Foreign Tax preparer?

Question

I am American and have lived in the UK since 2004. I haven't filed my US taxes since living here but I have been advised that I am still required to do so. Any idea where I would go to have my taxes prepared for me? Meaning, are there any companies here who specialise in this sort of thing? Are there any other Americans living in the UK who could advise what they have done? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

You have been advised correctly - all US citizens are taxed on their worldwide income regardless of where they live.

I wouldn't count on anybody in the UK being any good at US taxes, so I would try H&R Block's Tax Pro finder on their web site.  Some offices are open year around (that's why I would use Block) and they are comfortable doing tax returns by "remote control" (through the mail and email and such).  Their preparers who work year around are usually their most experienced so doing a return for an out of country citizen would be routine for them.  Pick a city where you used to live or plan to come back to so or visit so you can meet them someday.  Or just pick a city at random.

Don't worry about paying the taxes.  Chances are  you don't owe the US anything if you have been paying taxes over there.  The return will be just an informational one probably.

Answer 2

Grab a copy of the International Herald Tribune at any News Agent's Shop.  You'll find a number of ads for US tax preparers in many of the major cities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, etc.  You may also find some seasonal HR Block offices or other US tax specialists near the US military bases.  Most of those are clustered in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.  Such places as Mildenhall and Lakenheath are the best to look as they have large US military populations.

I would strongly suggest that you do NOT work remotely with a US-based tax preparer if at all possible.  Many of them are woefully unaware of the tax issues for expats living outside of the US.  I've unwound several disasters caused by them, especially Block newbies.  If you do have to work with a US-based tax pro, make SURE that the have the relevant knowledge and experience with expat taxes!