Our Process

Yes - of course. Your tax preparer (CPA or EA) will be ready to answer questions during the tax preparation process. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, we offer that as well. Once you create an account, click PHONE CONSULTATION in the left sidebar of your account. - www.taxesforexpats.com/services/cpa-consultation.html.

All of our staff are current CPAs or EAs - we do not have junior staff, and unlike other firms we do not outsource work to data entry firms. All work will be done by your assigned tax preparer, and your return will be reviewed by at least one more CPA/EA (supervisor on the case), and often a second (we randomly select returns to be reviewed by Ines herself). We value quality above all - and every return that is released to the client passes a rigorous review process.

Our standard turnaround time is up to 15 business days per filing year.

We value quality above haste - and unlike other firms we do not work in silos - every preparer at TFX (IRS Enrolled Agents or CPAs) works with a supervisor (also CPA or EA) to ensure that every return is prepared correctly and in the most optimal method for the client.
We do understand that sometimes time is of the essence. That is why we also offer rush service options*.

Depending on the time of year and the complexity of your return, if possible we can offer rush service - 3 or 5 business days from the time you sign our Engagement Letter. Rush service requires prepayment at the time of signing of the Engagement Letter and carries a surcharge of 50 or 100%. Please contact your tax consultant so that we can provide a quote.

Yes - every return is reviewed by at least two CPA/EA; every preparer works closely with their supervisor to ensure that your return is prepared optimally.

We always e-file for the client if at all possible, and provide a confirmation document. In some cases, however, the IRS does not accept e-file and requires that the taxpayer snail mail the return to the IRS with wet signature. In this instance we would prepare specific instructions for how to do so.

We focus on building long term relationships with our clients and do not offer new clients discounts. Please see www.taxesforexpats.com/about/early-bird-special.html.

Yep - exactly. That’s the idea :) We want to make filing tax returns as easy as possible for you.

If you have a local tax document - ie Certificat de Salaire / Lohnausweis - please upload it.

If you have a foreign corporation, we would ask you to upload your articles of incorporation, balance sheets, income statements, etc. We generally do not need a complete translation of the entire document, but depending on your situation we may ask that you provide English translation for certain items on the foreign document. We have staff that speak most major languages.

With clients in 175 countries, we have developed strong relationships with local firms around the globe who can prepare your local (ie - non-US) tax return. All firms that we partner with have been recommended by other clients and vetted by us. Please get in touch with us and we can assist.

We definitely stand behind the work that we do. If you are ever questioned by the IRS about a return that we prepared, we will review the letter for you and advise on the course of action that should be taken.

Specifically:

• If we made a mistake in your return, we will find an amended return free of charge (this is a very, very rare occurrence).
• If the return we prepared is correct but the IRS still has some questions about it, we'll advise on the best and simplest way for you to handle their inquiry. It may be as simple as calling them and speaking to an agent or mailing a letter to the agency.
• If the IRS disagrees with the figures you provided us that were used to prepare the return (for example you omitted income from sale of stocks), we can file an amended return for you (this would be a payable service as you had not provided us correct information).
• In very rare cases the IRS might audit you - this happens to roughly 0.5% of filers (if income is under $100k - full figures here: time.com/money/3820009/irs-tax-audit-chances/). In that case we can offer you our Representation Service - whereby we would take on your case and deal with the agency on your behalf.

For full details, please see www.taxesforexpats.com/expat-tax-advice/received-irs-letter.html.

We accept all credit cards, paypal, and wire transfer.

Yes, certainly. Nothing is filed until you approve your return.

When we prepare the return, we will ask you to provide feedback, including any changes you may want, or questions you may have about the return. We will then respond to each itemized question until you are happy with the result.

Yes- of course. We continue to file tax returns for our clients when they return home to the US. We file US tax returns for our clients no matter where they reside.

Yes, of course. When we review your documents we will determine if you have a state filing requirement www.taxesforexpats.com/articles/expat-tax-rules/state-taxes-expat-tax-return.html.

Yes, of course. Please see www.taxesforexpats.com/services/filing-amended-tax-return.html.

Of course - we offer a Tax Projection service specifically for this need.

Certainly - please see www.taxesforexpats.com/services/irs-letter.html.

We can, but this would carry our minimum project fee of $350.

Certainly - we prepare all forms that the IRS may require including Forms 5471, 8865, 3520, 3520-A.

When you complete your tax questionnaire we will review and advise of what you may require, as well as preparing an engagement letter so you can see the costs itemized - no surprises.