Helping U.S. Citizens Living in Portugal

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 Portugal

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.

Expatriates in Portugal

Working in Portugal as an American Citizen

Expats flock to Portugal for its stunning Atlantic coastline, historic charm, and vibrant hubs like Lisbon and Porto. Whether you are exploring the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve or the lush vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal delivers a unique and enriching lifestyle. Between the high quality of life, Mediterranean culinary traditions, and welcoming locals, you will quickly see why so many Americans choose Portugal for a secure, fulfilling home abroad.

Key Challenges for Expats in Portugal

Navigating a Complex Tax System Portugal uses a progressive tax system where rates climb quickly for high earners. You must proactively understand and comply with local tax laws—including specific residency requirements and the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program—to protect your assets and optimize your tax position.

Avoiding Double Taxation As a U.S. citizen in Portugal, you face a dual filing requirement that creates a high risk of double taxation. Fortunately, you can leverage the U.S.-Portugal tax treaty to your advantage. By utilizing foreign tax credits and exclusions, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your U.S. tax liability on income already taxed by Portuguese authorities.

Meeting Strict Reporting Requirements You must report all foreign bank accounts and financial assets to the U.S. Treasury to stay compliant with FBAR and FATCA regulations. Because Portugal maintains transparent banking standards as an EU member, the IRS can easily detect non-compliance. File accurately to avoid severe, unnecessary penalties.

Managing Social Security Contributions The Totalization Agreement between Portugal and the United States streamlines your social security obligations. This vital agreement prevents you from paying dual taxes on the same income and ensures your benefit coverage continues uninterrupted while you work abroad.

Respecting Tax Deadlines Portugal enforces strict tax windows; you must typically file your annual income tax return (IRS) between April and June. Prepare your documentation early to avoid the steep fines and interest charges that come with missing these deadlines.

Our Services

At Expatriate Tax Returns, we provide comprehensive services to help expatriates manage their tax obligations effectively:

  • Tax Preparation and Filing: We handle U.S. tax returns, ensuring full compliance.
  • Double Taxation Relief: Assistance with applying tax treaties and credits to avoid paying taxes twice.
  • Foreign Bank Account Reporting: Guidance on FBAR and FATCA requirements to prevent penalties.
  • Social Security Coordination: Advising on social security contributions to avoid benefit gaps.
  • Deadline Management: Ensuring all tax deadlines are met to prevent fines.

Our team of experienced tax professionals is dedicated to making the tax filing process as smooth and stress-free as possible for expatriates. For more detailed information, please visit our services page.

Living as an Expat in Portugal

What are the tax implications of living in Portugal as a U.S. citizen?

As a U.S. citizen, you have a global tax obligation to the IRS regardless of where you live. You will likely also be considered a tax resident in Portugal if you spend more than 183 days there, requiring careful coordination to manage both filings correctly.

How do I avoid double taxation?

You can avoid paying taxes twice by claiming the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) or the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) on your U.S. return, utilizing the provisions laid out in the U.S.-Portugal tax treaty.

What is FBAR, and do I need to comply with it?

FBAR requires you to report your Portuguese (and any other non-U.S.) bank accounts if the aggregate maximum value exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. Compliance is mandatory and separate from your income tax return.

US TAX RETURN 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.

01

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.

02

Submit Your Info

Collect “What We Need” from the template you will receive from the Expatriate Tax Return advisor.

03

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.

  • Federal Income Tax
  • State Income Tax
  • City Income Tax
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Expert CPAs and EAs

Why Choose Us

Expat Tax Guide

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

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barry bloomfield profile picture
barry bloomfield
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I owe Diana an apology. She gave me great advice but didn't listen to her. Last year, I went with my accountant I've been using for the past 7 years when I moved to Australia from the United States, instead of Expatriate Tax Returns, and paid the price. They told me I didn't owe anything which blew my mind. I always pay a couple of hundred dollars tax time, but after getting my hopes up, thinking I didn't owe anything, they informed me I owed $633.00 all because of a computer error. What were they using? Expatriate Tax Returns are professional accounts and wouldn't make such a huge mistake. I'll be using Expatriate Tax Returns from now on.
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Steven Millar profile picture
Steven Millar
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Diane and Lauren were very helpful and professional in resolving my tax issues. They were fast, efficient and resourceful in helping me to meet my compliance in this matter. They kept me informed at every step of the process and answered any questions and concerns I had along the way. From this point on I will use them to meet my yearly tax return obligations.
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Madeleine Kruhsberg
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Year after year and next year as well! I am glad that you are there for me!
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Sean Hinkle profile picture
Sean Hinkle
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Been using this service for several years now as I live in Europe and taxes in the US are a major headache. It's completely simplified the process and I no longer have to stress about it!
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KARIN HELLSTROM-AUBRON
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Very satisfied with this on line service. Highly reactive team providing expert advice!!!
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Robin Matthews profile picture
Robin Matthews
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I received first class income tax advise and preparation. This was the first time using Expatriate Tax Returns after my long time tax accountant retired. To be honest this year's return was prepared faster and more easily than all the previous years. I wish I'd made the the switch earlier! I highly recommend you use this service. You won't be disappointed.
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juan ramirez
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Excelentes productos mejores precios y e tregas sin problemas
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Catalina Guzmán profile picture
Catalina Guzmán
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I have been using Expatriate Tax Returns for years! I recommend them every time I get the chance. As someone who has lived in several different countries and often moves in the middle of the fiscal year, Expat Returns was always willing and able to meet my needs and file my returns (despite very different documents!) Thank you!!