FileAbroad vs Greenback Expat Tax Services: Which Is Right for You?
Greenback Expat Tax Services is one of the largest expat tax preparation firms, serving thousands of Americans abroad. FileAbroad is a deliberately small practice where you work directly with the preparer. Both are legitimate options — the right choice depends on what you value.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | FileAbroad | Greenback |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Solo preparer, direct access | Large firm, team-based |
| Pricing | From $575/return | From $399/return (varies by complexity) |
| Preparer access | You work directly with Chip | Assigned preparer, may change year to year |
| PTIN holder | Yes | Yes (multiple preparers) |
| IRS e-file provider | Yes | Yes |
| Based abroad | Yes (Ecuador) | Yes (multiple locations) |
| Services | Tax prep, FBAR, streamlined, consulting | Tax prep, FBAR, streamlined, consulting |
| Niche focus | Expat tax only | Expat tax only |
What Greenback Does Well
Greenback has built a large operation with multiple preparers, which means they can handle high volume during tax season. Their team-based model provides coverage if your assigned preparer is unavailable. They have experience with a wide range of expat situations and have invested in client-facing tools and education resources.
For Americans who prefer a larger firm with established processes and the ability to scale, Greenback is a solid choice.
What FileAbroad Does Differently
FileAbroad is deliberately small. You work directly with Chip from the first inquiry through filing. There is no handoff to a different preparer, no team rotation, and no call center. If you have a question, you ask the person who is actually preparing your return.
Chip holds a current PTIN, is an IRS-authorized e-file provider, and lives abroad himself. The practice uses software and automation to reduce administrative work while keeping tax judgment and final review with the preparer. This means lower overhead and more attention per client.
FileAbroad does not take ordinary domestic-only returns. The practice is focused exclusively on Americans with foreign filing obligations, which means deeper expertise in the specific situations expats face.
Pricing Comparison
Greenback's pricing starts around $399 for a basic expat return and increases with complexity. FileAbroad's pricing starts at $575 for an annual federal return. The price difference reflects the service model: Greenback's volume model allows lower per-return pricing, while FileAbroad's direct-access model commands a premium.
The relevant question is not which is cheaper, but which provides better value for your specific situation. A complex return with foreign accounts, self-employment, and prior-year issues may cost more at either firm.
Who Should Choose Greenback
- Americans who prefer a larger firm with team-based support
- Those who want the lowest possible price for a straightforward return
- People who don't mind working with different preparers year to year
- Americans with very simple situations (single W-2, no foreign accounts, no self-employment)
Who Should Choose FileAbroad
- Americans who want direct access to the person preparing their return
- Those with complex situations (foreign accounts, self-employment, property, prior-year issues)
- People who value a preparer who lives abroad and understands the practical realities
- Americans who prefer a small practice over a large firm
The Bottom Line
Greenback is a good fit if you want a larger firm with lower prices and team-based support. FileAbroad is a good fit if you want direct access to your preparer and personalized attention. Both are legitimate options for Americans abroad.
Tell me about your situation → /intake
FileAbroad explains U.S. federal tax and U.S. international information-reporting consequences of documented foreign facts. It does not provide foreign-country legal or tax representation, valuation opinions, banking or remittance advice, or advice on what a foreign authority will accept.
Scope statement reviewed 2026-08-30 · FileAbroad product/content owner