American Expat Tax Services Pte Ltd

Amanda St. Claire, J.D.,  Founder & Managing Director, has a BA from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA  (1991) and a JD from Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans, LA (1998).  She is an attorney in good standing  in the state of Colorado: Bar Number: 30402.  She is a former member of United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps, commonly known as a "JAG".  A member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, she has been living in South-East Asia with her family since February 2004 and has shared her passion for world travel with her three young children and husband.

amanda@expattaxusa.com

Tax Consultant: Ana Cristina Brugh Elliott, CPA (Active: North Carolina License #35583) has a BS and a Masters in Accounting from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Ana is a former tax associate with the accounting firm of Dixon Hughes and worked in real estate financial accounting.   She is an avid runner and animal lover.  ace@expattaxusa.com

Accounting Consultant: Jayne Rea is a CIMA Qualified Accountant (UK qualified) with over 15 years experience in the field of accounting.  She has worked in SE Asia for the past 8 years and joined our practice in 2010 and has become an integral part of our tax team.

jayne@expattaxusa.com

Independent Contractor:

Tax Consultant: Kaitlin Krozel, CPA (Active:  California License #98033) has a BS in Accounting & Finance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and a Masters in Financial & Tax Planning from San Diego State University.  Kaitlin joined the practice in 2009  after spending time in private industry as a senior financial accountant and working with Ernst & Young.  Kaitlin and her husband recently relocated to the United States but she still supports clients for our office.

Our Business

Although an Attorney-at-law by trade, I am not offering legal services or representation at this time.  My services are strictly limited to the preparation of Federal and State income tax returns.  However, should you need assistance with a paper audit or responding to an enquiry or notice from the IRS or state taxing authorities, I can, as your tax preparer and an attorney, answer on your behalf or assist you to prepare.  You can also grant me power of attorney on all matters or a specific matter with the IRS for a period of years or for a specific project. 

 As an attorney, I am also in a unique position to know when you need to consult with a tax attorney.   If I feel you need to engage a tax attorney I will advise you and provide you with a few contacts in Singapore, the United States, London, and Hong Kong.   Although costly, a skilled tax attorney could save you thousands of dollars and criminal prosecution.  It is often important to appreciate your exposure especially when dealing with undisclosed and underreported foreign accounts and income.

I will assert attorney client privilege on your behalf but the IRS generally won't recognize it for information provided for the preparation of a tax return as that information wasn't intended to remain private.

Fee Structure

There are too many factors for a "one estimate fits all" approach.  Fees generally start at between $1,200 - S1,400 SGD for new clients.  State returns will add to the cost, as well as  Schedules C, E, and PFIC reporting (usually foreign based mutual funds and certain investment linked insurance products not purchased from a US brokerage).

We require full compliance with the Department of Treasury form TD F 90-22-1 (FBAR).Click here to download our checklist.  Click here to download our engagement letter.

Prior year taxes:  The IRS is most concerned about the past 6 years (excluding the present) if it is a zero tax return.  If taxes are owed there is no statute of limitations on unfiled taxes.  We can attempt to negotiate with the IRS on the penalties in some circumstances, but there is no guarantee of a successful outcome.

TEQ Reviews.  We are not currently offering this service.  We will also not accept your case if you are equalized.  You need to work with the Accounting Firm that has been retained by your employer.

Tax consultations and research external to a tax filing is $400 SGD/hr (1 Hr minimum).   Accounting work is $200 SGD/hr.  Some accounting projects are billed at a lower hourly rate.  Please contact us with your needs.

We also offer low income assistance  upon proof of income under $50,000 without additional schedules.

Contact us for a more accurate estimate.   

We pride ourselves on delivering personalized services to each client and offering an education in taxes along the way to help you become more familiar with the stacks of forms you are signing under penalty of perjury.  Unlike the big accounting firms or online firms, we will spend the time asking you the right questions and explaining the consequences of certain international transactions that you may be considering or how your immigration status or marriage to a foreign national could affect your tax liability.  We can also provide a referral to a local attorney to draft a local will and a US tax attorney in the region if we feel you are in need of their services for estate planning or a compliance issue.

***Generally speaking, tax preparation for filers with foreign-earned income is more involved than the average U.S. return.  As a result, the fees associated with the preparation of these types of returns are generally higher.  Also, taxes prepared by a "professional", by IRS definition an Enrolled Agent, CPA, or JD also cost more.  Also, the high cost of living in SE Asia and limited number of qualified preparers also keeps prices higher than the U.S. average.  Beware of those advertising online who offer very low rates or guaranteed refunds.  A better guide to pricing would be to contact other experienced preparers in your region for a price comparision.***   Active Duty Military should first consult their local legal office for information about free services or view http://www.militaryonesource.com