Clear Expat Tax

Catch-Up Filing & IRS Streamlined Procedures for Americans Abroad

Fallen behind on your U.S. tax returns? You’re not alone. Many Americans living overseas are surprised to discover they still have to file annual U.S. tax returns, even if they’ve lived abroad for years or pay tax in another country.

The good news is that, if your failure to file wasn’t deliberate, the IRS offers a way for many expatriates to catch up through the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures.

At Clear Expat Tax, we help Americans around the world become compliant with confidence, guiding you through every step.

Simple guidance
Fixed Fees
Peace of mind

If You've Missed Tax Returns, Don't Panic

Many Americans abroad simply didn’t realize they still had to file U.S. tax returns. Others assumed paying tax where they live meant they had nothing further to do. Fortunately, the IRS provides a pathway for many eligible taxpayers to catch up and become compliant. The most important step is taking action.

What's Included in the Streamlined Service?

Common Reasons People Fall Behind

Why choose Clear Expat Tax?

Specialists in U.S. taxes for life abroad. Focused on your peace of mind.

Clear Expat Tax - Specialists in U.S. taxes for Americans abroad.
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9M

Americans Living abroad

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100+

Countries represented

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10+

Years of expat experience

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100%

U.S. tax focused

What Are the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures?

The Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures allow many eligible taxpayers living outside the United States to catch up on missed tax obligations.
Typically this involves:
If additional international reporting forms are required – such as an FBAR, FATCA disclosure, state return, or business ownership form – we will explain what is needed and confirm any extra fees before starting that work.

Who May Qualify?

Many Americans abroad are concerned that they will pay tax twice: once in the country where they live and again in the United States. U.S. tax law provides mechanisms that can often reduce or eliminate double taxation.
We’ll review your circumstances before recommending the best approach.

What You Receive

Catch-Up Compliance

Preparation and filing of past due U.S. tax returns and FBARs.

Streamlined Protection

Protection from IRS penalties for eligible taxpayers.

Expert Guidance

Specialist support at every step of the process.

Peace of Mind

Confidence that you're tax compliant and up to date.

Our Simple Process

Clear Expat Tax US filing abroad step 1 - share your situation

Share your situation

Answer a few questions about your life and finances abroad.

Clear Expat Tax US filing abroad step 2 - we Prepare Your Return

We prepare your return

Our U.S. tax experts prepare your return and handle the calculation.

Clear Expat Tax US filing abroad step 3 -review and approve your tax return

Review and approve

You review your return and we make any updates before filing.

Clear Expat Tax US filing abroad step 4 - we efile with the IRS

We file for you

We e-file your return and provide year-round support.

Ready to Catch Up?

Ignoring missed tax returns rarely makes the problem disappear—but resolving them is often much simpler than people expect.

We’ll help you understand your obligations, determine whether the Streamlined Procedures are appropriate, and guide you through every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, U.S. citizens and Green Card holders living abroad must file a federal tax return if their worldwide income meets the filing thresholds, regardless of where they reside.

Sometimes, yes. However, you cannot claim both on the exact same dollar of income. We optimize the selection for your return to minimize your total tax liability.

You will provide details on your foreign income (W-2 equivalent or local payslips), bank accounts, housing expenses, and taxes paid to your host country.

Once we receive all requested documents, preparation typically takes 15 to 20 business days for standard expat returns.

If U.S. tax is owed, we will calculate the exact amount and provide clear instructions for secure online payment directly to the IRS.
Yes, all documents are uploaded and stored using bank-level 256-bit SSL encryption on our secure client portal.

Questions about your situation?

Talk to our U.S. expat tax specialists.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected with bank-level security.

100% Expat Focused

We specialise exclusively in U.S expat tax