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 – Get Started with Greenback: We’re standing by to give you unbeatable peace of mind. Simply tell us what you’re looking for by filling out this form and we’ll get you the answers. From questions about our services to starting on your expat taxes, we’re here to help every step of the way!
- Step 2 – Upload Your Info + Docs: Once ready, we’ll get you set up in your very own Greenback Tax Companion account – an online system that makes filing expat taxes an amazingly easy experience. Using your answers to a handful of questions, your Tax Companion becomes customized to you, ensuring you upload all the info and docs you need.
- Step 3 – Meet Your Accountant: This is where the magic happens. After submitting your information, you’ll be introduced to one of our awesome accountants who will fully review your situation, answer any questions you may have and work to ensure your tax return is accurate and uncovers all the best opportunities for savings and deductions.
- Step 4 – Review Your Draft + Pay: Your work here is almost done! Simply review your draft tax return, work with your accountant to answer any final questions and approve it. And the best part? You only pay 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’ll 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! Make sure to track it, 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. It 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, make sure to 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.
