At Greenback, our goal is to make sure the process of filing your US expat tax return is clear, simple and straightforward. Although we can’t promise that taxes will be fun, we do our very best to make it as hassle-free as possible!
Take a moment to read through the information on this page, which will help you gain a better understanding of the expat tax process. In addition, check out the handy checklists and tips that can help make your tax preparation a breeze!
Using Greenback Tax Companion
If you are a new Greenback customer, you probably want to know how things work. Getting started and completing your Federal Tax Return is simple!
- Step 1 – Create Your Account & Upload Tax Documents: Signing up for a Greenback Tax Companion account is easy. Get started here. Then simply upload your tax documents through our safe and secure data portal.
- Step 2 – Meet Your Accountant: After submitting your information, your personal CPA or IRS Enrolled Agent will contact you to answer your questions and explain the process. We like to call them accountants, but some of our customers call them their “US tax heroes.”
- Step 3 – Hassle-Free Tax Prep: This is where the magic happens. Your accountant will work with you to ensure your tax return is accurate and uncovers all the best opportunities for savings and deductions.
- Step 4 – Draft Complete & Payment: Your accountant completes your draft tax return and sends it to you to review. You only pay us after your draft tax return is complete.
- Step 5 – You’re Done! Once you submit your payment, your accountant files your taxes and you can relax. In fact, you can breathe easy for the rest of the year, too – we will keep you posted on important tax news that affects US expats.
For more specific questions, please visit our FAQs about the expat tax filing process to learn more about how we work with our clients. Experiencing an issue or confusion that we haven’t covered here? Get in touch! We’re always here to help.
Collecting Your Tax Documents
Do you have questions about what documents you need to share with your accountant? We have prepared an in-depth article explaining those documents.
Getting and Staying Organized
To make things even easier, we have prepared a number of templates to help you collect important information throughout the year. Having all this information to provide your accountant at tax time is not only more efficient, it may save you money, too!
As an American living abroad, you may be able to deduct some of your housing expenses. However, to know if you qualify, you need to make sure you have detailed records of what they are! Here is a housing expense Excel template to help you track, so you can best take advantage of that deduction.
In order to take advantage of most expat tax deductions, you must qualify as an expat through the Bona Fide Residence Test or Physical Presence Test. To evaluate your residency status, your accountant may need detailed records of your time spent in the US. This template helps you to keep an ongoing record of that travel, so you don’t have to dig through travel itineraries come tax time!
If you relocated during the course of the year, your relocation expenses may be deductible. If so, here is a helpful template so you can track expenses and take advantage of any savings!
Finalizing Your Return
Once you have a draft of your return to review, your next question may be, “What should I look for?” Here is a blog post that helps you understand what to check on your US expat tax return.
Looking for more?
Personal US Expat Tax Information — A series of articles and videos that explain the basics of tax requirements for Americans living abroad.
Your Tax Obligations FAQ — A series of questions and answers to explain US expat tax requirements for Americans who have not filed expat taxes in the past.
Late Expat Tax Filing FAQ — A series of questions and answers to explain what happens if you have failed to submit US expat tax returns in this or any other tax year.
