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Expatriate Tax Returns

CPA

When Confusion Isn’t An Excuse

It’s quite possible that expat taxes are regarded as the most confusing type of tax return filing for United States citizens. In fact, many expats don’t even realize there is such a thing as expatriate tax returns until after they have to file their first returns after moving abroad.

Unfortunately, lack of knowledge about expat taxes doesn’t ring up as an acceptable excuse for the Internal Revenue Service. Not only that, but the IRS has a long standing track record for being difficult with U.S. expatriates. The confusion that often comes with filing expat tax returns is the reason that ExpatriateTaxReturns.com was founded. Our only focus is on expatriates and their tax returns.

With all of the IRS codes, filing deadlines and other specific requirements that come with expat tax returns, we know how confusing it all is. The best advise for American expats living and working abroad is to hire a professional. Our team of CPAs have years of experience handing every challenging expat tax situation. Call us today so we can take away the confusion and frustration that too often comes with tax return filing for expatriates. Our toll free number is 877-382-9123 or visit the Web form on our website: expatriatetaxreturns.com.

Expat To Do List for Moving Overseas

Plan your move overseas perfectly with our free moving checklist template. The best way to make sure you have completed everything which needs doing in preparation of your departure is to make a list and work out when each task should be finished. The following is a good example of a 90 day timeline.

90 days before departure
Book your air tickets and hotels if they are required.
Inform your children’s school that you will be moving abroad and ask for transfer certificates and any information which will be relevant when you move.
Check quarantine requirements in your destination country and arrange pet relocation.
Inquire about out professional moving companies and ask for their quotes.
Create a folder with all hard copies and paperwork of the important documents and create a file on your computer for all of your saved files. Check the documentation requirements for the country you are moving to. Many countries require that official paperwork is certified before it can be accepted. See the individual city guide for more information.
Make a checklist of all packing boxes and what will go in each one.
Create a tax and finance folder with any information which can be claimed back on tax. If you are getting your expenses paid for you, put all receipts in this folder.
Make sure you and your family have valid passports; you will not be travelling anywhere without them.
Find out about international driving licenses. Most countries will not accept your home country’s license. If you can take the test before you leave, do so. It will save time and hassle when you arrive at your new destination.
Once you find the best quote, organise a date for them to come. Ask them to provide details of any property or belongings that you will not be permitted to move to the new country.
Find out if you, your family and your pets need to have any vaccinations and when you need to have them by. Book appointments at the doctors and vets and be sure to have an international vaccination record booklet.
Print out change of address cards to hand to friends and family and Let everyone important know about your departure and change of address-the post office, the magazines you subscribe to, credit card companies, family and friends.
If you are renting out your house and do not have any tenants yet, contact local rental agencies for their help.
Start packing items which you do not need in the next three months such as ornaments, books, photos, jewellery and out of season clothes. Label all boxes.
If you are selling your house, put it on the market.
If your national driving license needs renewing, do so before you leave.
60 days before departure
Ask your doctors, vet and dentist for copies of yours, your families and your pets’ medical records. While you are at the surgeries, organise a final check up for you, your family and your pets.
If you are selling anything such as a car or any household equipment, put everything on the market.
Check all insurance policies and organise your visas if you need to.
Organise leaving parties for yourself and your children.
Contact the post office to set up their mail re-routing service.
Prepare a power of attorney. Make sure you have certified copies of all important documents ready to hand over to the person you will be leaving in charge of your affairs while you are away.
Contact your bank and explain that you are moving abroad. If you already have your new address, give them this otherwise change the address to a friend or family member for the short-term. If they are unable to offer a global account you will need to find one that will.
Set up direct debits with your bank for any bill payments which you will still be making while you are away. These can include: mortgage payments, loan repayments, pension schemes and savings.
Find out what the local names and equivalents are for any prescription medication you or your family are on. Make sure that it will be available in your destination country. If not you will need to arrange to take a supply with you, together with proof of your need for the medication for customs and excise purposes.
Set up internet banking – as you will need to manage your money online while you are away. If your bank does not have internet banking facilities you should consider changing banks (you will find most banks now have internet banking facilities).
Have a garage sale of all the things you want to sell.
If you are renting out your house, get all minor repairs completed.
Organise the cancellation of all magazine and newspaper subscriptions or regular deliveries you receive on the day you will be leaving.
30 days to go
Change your address on anything which requires it
Make sure you have paid all outstanding bills. Leave a small amount of money with a friend or relative to settle any that you may have missed.
Contact the various utilities departments and ask them to discontinue your supply of gas, electricity, water, cable TV and telephone or if you are renting your house out, change the name on the bills.
Get all paperwork and information required for the shipping company.
Organise the cancellation of your house insurance on the day you will be leaving.
If you are renting your house out, make sure it is in good rental condition and make an inventory list of everything which will be left behind.
Start to pack up the house, leaving the essentials that you need for the next month.
Make sure everyone who needs it has your forwarding address.
Moving day
If you are shipping items, be sure to get a rough delivery date.
Remember to savor the moment as you step on the plane, it is a very important milestone in your life afterall.
Make sure you have left nothing behind in your house – check all cupboards and all rooms.
Say your final goodbyes.
Make sure you have the essentials in your suitcase. You will be living out of these cases for the immediate future until your shipment arrives.
Verify all delivery plans with the company and go through the inventory list.

 

Expats: They’re Just Like Us

When many people hear the term “expatriates” they think of business people who are from one country and working in another. While this is true, it’s important to remember that not every expat is a businessman in a suit and tie who got transferred from the corporate office in Manhattan to the overseas office in London. Expats come in all shapes and sizes. The 19-year-old actress who got small roles in a few Broadway shows before heading out to Canada to tour with Phantom of the Opera is an expat. So is the young man who was an all-star on his college baseball team, but now plays in the European League to make a little money and draw out his baseball career for as long as possible. The talented chef who is spending a couple years in Italy to master Italian cuisine before returning to gourmet restaurant in the Bay Area is an expat too.

George Clooney is an Expat in Italy
George Clooney is an Expat in Italy

 

Expatriates are all over the world. Even some of the most famous celebrities are expats. They are U.S. citizens who are living and working abroad. When Sean Penn is going to be filming a movie in Australia for 18 months he may choose to take up residency “Down Under” making him an expat. When George Clooney decides he’s going to live in Lake Como, Italy and produce a movie a short walk from his home there, he’s an expatriate because he has retained his U.S. citizenship. And when Madonna, who was born and bred in Michigan, buys a million dollar flat in London she too becomes an expat.

There are millions of U.S. expats all over the globe. It’s not only a lifestyle for a banking executive or a college professor. Each of these expats will enjoy different experiences in their country of choice as they learn the new customs, eat interesting food, and perhaps even learn a new language. The one thing they’ll all have in common is that they’ll have to file expatriate tax returns to the United States. That’s where expatriatetaxreturns.com comes in. We’ll take care of everything for you and make sure your tax returns are filed correctly and on time. Call us today at (877) ETAX-123 or (877) 382-9123. You can also fill out the simple form on our website at www.expatriatetaxreturns.com.