US citizens and green card holders anywhere in the world
Yearly US Tax Package for Americans Abroad
Wherever you live, from Canada and Mexico to the UK, Europe, the UAE, Colombia, Australia, India and across Asia, your US filings come back every year. We look after them remotely, year after year, from one file that carries forward. We prepare your US returns, and Canadian T1 and T2 returns if you also file in Canada. In any other country, your local accountant keeps your local filings. Work is led by Gurleen Kaur, CPA licensed in British Columbia and Washington State.
Quick answer
What do Americans abroad file with the US each year?
Usually a Form 1040 reporting worldwide income, with credits or an exclusion to reduce double tax (IRS). Add an FBAR if your foreign accounts together were over US$10,000 at any time in the year (IRS), and Form 8938 if your foreign assets pass its thresholds (IRS). A company, local funds or a foreign trust or large gift can each add a form. A tax treaty generally does not remove the filing (IRS).
At a glance
- Form 1040
- Due April 15, with an automatic extension to June 15 if you live abroad; interest runs from April 15
- FBAR
- Over US$10,000 in total at any time; due April 15, automatic extension to October 15
- Form 8938
- Living abroad: over US$200,000 at year end or US$300,000 at any time, double if filing jointly
- Our fee
- A written scope and fixed quote, after we review your last returns
- Source
- IRS, Form 8938 instructions, checked November 2, 2026
What is included
Each year starts from last year's file, so we can spot what changed.
| Form | What it is for | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1040 | Your yearly return, with the foreign tax credit or foreign earned income exclusion | Exclusion vs credit |
| FBAR | Accounts outside the US, including accounts you have signature authority over | FBAR calculator |
| Form 8938 | Foreign financial assets above the thresholds | FBAR and FATCA |
Added when they apply
| Form | When | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Form 5471 | You own or control a foreign company | Form 5471 service |
| Form 8621 | You hold local mutual funds or ETFs treated as PFICs | How PFIC reporting works |
| Form 3520 | A large gift or inheritance, or a foreign trust | Form 3520 service |
Where our clients can live
We work with US citizens and green card holders anywhere in the world. Some places have their own pages: Americans in Canada, Americans in Europe, Americans in Dubai and the UAE, Americans in Colombia, Americans in Mexico and India-based people working with US startups.
We prepare US returns, and Canadian T1 and T2 returns for people who file in Canada. We do not prepare returns for other countries.
If you are behind
Many Americans abroad find out years late. See the Streamlined eligibility checker and behind on US filings. Catching up is scoped separately, and then the yearly package takes over.
What we need from you
- Your last US returns, if any
- Your local tax returns or assessments
- Year-end statements and highest balances for each account
- Details of any company, property, pension or trust
- Any IRS letters
Please do not send tax IDs or statements through the website form. If we work together, documents come in through our secure client portal.
How it works
- Send your request. Tell us where you live, what you earn and what you own, using the form below.
- Review and fixed quote. We review your last returns and give you a written scope and fee.
- Preparation and review. We prepare your forms and go through them with you remotely.
- Filing. Your forms are filed, and your file carries forward to next year.
Common questions
Which countries do you work with?
US citizens and green card holders anywhere in the world, remotely, for their US returns.
Do you prepare my local tax return?
No, apart from Canadian filings for Canadian residents where we already offer them. Your local accountant keeps your local filings, and we can coordinate with them.
Do I have to file if I owe no US tax?
Filing depends on your income and status, not on whether tax is due. Many Americans abroad owe little or no US tax after credits or the exclusion, but still have to file.
When is my US return due?
April 15, with an automatic extension to June 15 if you live abroad. Interest on any tax runs from April 15, and a further extension is possible on request.
I have not filed for years. Can I still start?
Yes, though catching up comes first. See our guides to the Streamlined procedures and to being behind on US filings.
How much does this cost?
We give a written scope and fixed quote after reviewing your last returns.
Sources
Every rule and figure on this page links to the IRS, CRA or other official source it comes from. Amounts change; we re-check them before each engagement.
- IRS: US citizens and residents abroad, filing requirements (reviewed September 28, 2026)
- IRS: Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
- IRS: Instructions for Form 8938
- IRS: Tax treaties (reviewed January 10, 2026)
Gurleen Kaur, CPA licensed in British Columbia and Washington State. Last updated November 2, 2026. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice for your situation.
Related guides: Americans in Europe, Americans in Canada, Exclusion vs credit, Form 5471 service.
Living abroad? Request a quote
Tell us your situation in a few lines. We confirm whether we can help, what records matter and the next step. Substantive advice begins under a paid diagnostic or signed engagement.
Prepared and signed by a licensed US CPA who can represent you before the IRS. Verify Gurleen Kaur's Washington licence (#41150) on CPAverify