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 separate reporting systems. FBAR tests qualifying foreign financial accounts against an aggregate maximum value over $10,000. Form 8938 uses separate specified-foreign-financial-asset rules and reporting thresholds: whether an item is a specified foreign financial asset depends on the asset and how it is held, while the applicable reporting threshold depends principally on filing status, whether the taxpayer qualifies as living abroad under the Form 8938 instructions, and the relevant values during and at the end of the tax year. You may need one, both, or neither — confirm the current instructions before filing.
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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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