Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
IRS Tax Help for Americans Living and Working Abroad
IRS tax attorneys — Beverly Hills, CA. National representation.
The United States is one of only two countries in the world that taxes based on citizenship rather than residency. Every American living abroad must file a US tax return reporting worldwide income. Most also have FBAR, FATCA, and potentially PFIC reporting obligations.
Many Americans abroad have let years of returns lapse. Some were unaware of the filing requirement. Others filed returns but omitted foreign accounts or foreign investment income. All of them face accumulated penalties that, without professional help, can escalate into a crisis.
How We Help
Our Approach to Tax Attorney for Americans Living Abroad
Expat Tax Return Filing (Current and Delinquent)
We prepare US tax returns for Americans abroad for the current year and all unfiled years, including all applicable exclusions (FEIE, housing exclusion), foreign tax credits, and treaty positions.
Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures
US persons residing abroad who have failed to report foreign income and accounts non-willfully can use the Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures (SFOP) to catch up with zero penalty.
FBAR, Form 8938, and PFIC Compliance
Expats with foreign bank accounts, foreign employer retirement plans, and foreign investment funds must file FBARs, Form 8938, and Form 8621. We handle all foreign information return compliance.
Renunciation and Expatriation Planning
Americans who wish to renounce US citizenship must file Form 8854 and potentially pay the exit tax under IRC §877A. We advise on expatriation planning and handle the required filings.
How It Works
The Resolution Process
Compliance Gap Analysis
We identify every unfiled return, FBAR, Form 8938, Form 3520, and other international form for all years in question.
Streamlined Eligibility Assessment
We determine whether the client qualifies for SFOP (zero penalty) or must use SDOP (5% penalty) or another disclosure path.
Return and FBAR Preparation
We prepare 3 years of returns and 6 years of FBARs, plus all required international forms.
Submission and Confirmation
We submit the complete package, track IRS acknowledgment, and advise on annual compliance post-submission.
Ready to Resolve Your Tax Problem?
Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients resolve IRS matters. Your consultation is free and confidential.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file US taxes if I live abroad?+
Yes — if you are a US citizen or Green Card holder. You must file a Form 1040 reporting worldwide income. Many expats owe little or no tax due to the FEIE and foreign tax credits, but the filing obligation exists regardless of income level.
What is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion?+
The FEIE allows qualifying expats to exclude up to $126,500 (2024) of foreign-earned income from US tax. To qualify, you must meet either the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test (330 days outside the US).
Further reading
Beverly Hills · Los Angeles · National
Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
9100 Wilshire Boulevard, 601 East Tower, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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