Topic library
Compliance
17 resources covering compliance for Americans living or filing abroad.
Blog
September 22, 2026Haven't Filed US Taxes in 10+ Years While Living Abroad? Read This Before You File Anything
A decade or more of unfiled U.S. returns is usually several problems wearing one coat. Learn what the IRS can already see, which years may not even have required a return, and why the order you file in matters more than filing fast.
Blog
September 5, 2026Missed U.S. Tax Filings Abroad? Start With Your Filing History
Organize missing U.S. returns, foreign-account reports and records by year before discussing a suitable catch-up filing scope.
Blog
August 5, 2026Foreign Address Changes and U.S. Tax Notices
A records-first guide to foreign address changes and u.s. tax notices, including the questions to classify, documents to gather, related U.S. forms, and when a written scope helps.
Blog
August 5, 2026How Foreign Currency Conversion Affects Your Return
A records-first guide to how foreign currency conversion affects your return, including the questions to classify, documents to gather, related U.S. forms, and when a written scope helps.
Blog
August 5, 2026How to Respond to an IRS Notice From Abroad
A records-first guide to how to respond to an irs notice from abroad, including the questions to classify, documents to gather, related U.S. forms, and when a written scope helps.
Blog
August 5, 2026The Expat Tax Records Retention Checklist
A records-first guide to the expat tax records retention checklist, including the questions to classify, documents to gather, related U.S. forms, and when a written scope helps.
Blog
July 31, 2026Accidental American Tax Filing Requirements: FBAR, FATCA, and Catch-Up Options
Use this accidental-American tax filing checklist to separate FBAR, FATCA, income-tax, and catch-up requirements before considering renunciation.
Blog
July 30, 2026Do I Report Closed Foreign Accounts on the FBAR?
A foreign account closed during the year can still be relevant to the year's FBAR analysis because the filing test uses maximum values during the calendar year rather than only year-end balances. Learn the rules for reporting closed accounts.
Blog
July 30, 2026FBAR Signature Authority: When You Must Report Accounts You Don't Own
Signature authority on foreign business accounts, family accounts, or employer accounts creates FBAR filing obligations even if you don't own the funds. Learn the rules and exceptions.
Blog
July 30, 2026Form 5471 Filing Categories: Which One Applies to You?
Form 5471 uses multiple filing categories for U.S. persons connected to foreign corporations. Learn how Categories 1 through 5 work, why Category 6 is not a current category, and how to map the applicable schedules.
Blog
March 16, 2026FBAR Late Filing and Reasonable Cause: Current Options for 2026
Missed an FBAR? There is no official amnesty. How reasonable cause, delinquent submission and streamlined procedures compare — and which one fits.
Blog
February 26, 2026Missed FBARs for Years? Where to Start Before Filing
Missed years of FBARs? Separate account reports from tax returns, gather the right records, and understand why filing years and penalty treatment depend on your facts.
Blog
February 26, 2026FBAR Deadline 2026: April 15 (Auto-Extended to October 15)
The 2026 FBAR deadline is April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15 — no form required. $10,000 threshold, penalties, and how to catch up.
Blog
February 9, 2026FATCA Requirements for Americans Abroad: 2026 Guide
Form 8938 can require Americans abroad to report specified foreign financial assets when the applicable filing threshold is exceeded. Learn how the foreign-resident thresholds, asset rules, and FBAR differences work.
Blog
February 9, 2026FBAR vs FATCA: Differences & Do You Need Both?
FBAR and FATCA are separate U.S. reporting systems. FBAR tests reportable foreign financial accounts; FATCA (Form 8938) tests specified foreign financial assets. Learn how they differ and where the full comparison lives.
Blog
February 5, 2026Do You Actually Need to File FBAR? The $10,000+ Mistake Americans Abroad Keep Making
If your foreign accounts total $10,000 at any point, you likely must file. How to check the rule — and fix late or missing FBARs before penalties start.
Blog
January 27, 20267 Common Tax Mistakes Americans in Ecuador Make
Avoid these costly errors. The most common U.S. tax mistakes made by Americans living in Ecuador—and how to fix them.