Expat Tax USA

A 1991 Graduate of Dickinson College and a 1998 Tulane University School of Law, I am an attorney in good standing  in the state of Colorado, U.S.A.  I am a former member of United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps, commonly known as a "JAG" Officer.   I have lived in South-East Asia with my active-duty military husband and three young children since February 2004.

My 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 an 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 should 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 the United States, London, and Hong Kong.  There is no one available locally.  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 intened to remain private.

Fee Structure

There are too many factors for a "one estimate fits all" approach.  Fees generally start at $1200 SGD for new clients.  State returns will add to the cost, as certain Schedules C, E, and PFIC reporting (usually foreign based mutual funds not purchased from a US brokerage).

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.  I am not currently offering this service.  I 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.

My hourly rate for consultations and research external to a tax filing is $380 SGD/hr (1 Hr minimum). 

 I 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.

***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