Your Business Is Global. Your U.S. Tax Filing Shouldn’t Be a Burden.

Whether you freelance, consult, or run a small business overseas, U.S. tax rules still apply. We streamline everything from self-employment tax to foreign income reporting and help you choose the right strategy to reduce what you owe.

We See Your Situation Clearly.

If you’re self-employed overseas, your financial world is more complex than most Americans realize. These are common situations we see among self-employed expats:
  • You work for yourself consulting, freelancing, or running your own business abroad.

    Navigating U.S. tax rules without an employer handling withholding feels overwhelming and confusing.

  • Without a W-2 or employer withholding, you’re responsible for everything.

    You track income, understand deductions, calculate self-employment tax, and figure out what you actually owe on your own.

  • Self-employment tax feels unexpectedly high and you’re unsure which strategies apply abroad.

    The 15.3% SE tax on top of income tax is a shock, and you don’t know if FEIE helps reduce it.

  • Quarterly estimated tax payments sneak up on you.

    When income fluctuates or comes from multiple countries, calculating and paying estimated taxes on time feels impossible to manage.

  • You want to take legitimate business deductions but the rules feel different abroad.

    Home office, equipment, software, travel – you’re not sure what qualifies or how to document expenses when living overseas.

  • You earn money in different currencies using platforms like Wise, PayPal, or Revolut.

    You have foreign bank accounts and aren’t sure what must be reported beyond your basic tax return.

Start your U.S. expat tax return today.

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When you run your own business overseas, understanding your tax responsibilities shouldn’t require guesswork. Our knowledge center breaks down the rules in plain language so you know exactly what applies to you before you file.



Understanding Self-Employment Tax Overseas

Understanding Self-Employment Tax Overseas

Learn how U.S. self-employment tax applies when you live abroad, how totalization agreements work, and what income is subject to the 15.3% SE tax.
Quarterly Taxes, Simplified

Quarterly Taxes, Simplified

Understand how quarterly estimated taxes work for freelancers and business owners abroad, what you owe, when to pay, and how fluctuating income affects your estimates.
FEIE vs. FTC for Business Income

FEIE vs. FTC for Business Income

Explore how the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) vs. Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) apply specifically to self-employed individuals and how to choose the strategy that minimizes your total tax burden.
Business Structures Abroad (LLC, Sole Prop, or Foreign Entity?)

Business Structures Abroad (LLC, Sole Prop, or Foreign Entity?)

Understand what changes when you run a U.S. business from overseas and what to consider if you’re thinking about starting a business abroad, from tax implications to required forms and reporting. Expat Business Structures.
Foreign Business Reporting Basics

Foreign Business Reporting Basics

If you operate your business abroad or are considering forming a foreign entity, learn what the IRS requires, from annual reporting to the forms that apply to international businesses .
Cross-Border Invoicing and Currency Reporting

Cross-Border Invoicing and Currency Reporting

Even if you invoice in multiple currencies or get paid through global platforms, everything ultimately flows into your U.S. tax return. Learn how foreign income is reported on Form 1040 and what documentation you need to track when payments come from different countries.
Maximizing Legitimate Business Deductions

Maximizing Legitimate Business Deductions

When you’re self-employed abroad, knowing which expenses qualify—home office, travel, equipment, software, and more—can significantly reduce your taxable income. Learn how to identify and document allowable business deductions with our guide to foreign business expense deductions.
FBAR & FATCA Requirements for International Entrepreneurs

FBAR & FATCA Requirements for International Entrepreneurs

Understand which foreign bank accounts, payment platforms, or business accounts require reporting, and how to avoid costly FBAR & FATCA penalties.
Recordkeeping for Global Income

Recordkeeping for Global Income

Find guidance on managing receipts, expenses, and income across currencies and platforms so your books stay clean and IRS-ready. Recordkeeping for Global Income best practices.

See Why Self-Employed Expats Trust Us With Their Taxes

Highly recommended for expat business owners and those who are self-employed.
Greenback has in-depth knowledge and expertise in working with expats to help them file their US Federal Tax Returns. My situation is less than straight-forward, as I also have reporting responsibilities as the owner of a UK-registered limited company. The highly detail-oriented accountant with whom I was paired went above and beyond, thereby earning my trust AND my repeated business. I can’t recommend Greenback enough!
If you are an expat or an overseas contractor, I highly recommend Greenback. The process is easy, and the service is great. I have been with them since 2017, and I will continue with them.
As a self-employed (sole proprietor) expat in France they were helpful in making sure that I took full advantage of my sole proprietor status.
I’ve just completed my first tax return with Greenback and have had a brilliant experience. My accountant has been extremely efficient, getting back to me within 24 hours, usually within a few hours, and going into depth with answering my questions. As a dual US/UK citizen who has just relocated back to the UK after 11 years in the US its v complicated navigating the tax systems. I’m self employed and figuring out pension plans in the US and UK, whats possible as well as the normal tax things…its a real minefield and I very much appreciate the support and advice I have received from him. It was a very straight forward process to work with both my UK accountant and Greenback accountant to prepare my taxes.
I work with my Greenback accountant and they’re probably one of the most competent people I’ve ever worked with. Not only is the work exceptionally executed, it’s the attention to detail and proactive suggestions that help my business. Seriously, it’s like having a highly competent CFO who aggressively attacks deadlines and makes sure I am covered. Solid as they come, couldn’t be more happy!
Greenback Expat Tax Services is the best of the best in every way. We love our accountant, who is knowledgeable, reliable, timely, trustworthy and fun to work with. The process and security are intuitive and easy. The cost is fair. Greenback makes tax reporting an enjoyable, rather than dreaded, experience.
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Tax Help for Self-Employed Expats

U.S. Expat Tax Filing for Self-Employed Individuals

For freelancers, consultants, and solo business owners earning income abroad. We prepare your full U.S. tax return, apply FEIE or Foreign Tax Credits strategically, and ensure your Schedule C, business deductions, and self-employment tax are handled accurately.

$565

USD

Small Business & Entity Tax Filing (LLCs, Sole Props, Foreign Companies)

If you operate a U.S. LLC, a sole proprietorship abroad, or a foreign entity, we ensure the correct forms and schedules are filed — including complex reporting like Form 5471.

$750

USD

FBAR & FATCA Compliance for Business Owners

If your business uses platforms like Wise, PayPal, Revolut, or maintains foreign accounts, you may need to file FBAR or FATCA. We ensure every required account is reported so you avoid severe penalties.

$125+

USD

Catch-Up Filing for Self-Employed Expats (Streamlined Procedures)

If you’ve fallen behind — often due to confusion about self-employment tax abroad — we use the IRS Streamlined Program to help you catch up safely, often without penalties.

$1,750

USD

Strategic Tax Consultation

Get clear, personalized guidance on the questions that matter most when you run a business abroad—whether to keep your U.S. LLC, how foreign taxes apply where you live, whether FEIE or the Foreign Tax Credit will save you more, when (or if) a foreign company makes sense, and how to manage income that comes in multiple currencies.

$250+

USD

Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculations

We calculate what you owe each quarter and provide clear payment guidance, helping you avoid penalties and stay ahead of unpredictable income. Our experts make quarterly taxes understandable so you can plan confidently year-round. Not sure how much to pay or when? Our 30-minute expat tax consultation ($250) is a great way to get expert advice on estimated payments, tax strategy, or investment reporting.

$250

USD


Self-Employed Expat Tax FAQs

Can Greenback help me file taxes as a self-employed expat?

Yes, we specialize in self-employed expat tax filing. We prepare your complete Form 1040 including Schedule C (self-employment income), Schedule SE (self-employment tax), and apply FEIE or Foreign Tax Credit strategically to minimize what you owe. We also handle business deductions, quarterly estimated taxes, and FBAR filing for foreign business accounts. Most self-employed expats working with us achieve significant tax savings through proper application of expat tax benefits.

Learn more about our federal tax return preparation services.

Does the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion reduce my self-employment tax?

The FEIE (up to $130,000 for 2025) reduces your federal income tax but does NOT reduce the 15.3% self-employment tax. You still owe SE tax on net earnings above $400 unless you’re covered by a U.S. Totalization Agreement with your country of residence. We help you understand which countries have totalization agreements and whether FEIE or Foreign Tax Credit is better for your specific situation.

Learn more about self-employment tax for expats.

What business expenses can I deduct as a self-employed expat?

You can deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses on Schedule C including home office (business portion), equipment and software, professional fees, business travel, marketing costs, and internet/phone (business use). We help you identify all allowable deductions, ensure proper documentation, and maximize deductions to reduce your net earnings subject to self-employment tax. Proper expense tracking can save thousands in taxes.

Learn more about business deductions for expats.

Can Greenback help me with quarterly estimated tax payments?

Yes, we calculate what you owe each quarter based on your projected income and provide clear payment guidance to avoid underpayment penalties. This is especially important for self-employed expats whose income fluctuates or comes from multiple countries. We also help you understand the automatic extension for the first two quarters available to expats. Quarterly payment guidance is included in our consultation service ($250).

Learn more about estimated tax payments.

Does Greenback handle FBAR filing for business bank accounts and payment platforms?

Yes, if your foreign financial accounts (including business accounts, PayPal, Wise, Revolut, Payoneer) exceeded $10,000 combined at any point during the year, FBAR filing is required. We determine which accounts and platforms must be reported, calculate the aggregate threshold correctly, and electronically file through FinCEN’s system. Our FBAR service starts at $125 for up to 5 accounts. If you’ve fallen behind on FBARs, we can help you catch up.

Learn more about our FBAR filing services.

Can Greenback help me catch up on missed filings if I’m self-employed?

Yes, we help self-employed expats catch up through IRS Streamlined Filing Procedures. We prepare 3 years of tax returns (including all Schedule C and SE forms), file 6 years of FBARs, and certify your failure to file was non-willful. Most self-employed expats who proactively come forward face minimal or zero penalties, especially when FEIE and foreign tax credits eliminate most U.S. tax owed. Our Streamlined package is $1,750.

Learn more about our Streamlined Filing service.

Can Greenback help if I have both W-2 income and self-employment income?

Yes, we handle mixed income situations. We report your W-2 (employee) income and self-employment income separately on Form 1040, prepare Schedule C for freelance income, calculate Schedule SE for self-employment tax, and optimize your FEIE claim across both income types. This is common for expats who have a day job plus side consulting or freelance work.

Learn more about our federal tax filing services.

How much does Greenback charge for self-employed expat tax filing?

Our pricing is transparent and flat-fee based. Federal tax return with Schedule C (self-employment) starts at $565. Small business entity filing (LLC, foreign corporation) starts at $750. FBAR filing is $125 for up to 5 accounts. Streamlined Filing Package is $1,750. Strategic consultations start at $250. All pricing is clear upfront with no surprises.

Use our pricing calculator to get an estimate.

File Your Self-Employment Taxes Correctly. Maximize Your Deductions.

Connect with an expat tax specialist who understands self-employment abroad. We’ll handle your filing, optimize your business deductions, and keep you compliant. Start today.