When are US expat taxes due?

US expat taxes follow the same base deadline as domestic filers — April 15 — but with several important extensions available. Here is the complete timeline of expat tax deadlines.

April 15 is the standard tax filing deadline and the date by which all tax payments are due. Even if you qualify for filing extensions, interest on unpaid taxes begins accruing from this date. If you expect to owe taxes, you should make an estimated payment by April 15 to minimize interest charges.

June 15 is the automatic 2-month extension deadline for US citizens and residents living and working abroad. No form needs to be filed to receive this extension — you simply attach a statement to your return explaining that you qualify. However, interest still runs from April 15.

October 15 is the extended deadline if you file Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File) before June 15. This gives you a full 6-month extension from the original April 15 deadline. Again, this is an extension to file, not an extension to pay.

December 15 is a special extension available to expats who need additional time to meet the Physical Presence Test or Bona Fide Residence Test. You must send a letter to the IRS requesting this extension before October 15.

For FBAR (FinCEN Form 114), the deadline is April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15. No form needs to be filed for the FBAR extension. Form 8938 is due with your tax return, so it follows the same deadlines.

Estimated tax payments for self-employed expats are due quarterly: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. Missing estimated payments may result in underpayment penalties.

We recommend starting your tax preparation early — ideally in January or February — to avoid the stress of approaching deadlines and to ensure you have time to gather all necessary foreign documents.