Decision guides for Americans abroad
Compare your U.S. expat tax options
Understand the practical differences between common filing strategies, reporting forms, and catch-up paths before choosing your next step.
Comparison
FEIE vs Foreign Tax Credit: Which Saves More for US Expats?
Compare the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) side by side. Learn which option reduces your US tax bill more based on your income, country, and filing status.
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FBAR vs Form 8938: What Is the Difference?
FBAR and Form 8938 are different reports with different thresholds. See which accounts count, who must file, and how to avoid gaps.
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Streamlined Filing vs Voluntary Disclosure: Which IRS Program?
Compare Streamlined Foreign Offshore and the Voluntary Disclosure Program. Learn which IRS catch-up path fits non-willful vs willful non-filers.
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PFIC Methods: Excess Distribution vs Mark-to-Market vs QEF
Compare the three PFIC tax regimes. Learn which election saves you the most on foreign mutual funds, ETFs, and pension wrappers.
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Expat Tax Software vs Human Preparer: Which Is Better?
Compare DIY expat tax software with hiring a human tax preparer. Learn which option fits your complexity, budget, and risk tolerance.
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Form 3520 vs Form 3520-A: What Is the Difference?
Form 3520 reports foreign gifts and trust distributions. Form 3520-A is the annual information return of a foreign trust. Learn which form you need and when.
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More filing resources
Provider comparisons
- FileAbroad vs 1040 Abroad: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs Bright!Tax: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs DIY Expat Tax Software: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs Expat Tax Professionals: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs Expatfile: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs FreeTaxUSA for Expats: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs Greenback Expat Tax Services: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs H&R Block Expat Tax Services: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs Local CPA: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs MyExpatTaxes: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs Online Taxman: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs Tax Samaritan: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs TaxAct for Expats: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs Taxes for Expats: Which Is Right for You?
- FileAbroad vs TurboTax for Expats: Which Is Right for You?