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.
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.
Read the comparisonFBAR vs Form 8938: What Is the Difference?
FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and IRS Form 8938 both report foreign financial assets, but they have different thresholds, filing requirements, and penalties. Learn which one you need to file — or whether you need both.
Read the comparisonStreamlined 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.
Read the comparisonPFIC 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.
Read the comparisonExpat 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.
Read the comparisonForm 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.
Read the comparisonConsultation first · Written scope
Need help choosing the right path?
A consultation turns your facts, years, forms, and records into a written scope before any preparation begins.