs are excellent at domestic tax preparation, expat taxation is a completely different world. The IRS has unique requirements, forms, and strategies for Americans living abroad, and even experienced CPAs may not know the ins and outs of these rules.
That’s where we come in.
We specialize exclusively in US expat taxes. Our team of IRS Enrolled Agents and CPAs focuses solely on helping Americans abroad stay compliant while minimizing their tax liability.
Here’s why expats choose us:
● Avoid costly mistakes: We fix many returns each year that were incorrectly
prepared by US CPAs unfamiliar with FEIE, FTC, and FBAR rules.
● Maximize your savings: We know how to legally minimize your US tax liability.
● Secure & simple process: 100% online with a streamlined document upload
system.
● No outsourcing: Your return is handled directly by your assigned tax professional.
With clients in over 100 countries, we know how to get it right so you can move forward
confidently.
My Taxes Are a Mess After Moving Home, Can You Help?
Absolutely. We have deep experience helping Americans who just returned to the US after
years abroad.
We’ll help you:
- Catch up on back tax returns, FBARs, and FATCA reporting.
- Handle income from multiple countries
- Confirm FEIE or FTC eligibility for prior years
- Get ready for your first return back home
Even if your tax situation spans multiple countries and years, we can untangle it all and get
you compliant quickly.
What Information Do You Need from Me to Prepare My Return?
Our secure online platform will walk you through a short questionnaire and prompt you to
upload your documents.
What you’ll provide:
● Last year’s US tax return (if available)
● Wage statements (W-2, pay slips, etc.)
● Foreign and US income records
● Bank interest/dividends, capital gains
● Proof of foreign taxes paid
● Travel records (for FEIE qualification)
What we’ll handle:
● All calculations, currency conversions, and forms
● Checking for credits, deductions, and exclusions
● Preparing and filing your return accurately and on time
We make it stress-free from start to finish.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare My Return?
Once you’ve submitted all your documents and questionnaire, your draft return is typically ready within 5–10 business days.
Need it sooner? Let us know, we often accommodate expedited filings, especially during
non-peak months.
I Don’t Have Standard Income Records. Can You Still File My Return?
Yes, we can. Many expats, especially those working in countries without formal tax
Systems don’t receive W-2s or 1099s.
In that case, we’ll use alternative documentation like:
● Employer confirmation letter
● Bank statements showing regular salary deposits
● Income summaries or self-reported earnings
Our accountants are trained to file accurate returns even without standard paperwork.
Can You Handle My UK Tax Return Too?
Yes, through our trusted UK Chartered Accountant partner.
We coordinate with them directly, so you only upload your documents once, and both sides (US and UK) stay aligned.
If you only need UK help, we’ll connect you directly.
Can You Help Me Renounce My US Citizenship?
Yes, we can guide you through the tax filing requirements tied to renunciation.
That includes:
- 5 years of US returns
- 5 years of FBARs
- Your final expatriation return
- Form 8854 certification
We’ll make sure you’re fully compliant before your consular appointment.
What Documents Should I Gather Before Filing?
● Prior year tax return
● All income records (US & foreign)
● Proof of taxes paid abroad
● Bank statements & investment income
● Travel logs for FEIE qualification
● Residency documentation
When in doubt, upload it, we’ll review and decide what’s needed.
What If My Foreign Bank Balance Exceeds $10,000?
You must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if your combined foreign account balances ever exceed $10,000 at any time during the year.
We’ll prepare and e-file it for you alongside your return, so you stay fully compliant and penalty-free.
What Is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)?
The FEIE allows you to exclude a portion of your foreign earned income (up to $126,500 for 2024) from US taxation if you:
● Have a foreign tax home, and
● Meet either the Bona Fide Residence or Physical Presence test.
We’ll determine if you qualify and file Form 2555 for you.
Do I Pay Double Tax If I’m Taxed Abroad?
Usually not. You can claim the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) for income taxes paid to another country, reducing or even eliminating your US tax liability.
Do I Need to File If My Income Is Below the FEIE Limit?
Yes, you must still file to claim the exclusion via Form 2555.
You can’t automatically skip filing just because your income is under the FEIE amount.
What Is an FBAR and Which Accounts Are Included?
The FBAR reports your foreign financial accounts if their total value exceeded $10,000 at
any point.
This includes:
● Bank accounts
● Brokerage accounts
● Foreign pensions
● Joint or signature authority accounts
How Long Should I Keep My Tax Records?
Keep all returns and supporting documents for at least 7 years.
The IRS can audit returns up to:
● 3 years normally
● 6 years for large underreporting
● Indefinitely for fraud or failure to file
My Spouse Isn’t a US Citizen. Do You Need Their Information?
Yes, but only to determine your best filing status. We’ll help you decide whether it’s more beneficial to:
● File jointly (electing to treat your spouse as a US resident), or
● File separately.
What If I Don’t Have a US Bank Account for My Refund?
The IRS only sends electronic refunds to US-based accounts. If you don’t have one, your refund will arrive by check at the mailing address on your return.
Do Scholarships Count as Income?
Scholarships are tax-free only if used for tuition and required fees. Funds used for housing, travel, or stipends are taxable and must be reported.
Does My Employer’s Location Affect My US Taxes?
It depends:
● FEIE & FTC: Based on where you work, not where your employer is.
● Social Security taxes: If your employer is US-based, you likely still owe US FICA
taxes.
● Foreign employer: FICA taxes typically don’t apply unless there’s a totalization
agreement.
When Are US Expat Returns Due?
Most expats get an automatic extension to June 15. If you need more time, we’ll help you file Form 2350 for an additional extension.
Do You Help With Back Taxes or the Streamlined Filing Program?
Yes, we specialize in helping clients who haven’t filed in years. We’ll bring you back into compliance under the IRS Streamlined Filing Procedures with:
● 3 years of returns
● 6 years of FBARs
● A signed non-willfulness statement
