Annual U.S. Tax Filing for Americans Living Abroad
Expert U.S. tax return preparation for expats –
simple, accurate and stress-free.
Living overseas doesn’t end your U.S. tax obligations. Most U.S. citizens and Green Card holders must continue filing an annual U.S. tax return, regardless of where they live.
At Clear Expat Tax, we specialise exclusively in helping Americans abroad stay compliant with IRS requirements while making the process as straightforward as possible. Whether you’re working overseas, self-employed, retired, or raising a family abroad, we’ll prepare your return accurately and help you claim any available tax benefits.
At Clear Expat Tax, we specialise exclusively in helping Americans abroad stay compliant with IRS requirements while making the process as straightforward as possible. Whether you’re working overseas, self-employed, retired, or raising a family abroad, we’ll prepare your return accurately and help you claim any available tax benefits.
Fixed-fee pricing
Specialist advice
Secure online filing
Do I Need to File a U.S. Tax Return?
One of the biggest misconceptions among Americans living overseas is that moving abroad means you no longer have to file U.S. taxes.
In most cases, that is not correct. The United States generally taxes its citizens and Green Card holders based on citizenship or immigration status rather than residence. Even if you have not lived in the U.S. for years – or already pay tax in another country – you may still need to file an annual federal tax return.
Whether you ultimately owe U.S. tax depends on your circumstances, but filing may still be required. If you are unsure, we can help you identify the rules that apply to you.
In most cases, that is not correct. The United States generally taxes its citizens and Green Card holders based on citizenship or immigration status rather than residence. Even if you have not lived in the U.S. for years – or already pay tax in another country – you may still need to file an annual federal tax return.
Whether you ultimately owe U.S. tax depends on your circumstances, but filing may still be required. If you are unsure, we can help you identify the rules that apply to you.
What Is Included?
Our Annual U.S. Tax Filing service includes the core preparation and support needed by many American living overseas.
- Preparation of your federal U.S. income tax return
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) calculations where appropriate
- Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) calculations where appropriate
- Electronic filing with the IRS where available
- Secure online document portal
- Review by a U.S. expat tax specialist
- Email support throughout the preparation process
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.
Helping You Reduce Double Taxation
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.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
Eligible taxpayers may exclude a portion of qualifying foreign earned income from U.S. taxation if they meet the applicable residence or physical-presence requirements.
Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)
If you have paid eligible income tax to another country, you may be able to claim a credit that reduces your U.S. tax liability.
We will review your circumstances and apply the approach that is appropriate for your return. In some cases, more than one provision may be relevant, subject to U.S. tax rules.
Why choose Clear Expat Tax?
Specialists in U.S. taxes for life abroad. Focused on your peace of mind.
- 100% focused on U.S. expat tax
- Secure, confidential and encrypted platform
- Clear, upfront pricing – no surprises
- Year-round support from real experts
- Proven expertise in global tax filings
- Specialist guidance and reviews
9M
Americans Living abroad
100+
Countries represented
10+
Years of expat experience
100%
U.S. tax focused
Share your situation
Answer a few questions about your life and finaces abroad
We prepare your return
Our U.S. tax experts prepare your return and handle the calculation
Review and approve
You review your return and we make any updates before filing.
We file for you
We e-file your return and provide year-round support.
Ready to simplify your U.S. taxes?
Let our expat tax specialists take the stress out of filing so you can focus on living life abroad.
Who We Help
We assist Americans abroad at many stages of international life, including:
- Employees working overseas
- Digital nomads & remote workers
- Freelancers & consultants
- Small business owners
- Retirees
- Dual citizens
- Military contractors
- Families living abroad
Whether this is your first year overseas or you have been filing internationally for years, we can help make the process clearer and more manageable.
Forms included:
- Form 1040 or Form 1040X
- Foreign Tax Credit - Form 1116
- FEIE - Form 2555
- Schedule E - 1 rental property included
- Schedule C - 1 business included
- Schedile K-1 - up to 3 entities included
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.
Secure & Confidential
Your information is protected with bank-level security.
100% Expat Focused
We specialise exclusively in U.S expat tax