A complete expat return is $599, and every other price is on this page.
A Complete Return is $599: federal, one state, FBAR, FATCA, the foreign housing exclusion and treaty positions. Simpler returns are $449. Complex returns are $995. Streamlined catch-up filing is $1,395. The fee is fixed before work starts.
These are the prices. If your situation needs something outside them, you'll get the number before any work starts — not after. And an FBAR can always be filed free through FinCEN's own system; what you're paying for here is the review of whether it's the only thing you're missing.
What is out of scope, and where I refer you out
Some work belongs with a different specialist. Saying so is cheaper for you than finding out in April.
Referred to counsel who does this weekly.
A single Form 5471 I will do. A group of operating entities needs a firm.
I prepare the US side. Your local filing stays with a local preparer.
That is a lawyer's work, under privilege, before anything is filed.
Questions about the fees
Why flat fees instead of an hourly rate?
Because you should be able to decide with the number in front of you. The fee is quoted before work starts and invoiced exactly as quoted.
What if my return turns out to be more complicated than it looked?
The package follows the return, so if your facts move you from Complete to Complex you get the new number before any work starts — never as a surprise on the invoice.
Is the qualification call really free?
Yes. Fifteen minutes, bookable directly on the calendar, no card and no obligation. If your return does not need me, you will hear that on the call.
Do you charge to file my extension?
No. The federal extension, Form 4868, is free whether or not you go on to book a return.
How long does a return take once I have sent everything?
Within 15 business days of complete documents, and an expedited five-day turnaround is $195. [TBD — confirm 15-day SLA is real]
What do you not do?
Host-country returns, renunciation and expatriation (Form 8854), and groups of operating entities with payroll. Those are referred out, and saying so now is cheaper for you than finding out in April.
Not sure which package is yours?
Fifteen minutes on a call settles it, and the qualification call is free.