How long does the tax preparation process take?

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 moderately complex returns (multiple income sources, foreign accounts requiring FBAR and FATCA, housing exclusion, or use of both FEIE and FTC), expect 2-3 weeks. These returns require additional analysis and often involve multiple forms and schedules that must be coordinated.

For highly complex returns (cross-border business income, PFICs, foreign trusts, multiple country filings, RSU/stock option allocation, or Streamlined Compliance filings), the process may take 3-5 weeks or more. These situations often require research into specific treaty provisions, coordination with foreign tax advisors, and careful documentation of complex positions.

The most common factor that extends the timeline is incomplete documentation. When we request additional information and need to wait for your response, the clock pauses. To ensure the fastest possible turnaround, provide all requested documents at once and respond promptly to any follow-up questions.

During peak tax season (March-June), turnaround times may be slightly longer due to higher volume. We recommend starting the process early — ideally in January or February — to avoid deadline pressure. If you have a specific deadline, let us know upfront and we will do our best to accommodate it.

You will receive a draft return for your review before we file anything. Most clients review and approve within 2-3 days, and we file immediately after approval.