MyExpatTaxes vs Hiring a Professional Tax Accountant
Is Expat Tax Software Right for You, or Do You Need a Professional?
Self-guided expat tax software with optional expert review, founded in 2019
Advantages
- Lower price point (~$179–$329 depending on plan)
- Convenient, do-it-at-your-own-pace format
- Guided interview process for common expat forms
- Optional expert review add-on available
- Good for straightforward expat situations
Disadvantages
- Self-service: you are responsible for accuracy
- Limited support for complex US-Canada cross-border situations
- Cannot file FBAR directly
- No proactive tax planning advice
- No IRS audit representation included
- Guides you through forms but doesn't advise on strategy
- Not equipped for RRSP, TFSA, or Canadian provincial tax complexity
Best For
- • Simple expat situations: one country, W-2 income only
- • Tech-savvy filers who understand their tax situation well
- • Those in low-complexity countries without foreign financial accounts
A credentialed specialist who prepares, advises, and represents you
Advantages
- Expert handles all complexity — you just provide documents
- Strategic advice: FEIE vs FTC, treaty elections, RRSP reporting
- IRS audit representation (EAs have unlimited representation rights)
- Handles FBAR, FATCA, and all foreign schedules
- Can identify deductions and strategies the software misses
- Ongoing relationship and planning across tax years
- Essential for US-Canada cross-border situations
Disadvantages
- Higher cost than software ($400–$1,500+ depending on complexity)
- Requires scheduling and document gathering
- Quality varies — choose a specialist, not a generalist
Best For
- • US-Canada cross-border filers (any Canadian income, RRSP, T-slips)
- • Those with foreign financial accounts (FBAR required)
- • Self-employed or business-owner expats
- • Expats who have never filed or are catching up on back years
- • High earners where a missed deduction costs more than the service fee
Quick Comparison
| Factor | MyExpatTaxes (Software) | Professional Expat Tax Accountant (EA or CPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $179–$329 | $400–$1,500+ |
| Who Does the Work | You (guided by software) | Your accountant |
| FBAR Filing | Not included | Included |
| US-Canada Complexity | Limited | Full specialist handling |
| IRS Audit Representation | No | Yes (Enrolled Agents) |
| Tax Planning Advice | None | Yes — proactive |
Our Verdict
MyExpatTaxes works for simple, single-country expat situations. But if you have any Canadian connection, foreign financial accounts, self-employment income, or multiple years unfiled, a professional tax accountant is essential — the potential for costly errors or missed savings far outweighs the price difference.
Choose MyExpatTaxes (Software) if:
Choose MyExpatTaxes if your situation is genuinely simple: you live in one country, earn salary only, have no foreign accounts, and have no Canada-related income.
Choose Professional Expat Tax Accountant (EA or CPA) if:
Choose a professional if you have any complexity: Canadian income, foreign accounts, self-employment, multiple unfiled years, or if you want tax planning — not just tax filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Need Help Deciding?
Our team of EAs and CPAs can help you understand which option is best for your specific situation. Get personalized advice with a free consultation.
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