What Are the 2025 Tax Year Deadlines for American Expats? 

Written by Mike Wallace

MBA

Reviewed by Allen Pfeister

MBA, CPA

Mike Wallace

MBA

Mike Wallace, CEO at Greenback Expat Tax Services, has extensive experience in finance, operations, and strategic leadership. Mike has worked in numerous C-Level roles, including at large financial institutions. Mike holds a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business.

Allen Pfeister

MBA, CPA

Allen Pfeister is a Partner at Tax Uncomplicated, collaborating with Greenback Expat Tax Services and Klemsen Consulting. Allen holds an MBA from the University of New Orleans and a BS in Accounting and Finance from Louisiana State University.

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Updated on October 22, 2025

7 minute read

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Wallace, M. (2025, October 22). What Are the 2025 Tax Year Deadlines for American Expats? . GreenbackTaxServices.com. Retrieved , from https://www.greenbacktaxservices.com/knowledge-center/tax-deadlines-expats/

Nearly 5.5 million Americans live abroad, and here’s what you need to know about your tax deadlines. For your 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), you get an automatic extension to June 15, 2026. Most expats end up owing $0 when they file properly. 

For 2025, you can exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, and married couples filing jointly can exclude up to $260,000 if both spouses qualify. 

Whether you’re an expat planning for 2025, an entrepreneur mapping out quarterly payments, or a digital nomad who wants to stay organized, this guide covers every deadline that matters.

When Do I File My 2025 Tax Return? 

Your 2025 tax return covers income earned from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and will be filed in 2026. 

Key filing deadlines for the 2025 tax year: 

• April 15, 2026: Regular deadline and payment due date 
• June 15, 2026: Automatic expat extension (no forms required) 
• October 15, 2026: Extended deadline (only if you file Form 4868 before June 15, 2026) 
• December 15, 2026: Final extension (special circumstances only) 

Critical: Form 4868 must be filed before your applicable deadline (April 15 or June 15) to get the October extension. 

Important

Extensions apply to filing only, not paying. Any taxes owed must be paid by April 15, 2026, to avoid interest, even if you file later.

The IRS will begin accepting 2025 tax returns in late January 2026, giving you time to gather all necessary documents and forms. 

2025 Tax Year Deadline Calendar for U.S. Expats Filing in 2026

Individual Tax Return Deadlines (2025 Tax Year) 

Estimated Tax Payment Deadlines (2025 Tax Year) 

Business Tax Deadlines (2025 Tax Year) 

International Reporting Form Deadlines (2025 Tax Year) 

Forms Filed With Your Tax Return 

Separately Filed Forms 

Why Do I Have To Pay U.S. Taxes If I Live Abroad?

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Will I Owe Taxes on My 2025 Income? 

Most expats owe little to nothing when they file properly. Here’s why: 

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)

• Exclusion amount: Up to $130,000 per person ($260,000 for married couples if both qualify) 
• Perfect for: Expats in low-tax countries or earning under the exclusion limit 
• Requirements: Pass either the Physical Presence Test (330 days abroad) or the Bona Fide Residence Test 
• Example: David earns $120,000 working in Thailand in 2025. He uses FEIE to exclude the entire amount, owing $0 in U.S. taxes. 

Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)

• Benefit: Dollar-for-dollar credit for foreign taxes paid 
• Perfect for: Expats in high-tax countries like Germany, France, or Canada 
• Example: Lisa (living in Toronto, Canada) pays $40,000 in Canadian taxes on $130,000 income in 2025. Her FTC eliminates her $28,000 U.S. tax liability, with $12,000 carrying forward. 

Strategic tip: Many expats combine FEIE for earned income with FTC for passive income or amounts above the exclusion. (Not on the same income)

Do I Need to Make Quarterly Payments? 

If you expect to owe more than $1,000 when you file your 2025 return, you should make quarterly payments. 

Who Typically Needs Quarterly Payments: 

• Self-employed expats and digital nomads 
• Expats with significant investment income 
• Those whose foreign employers don’t withhold U.S. taxes 
• Freelancers and independent contractors abroad 

Safe Harbor Rules (Avoid Penalties): 

Pay the smaller of: 

• 90% of your 2025 tax liability, OR 
• 100% of your 2024 tax liability (110% if 2024 AGI exceeded $150,000) 

2025 Quarterly Payment Schedule 

Don’t forget: If you owe 2024 Q3 estimated taxes, they’re due September 15, 2025. 

FBAR and International Account Reporting 

FBAR Requirements 

• Required if: Your foreign accounts exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2025 
• Filing deadline: April 15, 2026 (automatic extension to October 15, 2026) 
• Filed separately: Through FinCEN BSA E-Filing System, not with your tax return 
• Penalties: Start at $12,500 for non-willful violations 

Learn more: FBAR guide 

FATCA (Form 8938) Requirements 

Required if your 2025 foreign assets exceed: 

• Single filers: $200,000 year-end OR $300,000 any time during the year 
• Married filing jointly: $400,000 year-end OR $600,000 any time during the year 

Filed with: Your 2025 tax return 

Key Forms for 2025 Tax Year 

Essential Individual Forms 

• Form 1040: Standard individual tax return 
• Form 2555: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion 
• Form 1116: Foreign Tax Credit 
• Form 8938: FATCA reporting for foreign assets 

Business Forms (If Applicable) 

• Form 1120S: S Corporation return 
• Form 1065: Partnership return 
• Form 1120: C Corporation return 
• Schedule C: Sole proprietorship (filed with Form 1040) 

International Compliance Forms 

• FinCEN Form 114: FBAR (foreign bank accounts) 
• Form 5471: Foreign corporation ownership 
• Form 8865: Foreign partnership interests 
• Form 3520: Foreign trust transactions 

Retirement Account Deadlines for 2025 Tax Year 

Contribution Deadlines (2025 Tax Year) 

Important

If you exclude all your income with FEIE, you may not be eligible for IRA contributions. Consider the Foreign Tax Credit instead.

Planning Your 2026 Tax Strategy 

Start Now Actions: 

1. Track your days abroad for the Physical Presence Test 
2. Keep records of foreign taxes paid for the Foreign Tax Credit 
3. Monitor foreign account balances for FBAR requirements 
4. Set up quarterly payment reminders if self-employed 
5. Organize documents throughout the year 

Document Organization System: 

• Income records: W-2s, 1099s, foreign pay stubs 
• Foreign tax documents: Tax returns filed in other countries 
• Banking records: Foreign account statements, maximum balances 
• Business expenses: If self-employed abroad 
• Moving expenses: If you relocated during 2025 

Get Started on Your 2026 Tax Planning 

No matter how complex your expat situation may be, we can help you plan ahead and file correctly. You’ll have peace of mind, knowing that your taxes were done right. 

Contact us, and one of our customer champions will gladly help. If you need precise advice on your specific tax situation, you can also click below to get a consultation with one of our expat tax experts.

Don’t just guess. Get the best advice from one of our expat expert CPAs and EAs.

Whether you need tax advice to prepare for a move abroad, to buy property or even retire, Greenback can help. Consults upfront can help avoid costly mistakes and stress later.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. You should consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.