FileAbroad vs Local CPA: Which Is Right for You?
A local CPA can prepare your taxes, but most CPAs are generalists who handle domestic returns. FileAbroad specializes exclusively in expat tax for Americans living abroad. The choice between a generalist and a specialist depends on your situation complexity.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | FileAbroad | Local CPA |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Solo preparer, expat specialist | Generalist, domestic focus |
| Pricing | From $575/return | Varies widely ($300-1000+) |
| Preparer access | Direct access to Chip | Depends on practice |
| PTIN holder | Yes | Yes (if CPA) |
| IRS e-file provider | Yes | Usually yes |
| Based abroad | Yes (Ecuador) | No (US-based) |
| Services | Tax prep, FBAR, streamlined, consulting | Tax prep (varies), FBAR (maybe) |
| Expat expertise | Specialized | Often limited |
What a Local CPA Does Well
A local CPA can handle straightforward returns and may be familiar with your state tax rules. If you have a simple situation and an existing relationship with a CPA, they may be able to prepare your return. Some CPAs have expat experience.
What a Local CPA Often Lacks
Most local CPAs do not specialize in expat tax. They may not be familiar with FEIE vs FTC optimization, FBAR reporting, foreign account disclosure, or the practical realities of foreign banking and tax systems. FBAR and Form 8938 reporting are often outside their expertise.
A CPA who prepares mostly domestic returns may not know the latest expat-specific rules or how to optimize your filing for foreign income.
What FileAbroad Does Differently
FileAbroad specializes exclusively in expat tax. Chip prepares only expat returns, which means deeper expertise in the specific situations Americans abroad face. Chip lives abroad and understands foreign banking, visa requirements, and local tax systems from personal experience.
Who Should Choose a Local CPA
- Americans with very simple returns (single W-2, no foreign accounts, no self-employment)
- Those who already have a trusted CPA relationship
- People whose CPA has specific expat experience
Who Should Choose FileAbroad
- Americans living abroad with foreign income, accounts, or property
- Those with complex situations (foreign accounts, self-employment, property, prior-year issues)
- People whose local CPA lacks expat expertise
- Americans who value a preparer who lives abroad
The Bottom Line
A local CPA can work if you have a simple return and your CPA has expat experience. FileAbroad is a better fit if you need specialized expat tax expertise and a preparer who understands the practical realities of living abroad.
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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