US Expat Tax Preparation Costs: Complete Guide for Americans Abroad 

Worried about what professional expat tax preparation will cost you? According to the National Society of Accountants, the average CPA charges $180 per hour for tax preparation, but expat taxes often take 15- 20+ hours to complete, meaning costs can easily exceed $3,000. 

The good news is that transparent, flat-fee pricing is available when you know what affects your costs and which forms your situation requires. 

In this guide, you’ll learn: 

• What factors affect expat tax preparation costs 
• How different situations impact pricing 
• Why flat fees save you money vs. hourly billing 
• How to get an accurate cost estimate for your situation 

Ready to see your exact costs? Use our Tax Preparation Cost Calculator for a personalized estimate in 2 minutes. 

Expat Tax Preparation Costs Explained 

Professional expat tax preparation costs vary significantly based on complexity, preparation method, and the expertise of your tax preparer. Here’s what you need to know: 

Why Expat Taxes Cost More Than Domestic Returns 

• Time complexity: Expat returns typically require 15-20+ hours vs. 8-11 hours for domestic returns  
• Additional forms: FBAR, FATCA, Form 5471, and international tax treaties  
• Specialized knowledge: Not all CPAs understand expat tax rules and exclusions  
• Currency conversions: Requires IRS-approved exchange rates and detailed calculations 

Common Expat Tax Situations 

Simple Expat Employee 

• Situation: W-2 income, basic foreign bank accounts 
• Forms needed: 1040, Form 2555 (FEIE), possibly FBAR 
• Industry standard hourly rates: $2,700-$3,600 (15-20 hours × $180/hour) 

Business Owner Abroad 

• Situation: Self-employed or foreign business ownership 
• Forms needed: 1040, Form 2555, Form 5471, FBAR, possibly FATCA 
• Industry standard hourly rates: $4,500-$7,200+ (25-40 hours × $180/hour) 

High Net Worth/Complex Assets 

• Situation: Significant foreign assets, multiple income sources 
• Forms needed: Full range, including advanced reporting 
• Industry standard hourly rates: $7,200+ (40+ hours × $180/hour) 

Multiple Years Behind 

• Situation: Catching up on unfiled returns 
• Industry standard hourly rates: $10,000+ for individual year-by-year preparation 
• Greenback advantage: Streamlined Filing programs with bundled pricing 

Why Flat-Fee Pricing Benefits Expats 

Problems with Hourly Billing 

• Unpredictable costs: Bills can spiral from $1,500 to $5,000+, depending on complexity  
• Incentive misalignment: More hours = higher fees, creating potential conflicts  
• Rushed service: Pressure to complete quickly can compromise accuracy  
• Hidden extras: Phone calls, emails, and questions are often billed separately 

Advantages of Transparent Flat Fees 

• Cost certainty: Know your exact fee before work begins  
• Aligned incentives: Preparers focus on accuracy, not billable hours 
• Better service: No penalty for asking questions or requesting clarification  
• Comprehensive packages: Most services are bundled together, not charged separately 

Learn more about our complete expat tax services and transparent pricing structure. 

How to Estimate Your Costs 

The most accurate way to understand your tax preparation costs is to use a pricing calculator that analyzes your situation. This approach considers: 

• Your employment status (employee, self-employed, business owner) 
• Foreign asset levels and reporting requirements 
• Number of years that need filing 
• Complexity of your international income sources 
• State tax obligations from your former US residence 

Get your personalized cost estimate: Use our Tax Preparation Cost Calculator to see exactly what your situation will cost with transparent, flat-fee pricing. 

What Professional Expat Tax Preparation Should Include 

When evaluating costs, ensure your tax preparation service includes these essential elements: 

Expert-Level Preparation 

• CPAs or Enrolled Agents with expat specialization (not general practitioners) 
• Quality review process for accuracy 
• Direct access to your preparer (no call centers) 

Comprehensive Service 

• All necessary forms and schedules for your situation 
• Filing with the IRS and applicable states 
• Support throughout the tax season 
• Guarantee backing the quality of work 

Transparent Pricing Structure 

• Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees 
• Payment will only be made after you review the completed work 
• No hourly billing that can spiral out of control 

Since Greenback was founded in 2009 by US expats for expats, we know the importance of transparent pricing and expert service. Our comprehensive approach has helped over 23,000 expats file over 71,000 returns while maintaining a 4.9-star average on TrustPilot. 

Learn more about our complete expat tax services and transparent pricing structure. 

Your Exact Costs: Get a Personalized Estimate 

The Importance of Accurate Cost Estimation 

Rather than wondering about potential costs, the most effective approach is getting a personalized estimate based on your circumstances. This helps you: 

• Budget accurately for tax preparation expenses 
• Compare options between different service providers 
• Avoid surprise fees that can derail your financial planning 
• Plan for future tax seasons 

Getting Your Personalized Estimate 

The quickest and most accurate way to determine your expat tax preparation costs is through a specialized calculator designed for Americans abroad. This tool analyzes your unique situation, including: 

• Employment status and income sources 
• Foreign asset holdings and reporting requirements 
• Number of years requiring preparation 
• State tax obligations 
• Business ownership complexity 

Ready to see your exact costs? Our Tax Preparation Cost Calculator provides a personalized estimate based on your specific expat situation in just 2 minutes. 

Common Questions About Expat Tax Preparation Costs 

How much should I expect to pay for professional expat tax preparation?  

Costs vary significantly based on complexity. Simple employee situations might cost $500-800 with flat-fee providers, while complex business ownership situations could cost $3,000-7,000+ with hourly billing. Use a pricing calculator for accurate estimates based on your specific situation. 

Why do expat taxes cost more than domestic tax preparation?  

Expat returns require specialized knowledge of international tax law, additional forms (FBAR, FATCA, Form 5471), currency conversions, and often take 15- 20+ hours vs. 8-11 hours for domestic returns. 

Should I choose hourly billing or flat-fee pricing?  

Flat-fee pricing provides cost certainty and aligns your interests with your preparer’s. Hourly billing can lead to unpredictable costs and potential conflicts when your tax situation is complex. 

When do I pay for tax preparation services?  

Reputable providers typically require payment only after you review your completed return, not upfront. This protects you and ensures quality work. 

What’s included in professional expat tax preparation?  

Comprehensive service should include all necessary forms, expert preparation by CPAs/EAs, filing with relevant authorities, ongoing support, and quality guarantees. 

Next Steps: Understanding Your Costs 

Don’t let uncertainty about costs prevent you from getting professional help with your expat taxes. The investment in expert preparation often pays for itself through: 

• Time savings: Weeks of your personal time 
• Accuracy: Reduced audit risk and proper compliance 
• Optimization: Maximum use of expat tax benefits and exclusions 
• Peace of mind: Confidence that your taxes are handled correctly 

Ready to see exactly what your expat tax preparation will cost? Get your personalized estimate using our Tax Preparation Cost Calculator. 

Have questions about the process or costs? Contact us, and one of our Customer Champions will gladly help explain your options. 

No matter how complex your expat tax situation, professional preparation with transparent pricing can provide the certainty and peace of mind you need. 

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Disclaimer: Pricing estimates based on typical situations; some are more complex than others, so prices may vary based on the complexity of your individual situation. Final pricing will be confirmed before your tax preparation begins.