Greenback Expat Tax Services is one of the most well-known firms that specializes in U.S. taxpayers living overseas. Many commentators on digital nomad and expat forums recommend the company for professional tax help, but is it really worth the hype?
In this review, we will do a deep dive into Greenback. The breakdown covers the company’s service offerings and price point, as well as the pros and cons highlighted by real users.
📋Summary
Greenback has been in business for over 15 years. As a full-service tax preparation firm, Greenback costs significantly more than DIY tax software for nomads. That said, the company presents a much better option for nomads or expats with complex tax situations. For those who stress about taxes, hiring Greenback ensures that your filings are both accurate and timely.
| 💰Price | Starts at $530 for federal returns. |
| 💼Base service | Great for W2 earners and self-employed. Includes Form 1040, Form 1116, Form 2555, all standard schedules, up to three Schedule Ks, 20 bank and brokerage transactions. |
| 🔧Add-ons | Small business forms, investment forms, state tax returns. |
| 🏆Rating | 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot; 4.6 out of 5 on Google reviews |
💰Pricing and Services
Greenback offers a range of tax preparation packages designed for U.S. expats and digital nomads. Whether you need a standard federal return, small business filing, state tax assistance, or help catching up on past-due filings, Greenback provides clear pricing and expert support.
| Service | Price | Includes |
| Federal Tax | $530 | Form 1040, Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit), Form 2555 (FEIE), Schedules A, B, C, D, E (1 rental property), up to 3 Schedule K-1s, 20 bank/brokerage transactions. |
| Small Business | $640 | Form 1065 (Partnerships), Form 1120 (Corporations), Form 1120-S (S Corporations). Additional forms available at extra cost. |
| State Tax | $175 | Residency review, preparation, filing, and personalized residency advice. |
| FBAR & FACTA | $115 | Filing for up to 5 bank accounts, document guidance, and filing assistance. |
| Streamlined Filing | $1,600 | 3 years of delinquent federal returns, 6 years of FBARs, Form 14653 assistance for IRS compliance. |
Federal tax
Greenback’s $530 federal tax package covers a range of tax situations, including self-employment income and capital gains. The package includes:
- Form 1040.
- Form 1116: Foreign Tax Credit.
- Form 2555: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE).
- Schedule A: Itemized Deductions.
- Schedule B: Interest and Ordinary Dividends.
- Schedule C: Profit or Loss from Business (Self-Employed).
- Schedule D: Capital Gains and Losses.
- Schedule E: Supplemental Income and Loss (includes one rental property, each additional rental property will be charged at $90).
- Up to three Schedule K-1s: Reporting income, dividends, or loss from a partnership
- Up to 20 bank and brokerage transactions.
Small business
Greenback’s small business tax package starts at $640 and is suitable for partnerships, corporations, S-corps, and LLCs. It includes:
- Form 1065: U.S. Return of Partnership Income.
- Form 1120: U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
- Form 1120-S: U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation
Additional Forms
- 962 Election on 1120 Forms ($950).
- Form 8865 ($445).
- Schedule K-2 and K-3.
- Form 5471 ($665).
- Form 5472 ($235).
- LLC Form 5472 Corporate Return ($380).
State tax
Greenback charges a flat $175 for U.S. state income tax returns. The service includes review of your residency status, preparation and filing of the return, and personalized advice about maintaining or changing your residency.
FBAR & FACTA
Greenback offers Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) filing starting at $115 for up to five bank accounts. The service includes:
- Preparation and filing assistance.
- Guided walkthrough of required financial documents.
Streamlined filing
For expats who have fallen behind on tax filing, Greenback provides a catch-up service for $1,600. This includes:
- Preparation of 3 years of delinquent federal tax returns.
- Filing of 6 years of FBARs.
- Assistance with Form 14653 – Certification by US Person Residing Outside of the United States for Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures.
🔧How to Use Greenback Expat Tax Services
One of Greenback’s accountants will contact you within one business day of opening an account on the site. Payment is only required after the draft tax return is completed and you have a chance to review all documents. After you submit your payment, Greenback will file your return with the relevant tax authorities.
- Sign Up: Create an account on Greenback’s website.
- Consultation: An accountant contacts you within one business day.
- Document Submission: Gather required documents (past tax returns, income statements, deductions, etc.).
- Review Draft: Receive a draft tax return for review.
- Payment & Filing: Payment is only required after approval. Once paid, Greenback files your return with the IRS.
Like any tax preparation service, Greenback requires a number of documents. These can include last year’s return, income documents, bank and routing numbers, business records, and deduction documents.
🗣️Customer Reviews: What Expats Are Saying
Greenback Expat Tax Services receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from U.S. expats worldwide:
✅ Expertise in Expat Taxes – “I’ve been using Greenback for over a decade. Many tax services don’t understand expat taxes, but Greenback does.” – Trustpilot review
✅ Affordable & Hassle-Free – “I used them for my U.S. taxes last year. It was quick, painless, and cheaper than my previous accountant.” – Reddit user
Ratings:
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- 4.8/5 on Trustpilot.
- 4.6/5 on Google Reviews.
🆚How Greenback Compares to Competitors
We think that many expats and digital nomads can save significant money by switching to Greenback from other tax preparation firms. A certified public accountant (CPA) generally charges $300+ for a basic individual return and $1,000+ for more complex filings (self-employment, rental properties, foreign income, etc.). Greenback’s pricing starts at just $530.
Compared to other tax services for expats and nomads, Greenback charges a somewhat higher price for federal tax return preparation.
| Federal Tax Price | State Tax Price | |
| Greenback | $530 | $175 |
| Taxes for Expats | $450 | $160 |
| 1040 Abroad | $400 | $100 |
That said, Greenback stands out for its straightforward pricing. The $530 fee for its federal returns includes more services than either Taxes for Expats and 1040 Abroad, which are less focused on investors and small business owners.
Summary: Although Greenback’s main competitors charge somewhat less for their entry-level packages, you may end up paying more after accounting for forms that aren’t included in the base fee. Ensure that you assess your tax needs before making a final decision on which firm to hire.
🚩Limitations to Consider
Overall, the majority of feedback indicates that Greenback Expat Tax Services provides reliable and efficient assistance for U.S. expatriates, with particular praise for their expertise and customer service. Complaints from customers are few and far between, but consider Greenback’s limitations before moving forward:
❌Some clients have noted challenges when dealing with tax matters involving multiple countries.
❌Entry-level pricing is higher than some competitors.
❌Greenback charges higher fees for state tax returns and some expat forms.
🏁Final Verdict: Is Greenback the Best Tax Service for Expats?
Greenback Expat Tax Services is a trusted choice for U.S. expats, known for its transparent pricing, in-depth tax expertise, and excellent customer support.
✅Strong Customer Support – Provides responsive assistance throughout the tax filing process.
✅Comprehensive Tax Expertise – Ideal for digital nomads, freelancers, and small business owners needing expert tax guidance.
✅Trusted and Reliable – Greenback Expat Tax Services is a well-regarded option for U.S. expats.
❌Higher Cost – While slightly higher than some competitors, its base fee includes more services.
Bottom Line: If you want a hassle-free, professional approach to expat tax filing, Greenback is worth considering.