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Expatriate Tax Returns

Expat Taxes

Making Things Easy

If you were to ask people in the United States what they thought of when hearing “Staples,” the name of the popular office supply store chain, most would say the store’s catch phrase, “That Was Easy!” In fact, in one of the best marketing stunts of the last decade, Staples actually created a large plastic, red “EASY” button. It’s now been a decade since these battery operated “EASY” buttons hit stores in late 2005, but the slogan is still alive and well.

 

People loved the idea of an “EASY” button because we all wish everything were just as easy as pushing a large, red button to get things done. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most things. When it comes to filing Expatriate Tax Returns, most people would not describe the experience as “easy.” However, Expatriate Tax Returns makes the process easy for you. That’s what we do.

You can think of Expatriate Tax Returns as an “Easy” button for expats. Our goal has always been — and always will be — to take the headache out of preparing and filing expat taxes. Don’t let yourself get irritated with the hassle; rather, put your faith in our company and just think of contacting us as pushing a large, red button that makes everything EASY!

Call Expatriate Tax Returns today at (877) 382-9123 or fill out the easy form on our website at www.expatriatetaxreturns.com.

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.

You’re An Expatriate Not an Ex-Patriot

Once you made the decision to become an expatriate and travel outside of the United States for a job in another country, you likely received some odd comments from friends and family. No doubt, many of them assumed that you moving to London, Paris, Tel Aviv or Sydney for work meant that you were no longer going to be a U.S. citizen. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

expat tax returns - Expat-Taxes

Just because you’re an expatriate, doesn’t mean you’re an ex-patriot. American expats still enjoy all of the benefits of being an American citizen, you’re just living and working abroad. And let’s be honest, you’re really enjoying your experience as an expat too. The cultural enjoyment alone is enough to wonder why more Americans don’t pack their bags for a few years out of the country.

The one thing to remember when you’re an expat, however, is that the benefits of maintaining your citizenship mean you still have to file a tax return. The expat tax return filing is different than the annual tax returns you filed while living in the U.S. and that is important to remember. Expat taxes can be confusing and that’s why it’s best to leave it to the professionals at Expatriate Tax Returns. We’ve made it our specialty and passion to work exclusively with American expats. Our process is simple and we employ the latest technology to make your expat tax filing fast, efficient and reliable.

Call our Support Hotline today at (877) ETAX-123 or (877)-382-9123 and we’ll get you set up so expat taxes are a breeze and you can enjoy your life as an expatriate.

New Year, New Taxes for Expats

It’s March and that means we’re still at the beginning of the new year, but we’re already seeing some changes to the tax laws for U.S. expats. This is nothing new; it happens each year.

Expatriate tax laws change often and it can be a full-time job just to keep up with them. These expat taxes are confusing and require more than just a layman’s understanding of them. For whatever reason, each year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) updates and amends its tax filing regulations and procedures for Americans living and working abroad.

U.S. Government Accountability Office

While a minority of American expats might be able to navigate these updated tax procedures on their own, for most expatriates it is necessary to hire a tax professional with specific expertise in U.S. expatriate tax law. ExpatriateTaxReturns.com has been helping American citizens living overseas for many years and makes it a top priority to discover and master the new tax laws that are changed each year.

For example, it’s essential to know the current tax year’s policy on U.S. expat foreign bank, financial and asset reporting. Over the years there have been huge increases in the number of audits of U.S. expatriates due to the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) discoveries of inaccurate claims by expats. It’s important to report all foreign assets and income in your tax filing.

It’s 2015 and that means the rules once again have changed for expat taxes. That can be confusing and a hassle for you to have to stay current. So why don’t you let us do what we train to do? We stay current so you don’t get audited. Call us today to get started and rest assured that your expatriate tax returns will be in good hands. Call our support hotline toll-free at 877-382-9123.

When Moving Abroad Plan Ahead

Heading overseas can be an exciting experience, but it certainly isn’t hassle free. Whether you are married, have a family, or are single, there are a lot of important elements that go into preparing for a move abroad.

After accepting a new job overseas or a job transfer to a country outside the United States, it’s important to create a long “To Do List” with critical items like finding a place to live, forwarding mail, and finding a physician in your new country (here’s a full planning checklist). One often overlooked item on the “To Do List” is informing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that you are moving abroad.

Expats Moving Abroad

It’s important to update you address information with the IRS so they can properly send your refund or any correspondence. You can update your address with the IRS by completing Form 8822, Change of Address at any time during the year.

Failure to notify the IRS of an address change can be costly. For example it can keep you from contesting a lien for unpaid taxes. At Expatriate Tax Returns, we understand that planning for the big move abroad is challenging and there are already so many things to think about. We can help you alleviate the stress by walking you through this journey hand-in-hand. We’ve helped thousands of U.S. expatriates successfully transition to their new country and we’ll help you too.

No matter where you are in the process of your preparation for becoming an expat, call on us for trusted, professional assistance. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Call us today at our Support Hotline: 877-382-9123 or fill out the form on our website: www.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.