Helping U.S. Citizens Living in Columbia
Tax Services For Expats
Are you a U.S. citizen living abroad? If YES, you are REQUIRED to file a US tax return reporting your worldwide income by June 15th.
This woman owned business started twenty years ago.. one client at a time…and has grown to help thousands.
Tax Services For Americans Living In Columbia
Tax planning and preparation services for small businesses and individuals. Let our experienced CPAs and EAs take care of all your tax needs, from individual filings to comprehensive business returns. We provide a seamless, stress-free tax experience.
Individual Tax Returns
U.S. citizens living abroad have the same tax filing requirements as those residing in the US. Federal. State and City rules apply…we are there to guide you through the process, as it applies to your unique situation.
Business Tax Returns
Over the years, we have helped hundreds of small business clients. Whether located domestically or abroad, tax filings are mandatory. Calculating taxable business income is not an easy chore and requires understanding US and foreign tax rules…you can depend upon us to calculate the correct US bottom line and the tax that applies.
FBARS & Form 8938
Have you accumulated more than $10,000 in foreign banks or financial institutions? If so, we want to make you aware of the FBAR guidelines to ensure you file a complete return…on time, every time.
Expatriates in Colombia
Working Abroad in Colombia as an American Citizen
Colombia is famous worldwide for its incredible biodiversity, lush coffee plantations, and vibrant cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali. From the historic charm of Cartagena’s walled city to the booming digital nomad hubs in the Andes, the country offers a dynamic and welcoming home for global professionals. Furthermore, Colombia’s remarkably affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare system, and rich cultural festival traditions make it a premier destination for American expatriates seeking an exciting and balanced lifestyle.
Challenges for Expats in Colombia
A Progressive Resident Tax Structure
Colombia determines your local tax obligations based on your physical presence within its borders. If you stay in the country for more than 183 days within any consecutive 365-day period, the Directorate of National Taxes and Customs (DIAN) classifies you as a tax resident. Consequently, you will owe local taxes on your worldwide income, which requires precise tracking and expert management.
Heavy Double Taxation Risks
Because the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live, U.S. expats in Colombia face a severe risk of double taxation. Fortunately, you can protect your hard-earned money by using specific tax mechanisms. These primary IRS tools include the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credits (FTC).
Strict Asset Disclosure Rules
Living in a beautiful South American destination does not exempt you from federal financial reporting regulations. If you open local Colombian bank accounts or invest in local funds, you must monitor your balances carefully. The IRS strictly requires you to file a Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) and comply with FATCA rules if your assets cross specific thresholds.
No Social Security Totalization Agreement
The United States and Colombia do not currently share a bilateral social security Totalization Agreement. As a result, self-employed Americans and remote workers operating in Colombia must navigate both social insurance systems independently. You must evaluate your corporate and employment structure closely to avoid paying duplicate retirement taxes.
Strict Local Filing Timelines
Colombia operates on a rigid tax calendar where individual tax returns are due between August and October, depending on the last digits of your local tax identification number (RUT). Because this rolling schedule differs significantly from U.S. filing seasons, managing your financial documentation can quickly become complicated. Missing these local dates can trigger automatic fines from the DIAN.
Our Services
At Expatriate Tax Returns, we offer a comprehensive suite of cross-border tax solutions to keep you fully compliant while you live and work in Colombia:
- Expat Tax Preparation: We prepare and file your annual federal tax returns with total accuracy.
- Double Taxation Relief: Our experts apply the FEIE and Foreign Tax Credits correctly so you keep more of your earnings.
- FBAR and FATCA Guidance: We handle your foreign asset disclosures to safeguard you from steep civil penalties.
- Self-Employment Tax Strategies: We help digital nomads and remote business owners optimize their setups to minimize duplicate tax exposure.
- Deadline Management: Our team coordinates both the Colombian and U.S. tax calendars seamlessly.
Our dedicated team of experienced CPAs and EAs works hard to take the stress completely out of your international filing process..
EASY AS 1, 2, 3
You have questions? We have the answers! Contact us and complete our client census. You will get a response within 24 hours. Our team is never intimidated by a challenge. We provide answers, while others ask questions.
Click on Start Now
Expatriate Tax Returns understands the importance of filing your taxes quickly and correctly. You complete our organizer, so we know what questions to ask.
Submit Your Info
Collect “What We Need” from the template you will receive from the Expatriate Tax Return advisor.
Begin Filing Process
We will assign a preparer to begin your tax return filing process. Help you file the right returns, using the right forms, and providing all of the right information.
Individual & Business Expatriate Tax Returns
We can quickly walk you through the expat tax return preparation process, ensuring you get filed on time, in no time. As friendly professionals with over a decade of experience, we make expat tax return preparation easy. Furthermore, no matter your needs, we have the answers to your tax questions from expatriate tax return planning to preparation. Contact us today.
Need to file your Expat taxes?
Expatriate income tax planning and preparation, offering tailored solutions for late filers, small businesses, and partnerships.
Expert CPAs and EAs
Why Choose Us
U.S. PROFESSIONALS HELPING U.S. CITIZENS ABROAD
We are available 24/7 to answer your tax filing questions.
EASY TAX RETURN FILING
Easy as 1, 2, 3! File your taxes in 3 simple steps.
ARE YOU A U.S. CITIZEN LIVING ABROAD?
If YES, you are REQUIRED to file a tax return reporting your worldwide income by June 15th.
Get Free Copy of Expat Tax Guide “A” to “Z”
Get the essential American Expat Tax “A” to “Z” guide that covers all the details of expatriate taxes. Understand everything you need to know about navigating the complexities of expat tax obligations with this comprehensive resource.
Testimonials
Living as an Expat in Colombia: Common Questions
As a U.S. citizen, you must file a federal tax return with the IRS every single year. Simultaneously, if you meet the DIAN residency criteria, you must report your income to the Colombian tax authority. While this creates a clear double taxation risk, proper planning can minimize or entirely eliminate your U.S. tax liability.
You can successfully avoid double taxation by claiming foreign tax credits for the income taxes you pay locally to Colombia. Alternatively, you can exclude a substantial portion of your foreign-earned wages from U.S. taxation by utilizing the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion on Form 2555.
Yes, filing an FBAR is completely mandatory if the combined maximum balance of all your foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the calendar year. You must submit this form electronically to FinCEN to avoid serious civil fines.
We handle the complicated mechanics of international tax compliance for you. From navigating local deadlines to maximizing your exclusions, our professionals ensure your returns are accurate and filed strictly on time.
