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Federal return preparation
Form 1040 and the schedules specifically accepted in your written engagement scope.
Annual U.S. filing for Americans abroad
A clear, personal path through your U.S. expat tax return.
Work directly with Chip from consultation through review. Your accepted forms, written scope, and preparation limits are set out before work begins.
Scope before payment: You approve the exact forms and flat fee in writing. Higher-risk information returns, treaty positions, legal opinions, and representation are accepted only when appropriate—or referred out.
Clear deliverables
What is included
Your written scope controls. If a form or legal issue falls outside it, you will know before preparation begins.
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FEIE or Foreign Tax Credit work
Form 2555 or Form 1116 preparation when applicable, supported by the records and facts you provide.
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Accepted foreign reporting
FBAR or Form 8938 preparation when required and expressly included in the written scope.
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Review and filing confirmation
You review the completed return, ask questions, approve filing, and receive copies and confirmation.
The process
From intake to a reviewed filing
No sales maze and no silent handoff. You receive the next step in writing.
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Complete the short intake
Share your country, filing history, income types, and broad foreign-account facts—never account numbers or tax documents over WhatsApp.
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Receive a written recommendation
I identify the likely preparation path, scope flags, records needed, and whether a specialist referral is more appropriate.
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Approve the written scope
The accepted forms and preparation scope are confirmed before preparation starts.
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Review before filing
You receive the completed return for review and approve the filing or submission method.
Fit and limits
Before I accept the work
- The engagement covers preparation, not legal advice or audit representation.
- Eligibility for FEIE, credits, and filing status depends on the full facts.
- Foreign entities, trusts, gifts, funds, and treaty positions require separate screening.
- If I cannot responsibly accept the case, the intake review remains free.
Related next steps
Build the right filing path
Questions before you start
Frequently asked questions
Can a U.S. return be prepared while I live abroad?
Yes. The intake, document collection, preparation, and review can be completed remotely. Eligible returns may be e-filed; some filings require a different submission method.
What happens before preparation begins?
The consultation identifies the likely forms, records, limitations, and next step. If FileAbroad can accept the work, the written scope is confirmed before preparation begins.
Do I need to file if my income is below the FEIE limit?
The FEIE is not an automatic exemption from filing. Whether a return is required depends on filing status, age, income type, self-employment income, and other facts. Claiming the FEIE generally requires filing Form 2555 with a return.
What if my situation is outside your scope?
I will say so before accepting preparation work and recommend an attorney, enrolled agent, CPA, or other specialist when the issue requires different credentials or representation.
Official agency guidance controls current thresholds, forms, and procedures. Use this primary source as a starting point; it does not replace a review of your facts.
IRS information for U.S. citizens abroadEditorial review and primary sources
Reviewed . Tax rules, forms, thresholds, and agency procedures can change; confirm the current official guidance before filing.
Start the intake and receive the preparation path in writing.
Get Started