Americans who live abroad still have to file a US tax return every year. The United States taxes its citizens and green card holders on worldwide income, no matter where they live or earn it.
That makes expat taxes harder than a normal US return. You may need the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, the Foreign Tax Credit, an FBAR for your foreign bank accounts, and extra forms for foreign pensions, investments or businesses. One missed form can bring penalties of $10,000 or more.
A general tax preparer at home often doesn’t handle these filings. That’s why most expats turn to a specialist. Below, we compare six US expat tax services on what matters most: expertise, level of personal service, how they handle complex cases, and price.
Prices listed are each firm’s published starting rates at the time of writing. Final fees depend on how complex your return is, so confirm current pricing before you sign up.
What to Look for in a US Expat Tax Service
Not every expat needs the same level of help. A teacher in Spain with one salary has very different needs from a business owner in Singapore with a foreign company and investment funds. Before you choose, check these five things.
- Look for returns prepared by CPAs or IRS Enrolled Agents, not unlicensed preparers.
- Expat focus. The firm should file FBAR, FATCA (Form 8938), Form 2555 and Form 1116 every day, not once a season.
- Complex case experience. If you own a foreign business, hold foreign mutual funds, or are behind on filing, ask about Form 5471, PFIC reporting (Form 8621) and the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures.
- Who you work with. Some services use software with optional review. Others give you one accountant who knows your file year after year.
- Clear pricing. Ask what the base fee includes. FBAR, state returns and self-employment schedules are often extra.
The Best US Expat Tax Services in 2027
1. Universal Tax Professionals: Best for Personalized Service and Complex Returns
Universal Tax Professionals is a CPA-led US expat tax firm founded by Josh Katz, CPA, serving Americans in over 150 countries. The firm specializes in simple and complex US tax returns, Streamlined Filing, FBAR, FATCA, Form 5471, PFIC reporting, and international tax planning, with a dedicated accountant for every client.
Josh Katz is an international tax accountant with over 20 years of experience, including time at a Big 4 accounting firm. Since 2013, the firm has served 4,000+ clients and filed 20,000+ returns. It is A+ BBB accredited and holds a 4.9-star Google rating.
What sets Universal Tax Professionals apart from software-driven providers is how the work is done. Every client gets a dedicated accountant, reachable by phone or email at any time.
The same accountant knows your file year after year, so you never have to explain your situation from scratch. No part of the work is outsourced, and every return is fully personalized.
Clients can also keep everything with one firm. Universal Tax Professionals offers tax planning for Americans preparing to move abroad, US corporation tax returns, Canadian tax returns and ongoing bookkeeping.
For local filings in your country of residence, the firm works with a network of partner tax firms in the UK, Australia, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Italy and other countries.
The individual return is a complete package. It includes Schedule C, K-1s, or one state return if required, which many expats don’t realize they need until another provider adds them as extras. Tax planning for the upcoming year is included when the firm prepares your return.
- Best for: Expats who want a dedicated accountant, business owners, investors and anyone catching up on missed filings
- Credentials: CPA-led, A+ BBB accredited, 4.9-star Google rating
- Watch out for: More than you need if you have a very simple return that can be done by software
2. Taxes for Expats: Best for Large Team Coverage
Taxes for Expats has worked with Americans abroad since 2001. The New York firm has served more than 50,000 clients in 193+ countries, with a team of 80+ CPAs, Enrolled Agents and attorneys. Every return goes through two layers of review.
- Best for: Expats who want a large, long-established firm with broad form coverage
- Watch out for: Add-ons can raise the final bill
3. Artio Partners: Best for Global Mobility and Corporate Assignments
Artio Partners focuses on expatriate tax consulting and global mobility. Beyond annual returns, it handles FBAR, FATCA, PFIC reporting, late filings, renunciation and international assignment services for employees sent abroad.
- Best for: Employees on international assignments and Americans weighing renunciation
- Watch out for: No published starting price
4. CPAs for Expats: Best Budget CPA Option
CPAs for Expats is a boutique CPA firm for US expats. It handles annual returns, FBAR filing, IRS amnesty programs and IRS notices.
- Best for: Expats with straightforward returns who still want a CPA
- Watch out for: The base return caps the number of accounts covered, so extras add up
5. US Tax & Financial Services: Best for Americans in Europe With Complex Wealth
US Tax & Financial Services is a cross-border firm with offices in London, Zurich and Geneva. Its team of US tax accountants, Enrolled Agents and US attorneys serves clients in more than 30 countries, with a focus on trusts, estates, funds and Streamlined filings.
- Best for: Higher-net-worth Americans in the UK and Switzerland
- Watch out for: Focus on wealthier clients
6. US Global Tax: Best for Americans in Australia and New Zealand
US Global Tax has offices in Sydney and Auckland and specializes in US-Australia and US-New Zealand tax. Its team of Enrolled Agents and US tax specialists prepares returns, FBARs and filings for 401(k) and IRA withdrawals.
- Best for: Americans living in Australia or New Zealand
- Watch out for: Regional focus, so less suited to expats elsewhere
Expat Tax Services Compared Side by Side
| Provider | Service model | Best fit |
| Universal Tax Professionals | CPAs and EAs, dedicated accountant | Complex returns, business owners, catch-up filing |
| Taxes for Expats | Large CPA, EA and attorney team | Broad form coverage |
| Artio Partners | Expat tax and global mobility | International assignments, renunciation |
| CPAs for Expats | Boutique CPA firm | Simple returns with a CPA |
| US Tax & Financial Services | EAs and US attorneys | Wealthy Americans in Europe |
| US Global Tax | EAs and US tax specialists | Americans in Australia and New Zealand |
How to Choose the Right Service
Start with how complex your situation is. If you have one foreign salary, no investments and no business, low-cost software may be enough.
Once you add a foreign company, foreign mutual funds, rental property or years of missed returns, a dedicated accountant is worth the higher fee. Mistakes on Form 5471 or PFIC reporting can cost far more than the price of getting it right.
Next, think about who you want to talk to. With a large provider, you may deal with a different person each year. With a firm like Universal Tax Professionals, one accountant handles your return and stays your contact.
Finally, compare the total cost, not the starting price. Add FBAR, state returns and any schedules you need before you compare quotes.
