Question 1

How does Zenith's expat tax process work?

Accepted Answer

Zenith Financial has designed a streamlined, fully remote process specifically for US expats and cross-border filers. Our process is built around four simple stages that take you from initial consultation to filed return, regardless of where you are in the world.

Stage 1 — Free Consultation: We begin with a complimentary consultation to understand your situation. We will discuss where you live and work, your income sources, any foreign financial accounts, and your filing history. Based on this ...

Question 2

What documents do I need to file expat taxes?

Accepted Answer

The documents needed for expat tax preparation vary based on your situation, but here is a comprehensive checklist of what most US expats should gather before starting the process.

Identity and Personal Information: Social Security numbers (or ITINs) for yourself, spouse, and dependents; copy of your passport showing foreign entry/exit stamps; current foreign address; and a copy of your prior year's tax return if available.

Income Documents: Foreign employer income statements (P60 in UK, T4 in...

Question 3

How long does the tax preparation process take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for completing your expat tax return depends on the complexity of your situation and how quickly you provide all necessary documents. Here is a general guide to what you can expect.

For straightforward returns (single country, employment income, standard FEIE or FTC), the typical turnaround is 1-2 weeks from the date we receive all your documents. This timeline includes preparation by your assigned tax professional, internal quality review, and delivery to you for approval.

For mo...

Question 4

Can I switch from another tax preparer to Zenith?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Switching to Zenith Financial from another tax preparer is straightforward. We handle transitions regularly and have a smooth onboarding process designed specifically for clients coming from other firms.

To make the transition seamless, we will need your most recent filed tax return (1-2 prior years is ideal). This allows us to review the positions taken, carry forward any relevant information (such as foreign tax credit carryovers, depreciation schedules, and FEIE elections), and i...

Question 5

Do I need to meet in person or can everything be done online?

Accepted Answer

Everything can be done 100% online. Zenith Financial was built from the ground up as a remote-first practice specifically to serve US expats around the world. You never need to visit an office or meet anyone in person.

Our entire process is conducted through our secure online platform, which includes: a client portal for document upload and secure messaging, video consultations via Zoom or Google Meet for any discussions, electronic signature for engagement letters and authorization forms, secu...

Question 6

What if I have multiple years of unfiled returns?

Accepted Answer

Having multiple years of unfiled returns is more common than you might think among US expats, and it is a situation we handle regularly at Zenith Financial. The key is to take action rather than continuing to avoid the problem, as the penalties and interest grow larger with each passing year.

For most expats with multiple unfiled years, the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures provide the best path back to compliance. Under this program, you file the last 3 years of tax returns and the ...

Question 7

Is my data secure with Zenith?

Accepted Answer

Data security is a top priority at Zenith Financial, and we employ multiple layers of protection to safeguard your sensitive financial information.

Our secure client portal uses 256-bit SSL encryption for all data in transit, which is the same level of encryption used by major banks. All stored data is encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption. Our systems are hosted on infrastructure that meets SOC 2 Type II compliance standards, which are independently audited controls for security, availabi...

Question 8

What credentials do your tax preparers have?

Accepted Answer

Zenith Financial employs Enrolled Agents (EAs) and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who specialize in US expat and cross-border taxation. Our team holds the highest professional credentials recognized by the IRS for tax preparation and representation.

Enrolled Agents (EAs) are tax professionals licensed directly by the IRS. They have earned this designation by passing the rigorous three-part Special Enrollment Examination, which covers individual taxation, business taxation, and representati...

Question 9

Do you handle Canadian tax returns too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Zenith Financial prepares Canadian tax returns for US-Canada cross-border filers. This is one of our core specialties, as US-Canada cross-border taxation is the most common international tax corridor we serve.

For US citizens and green card holders living in Canada, we prepare both your US federal return and your Canadian T1 personal tax return. This dual-country preparation ensures that the returns are coordinated — credits, exclusions, and treaty positions are properly applied across bot...

Question 10

How do I get started with Zenith?

Accepted Answer

Getting started with Zenith Financial is simple and takes just a few minutes. Here is how to begin.

Step 1 — Book Your Free Consultation: Visit our website and schedule a complimentary consultation. You can choose a time that works for your time zone, and the consultation can be conducted via video call, phone, or even through our secure messaging system if you prefer written communication.

Step 2 — Tell Us About Your Situation: During the consultation, we will ask about your living situation,...

Getting Started