Helping U.S. Citizens Living in Philippines
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 Philippines
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 the Philippines
Working Abroad in the Philippines as an American Citizen
The Philippines is famous across the globe for its spectacular tropical beaches, emerald rice terraces, and vibrant urban centers like Manila and Cebu. From the serene island life of Boracay and Palawan to thriving corporate hubs, the country provides an incredibly welcoming home for global professionals and retirees. Furthermore, the exceptionally affordable cost of living, widespread English proficiency, and warm hospitality make the Philippines a top destination for American expatriates seeking an enjoyable, low-stress lifestyle.
Challenges for Expats in the Philippines
A Distinct Resident Tax Threshold
The Philippines taxes individuals based on their residency status and the source of their income. If you live and work in the country indefinitely, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) classifies you as a resident alien. Consequently, you will owe local taxes on all income you earn from sources within the Philippines, which requires careful documentation.
Severe Double Taxation Risks
Because the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they reside, U.S. expats in the Philippines face a heavy 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 Financial Disclosure Rules
Living in an island paradise does not exempt you from federal asset reporting regulations. If you open local Filipino bank accounts, you must track your balances closely. The IRS requires you to file a Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) and comply with FATCA guidelines if your foreign assets cross specific monetary limits.
No Totalization Agreement
The United States and the Philippines currently do not share a bilateral social security Totalization Agreement. As a result, self-employed Americans and business owners operating locally must navigate both social insurance systems independently. You must look closely at your corporate structure to avoid paying duplicate retirement taxes.
Rigid Local Filing Deadlines
The Philippines expects individual taxpayers to file their local annual tax returns by April 15th of the following year. Because this deadline aligns exactly with the traditional U.S. tax season, managing your financial documentation can easily become overwhelming. Missing these local dates can result in swift financial penalties from the BIR.
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 the Philippines:
- 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 workers optimize their setup to minimize duplicate tax exposure.
- Deadline Management: Our team coordinates both the Filipino 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 the Philippines: Common Questions
As a U.S. citizen, you must file a federal tax return with the IRS every single year. Simultaneously, you must report your locally sourced income to the Filipino 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 the Philippines. 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.
