Reviews 2200+ Verified REVIEWS
About Us
Overview
Featured reads
13 January 2021

Dormant Foreign Corporation: Why & How to File Form 5471

Read More
12 January 2021

2020 Home Office Deduction: Everything You Need to Know to Reduce Your Tax Due & Take Advantage of Available Credits

Read More
29 December 2020

Stimulus Checks Will Be Available for Mixed-Status Immigrant Taxpayers Retroactively

Read More
Read more articles
Services
Overview
Pricing plans
Compare all plans
Join live webinar Services Offered
Pricing
Tax Guide
Join live webinar Services Offered
Contact
Search

Our Process

5 simple steps

Schedule free 30 min intro phone consultation Schedule free 30 min intro phone consultation

Schedule free 30 min intro phone consultation

Let's chat! 30 minute free introductory phone consultation to go over your case. We do ask you, however, to pay a $50 retainer towards your tax preparation fees.

2

Let's chat! 30 minute free introductory phone consultation to go over your case. We do ask you, however, to pay a $50 retainer towards your tax preparation fees.

Complete Tax Questionnaire (TQ) Complete Tax Questionnaire (TQ)

Complete Tax Questionnaire (TQ)

Best in class questionnaire: organized, simple to use, interactive.

Unlike other companies that would have you complete outdated PDF or Word documents, we built a ‘smart’ TQ that works inside your browser.

3

Best in class questionnaire: organized, simple to use, interactive.

Unlike other companies that would have you complete outdated PDF or Word documents, we built a ‘smart’ TQ that works inside your browser.

Sit back while we work Sit back while we work

Sit back
while we work

After you sign the engagement letter we begin work on your tax return. Our normal turnaround time is fifteen business days after you sign the engagement letter.

If you have an urgent case - we can provide rush service, so please let us know.

5

After you sign the engagement letter we begin work on your tax return. Our normal turnaround time is fifteen business days after you sign the engagement letter.

If you have an urgent case - we can provide rush service, so please let us know.

Pay & review your tax return Pay & review your tax return

Pay & review your tax return

Once you confirm that you are happy with your return we will e-file it on your behalf. Please note that in certain cases the IRS does not allow e-filing (if that applies to you, we will provide instructions how you can mail it in to the IRS).

Once you confirm that you are happy with your return we will e-file it on your behalf. Please note that in certain cases the IRS does not allow e-filing (if that applies to you, we will provide instructions how you can mail it in to the IRS).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I be able to contact my tax preparer?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-291
2. What are the credentials of my tax preparer?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-292
3. What is your standard turnaround time?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-293
4. Does a supervisor review every prepared return?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-294
5. Will you be able to e-file the return or will I have to mail it?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-295
6. Do you offer discounts for long-term clients?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-296
7. Can I do the entire process with you using the website & email?

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

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-297
8. Can I provide documents in their original language?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-298
9. Do you also prepare non-US taxes?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-299
10. Do you offer audit protection?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-300
11. What kind of payment methods do you accept?

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

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-301
12. Will I have a chance to ask questions / make changes to my return after it is prepared?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-302
13. Can you prepare my return after I move back to the U.S.?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-303
14. Do you prepare State tax returns?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-304
15. Do you prepare amended returns?

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

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-305
16. I want to know how much tax I may owe from a potential job opportunity, can you help?

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

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-306
17. I received a letter from the IRS - can you assist?

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

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-307
18. Can you prepare just the State return if I already have federal return?

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

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-308
19. Do you prepare non-personal returns (partnership, corporation, trust)?

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.

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/services/getting-started.html#faq-309