Why Should I Hire Greenback Instead of My U.S.-Based CPA for My Expat Taxes?

Greenback is a U.S.-based tax firm staffed by U.S.-credentialed CPAs and IRS Enrolled Agents. The choice isn’t Greenback versus a U.S. CPA; both prepare U.S. federal returns under the same IRS rules. The practical question is how often the CPA preparing your return works on expat filings.

Three reasons Greenback can be a strong fit when your situation has a cross-border layer:

• Hands-on experience with expat filings: Many generalist CPAs prepare only a few expat returns a year and may overlook the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, Foreign Tax Credit, FBAR thresholds, FATCA disclosures, or foreign business reporting (Form 5471, 8865, 8858). Greenback has filed over 71,000 expat tax returns across more than 190 countries since 2009, so cross-border situations are familiar territory.
• Time-zone-friendly model: If your CPA is on US time and you’re in Singapore, a simple question can sit unanswered for days. Greenback works through a secure portal with accountants available across 14 time zones, so document hand-offs and follow-up questions don’t stall while you wait for business hours back home.
• Flat-fee transparency: A CPA unfamiliar with expat returns often bills hourly, making the cost unpredictable when foreign income, treaty positions, or additional forms come into play. Greenback uses a flat fee for every service, so the cost is set before any work begins.

Not sure whether your accountant should be a CPA or an Enrolled Agent? Both credentials qualify someone to prepare U.S. expat returns — here’s how they differ.

If you’ve been working with a CPA who doesn’t see expat returns regularly and want to switch mid-season, Greenback can take that on. Get an instant quote before you commit to anything.