What documents do I need to file expat taxes?

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 Canada, Group Certificate in Australia, etc.); US employer W-2 forms if any US income; 1099 forms for investment income, freelance work, or other US-source income; foreign self-employment records (profit and loss statement); rental income and expense records for any properties; pension or retirement account distribution statements; and records of any other income (alimony, prizes, cryptocurrency, etc.).

Foreign Account Information: Year-end statements for all foreign bank accounts; maximum balances during the year for each account; foreign investment and brokerage account statements; foreign pension account statements with year-end values; and foreign life insurance policies with cash values.

FEIE/FTC Documentation: Travel log showing dates of US visits and time abroad; foreign tax returns or proof of foreign taxes paid; housing lease agreement and rental receipts; utility bills and other qualifying housing expenses; and evidence of bona fide residence if claiming the Bona Fide Residence Test.

Additional Items (if applicable): Foreign mortgage interest statements; records of foreign property purchases or sales; foreign business financial statements; foreign trust documents; records of foreign gifts or inheritances received; and any IRS correspondence.

Do not worry if you cannot locate every document — we can often work with bank statements and other alternatives. Our tax organizer will guide you through exactly what is needed for your specific situation.