What Information Does Greenback Need From Me to Prepare My U.S. Expat Tax Return?

For most U.S. expat tax returns, you’ll need a handful of universal documents, plus situation-specific items that the questionnaire surfaces based on your answers. The Greenback questionnaire walks you through exactly what’s needed for your situation, so you don’t have to guess up front.

The universal starting set:

• Personal information: Social Security Number, date of birth, current address, and citizenship status
• Income documents: W-2s, 1099s, foreign pay slips, self-employment records, and investment statements
• Foreign account details: Balances, institution names, and account numbers (needed if your accounts together top $10,000 at any point in the year, the FBAR threshold)
• Prior-year U.S. tax return: If you filed one (helps continuity and identifies carryforwards)
• Deduction support: Receipts or summaries for any deductions you plan to claim

Your accountant identifies the rest based on your situation: foreign business reporting documents, rental property records, Streamlined Filing certifications, dependent SSNs or ITINs, and so on. The questionnaire prompts you for each item at the right point, so you upload only what your return needs.

For the bigger picture on what expats file, see our U.S. expat taxes guide, or email your accountant directly once you’ve signed up.

If you’re not sure which documents apply to your situation, ask us through our contact form before you sign up.