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US tax accountant for expats?
I know it's only September, almost October, but it's never too early to start planning, right?
I found a great tax service, that specialises in doing taxes for international teachers, unfortunately it seems ilke their waiting list is years long. I've got a couple of tax issues, closing IRAs, SE, FBAR, a dependent, and lots of other fun stuff and I think I'm out of my league.
Anyone know of a good tax accountant that doesn't charge an arm and a leg? An expat tax accountant that doesn't charge expat prices?
Thanks!
I've lived, worked, and studied abroad for a decade in various countries. I've visited over 50. I can say that the accountants online aren't charging 3K to 10K. It's more like a couple hundred per form. It's not rare or unusual either. There are lots of American expats. The accountant I found would have charged me $300 a far cry from the 3K you stated. And they've won accounting awards as well. They're legit.
They don't have to specialise in any country, since I don't need this country's taxes to be filed, just the US. They have to know US tax law. Shouldn't be difficult. I need their help with the 2555 and 1116. these are standard forms. Again not unusual.
As I said, I've done my own taxes for years,but things have gotten more complicated. I do have a couple special situations.
So all these years abroad, do you know of an accountant or did you just want to say that they charge an arm and a leg?
6 Answers
- Russ BLv 610 years agoFavorite Answer
$300 might be a tad high...but not by much depends on the complexity of the return. I would do it for that.
When I say a tad high I mean $20 or so dollars...not a bad price sight unseen.
Want a hint?
Any good Enrolled Agent can do a 2555.
Hope this helps.
Source(s): Enrolled Agent with 25+ years experience - ibu guruLv 710 years ago
This field is so rare - and difficult! - that experts can be difficult to find and are always busy. They charge top rates because the skills are unusual, the niche small but exacting. Expect to pay premium rates, but that's the only way to get that kind of expertise.
There are American, Australian, UK, etc, expat tax specialists in numerous countries around the world. American tax work is the most difficult, exacting and complicated of any country, and it is constantly changing. So if you are American (and given the terms you use, you must be!), you need the best or pay the price elsewhere (i.e. to the IRS).
Not knowing which country you are in, can't give a name, but I've known a number of these people in Singapore, Hong Kong & elsewhere. I've also known plenty of American expats who do their own taxes. You have to be careful, but unless you have a special situation, alot of expat Americans become perfectly competent to do their own tax returns without running into trouble. If you cannot or will not buckle down and really learn it all, follow instructions, then you must get help. This is something where you cannot afford to make ANY mistakes. Cost of accountant can typically run about $3000, but if you make a mistake, it will cost you at least $10,000.
Source(s): lived,worked and traveled in some 2 dozen countries - Anonymous10 years ago
Tax Planner CPA (http://www.taxplannercpa.com)/ is year-round team of Certified Public Accountants with over 25 years of experience handling the tax-related needs of American citizens living overseas.
You can read reviews by our clients here:
Source(s): http://www.taxplannercpa.com/ - troLv 710 years ago
it depends on where you are, there are associations, societies and other organizations of those in the profession in probably every state, Calif has a registry of those who register with CTEC, as well as many groups, one of which is CSTC, located in Gardena, Calif, web site,www.cstcsociety.org
and it is in the future, but IRS will eventually have a registry of the tax preparers now required to be registered
- Cathi KLv 710 years ago
Accountants are not tax professionals. They take some continuing ed in taxes.
