Taxes for Expats (TFX) is among the leading tax preparation firms for expats living overseas. The company focuses on preparing tax returns for U.S. expats and digital nomads.
In this review, we will do a deep dive into TFX. The breakdown covers the company’s service offerings and price point, as well as the pros and cons highlighted by real users.
📋Summary
Get $25 off your TFX service when you order through our exclusive link.
TFX has been in the U.S. tax preparation business for over 25 years. The company began to focus on expats in the early-2000s, and has since garnered a strong following among U.S. taxpayers living overseas. As a full-service tax preparation firm, TFX costs more than DIY tax software for nomads. That said, hiring TFX ensures that your filings are both accurate and timely.
| 💰Price | Starts at $450 for federal returns. |
| 💼Base service | Great for W2 earners and self-employed. 35+ forms included. Includes Form 1040, Form 1116, Form 2555, all standard schedules, 10 interest and dividend transactions. |
| ➕Add-ons | Small business forms, investment forms, state tax returns. |
| 🏆Rating | 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot; 4.9 out of 5 on Google reviews |
💰Pricing and services
TFX offers several tax preparation packages tailored to the needs of U.S. expatriates and digital nomads. Services include a standard federal return, business filing, state tax assistance, and streamlined compliance for past-due filings.
| Service | Price | Includes |
| Federal Tax | $450 | Form 1040, Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit), Form 2555 (FEIE), Schedules A & B, 10 interest and dividend transactions. |
| Expanded Income Bundle | $75 | Schedules D, E, SE; one Schedule C, Forms 4562, 6198, 8396, 8829, 8949 |
| State Tax | $160 | Preparation and filing of return. |
| FBAR & FACTA | $185 | Filing for up to 5 bank accounts, document guidance, and filing assistance. |
| Form 5471 | $625 | Forms and schedules for expats with foreign business interests. |
| Form 1120-S | $800 | Tax preparation for expats with a U.S. S-corporation interest. |
| Streamlined Filing | $1,450 | 3 years of delinquent federal returns, 6 years of FBARs, additional forms at no extra cost. |
Federal tax
The $450 federal tax preparation package serves as TFX’s base offering for an individual tax return. The flat fee covers digital nomads and expats with basic tax needs, primarily those who derive their income from wages only. Here is a list of key forms and schedules included with TFX’s federal tax package:
- Form 1040 – Individual income tax return
- Form 1099DIV – 1099-DIV dividends and distribution worksheet
- Form 1099G – 1099-G government payments worksheet
- Form 1099INT – 1099-INT interest worksheet for input
- Form 1099MISC – 1099-MISC miscellaneous income worksheet
- Form 1099R – 1099-R pension worksheet
- Form 1116 – Foreign tax credit (individual, estate, or trust)
- Form 2555: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
- Form 1116 AMT – Foreign tax credit alternative minimum tax
- SCH 8812 1040/1040A – Child tax credit
- SCH A (1040/1040A) – Itemized deductions
- SCH B (1040/1040A) – Interest and ordinary dividends
- SCH EIC (1040/1040A) – Earned income credit – child information
- SCH R (1040/1040A) – Credit for the elderly or the disabled
Expanded income bundle
The $75 expanded income bundle is an add-on that includes tax preparation for investment and self-employment income. This package will likely be necessary for expats and nomads that generate income from capital gains and dividends, as well as freelancers, solopreneurs, and other self-employed individuals.
- Form 4562 – Depreciation and amortization
- Form 6198 – At-Risk limitations
- Form 8283 – Noncash charitable contributions
- Form 8396 – Mortgage interest credit
- Form 8801 – Credit for prior year minimum tax
- Form 8829 – Expenses for business use of your home
- Form 8889 – Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Form 8949 – Sales and other dispositions of capital assets
- One SCH C (1040) – Self-employment income
- SCH D (1040) – Capital gains and losses
- SCH E (1040) PAGE 1 – Supplemental income and loss (page 1)
- SCH E (1040) PAGE 2 – Supplemental income and loss (page 2)
- SCH SE (1040) – Self-employment tax
- One SCH K-1 (1065) – Partnership share of income
State tax
TFX charges a flat $160 for U.S. state income tax returns. The service includes preparation and filing of the return.
FBAR & FACTA
FBAR and FACTA filing start at $85 and $100, respectively, for a total of $185. The service includes filing for up to 5 bank accounts, document guidance, and filing assistance.
Streamlined filing
If you’ve fallen behind on tax filing for several years, TFX offers a catch-up service starting at $1,450. This service ensures that you are restored to full compliance with the IRS.
- Preparation of 3 years of delinquent federal tax returns
- Filing of 6 years of FBARs
- Form 14653 – Certification by US Person Residing Outside of the United States for Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures ($300 additional)
- Form 14654 – Certification by U.S. person residing in the United States for Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures ($500 additional)
Business filing
For expats with certain business interests, TFX charges an additional fee:
- Form 5471 – Forms and schedules for expats with foreign business interests ($625)
- Form 1120-S – Tax preparation for expats with a U.S. S-corporation interest ($800)
Additional forms
TFX supports all IRS forms and schedules. For forms not listed above, you can contact the company for additional information and pricing.
🔧Using Taxes for Expats
We found TFX’s desktop site to be remarkably simple and user-friendly. You can obtain a quote before any work begins, and the company’s online portal allows you to upload documents and track progress for your tax return preparation.
Signing up
One advantage of TFX is that you can obtain a full pricing quote before you commit. Using your prior year tax return, TFX can estimate the cost of performing the same service for the current tax year. When you sign up for a free account, TFX gives you the option of an introductory call with a staff member. You can also fill out a questionnaire on your income sources and basic personal information, which help determine which services you require.
User interface
In an age where tax return preparation often involves a lot of physical paperwork, TFX streamlines the process with a digital setup. All business is conducted online via the desktop website, with a user-friendly interface. Separate tabs for tax questionnaires, documents, bills, messages, and other services help keep everything organized.
Under the “phone consult” tab, you can schedule a call with a TFX tax professional at a time of your choosing.
🗣️Customer reviews
TFX garners strong reviews from customers across various online recommendation sites. As of 2025, the firm maintains a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.9 out of 5 on Google reviews.
✅The company’s customer service is frequently highlighted by users, many of whom have been clients for a decade or more. Many praise the high level of communication and fast turnaround times.
“I have been using them for 8 years now and I am super happy with their service. Professional and easy to use.” – Trustpilot reviewer
✅Affordability is another aspect cited by many customers. TFX charges a lower price compared with many firms that don’t specialize in expat taxes.
“The cost is more affordable and better than some other agencies offering similar services.” – Trustpilot reviewer.
✅TFX’s user-friendly website is another strong positive noted by reviewers.
“The website is easy to navigate and understand. The process was very simple and direct. No complaints.” – Trustpilot reviewer
🆚How TFX compares to alternatives
We think that many expats and digital nomads can save significant money by switching to TFX 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.). TFX’s pricing starts at just $450.
TFX’s fees compare favorably to other tax services for expats and nomads. Their main competitor Greenback Expat Tax Services charges a higher price for federal tax return preparation ($530 vs. $450 for TFX). State tax returns are also cheaper at Taxes for Expats ($160) compared with Greenback’s $175 fee.
| Federal Tax Price | State Tax Price | |
| Greenback | $530 | $175 |
| Taxes for Expats | $450 | $160 |
That said, final prices between the two rivals can diverge greatly depending on which add-ons you require. Greenback’s $530 fee for federal returns includes more small business and self-employed forms compared to TFX. With TFX, you will need to purchase the $75 expanded income bundle, in addition to the $450 base fee. Greenback’s $650 small business bundle, which includes Form 1120-S, is also cheaper than TFX’s $800 equivalent.
Summary: TFX charges lower fees for federal and state returns, as well as FBAR and FACTA. However, its small business fees are higher than Greenback’s. Ensure that you assess your tax needs and obtain a quote before making a final decision on which firm to hire.
🚩Limitations to consider
TFX’s excellent user reviews underscore the firm’s strong reputation among nomads and expats. Very few customers speak negatively of the service. The main limitation comes down to understanding the differences in pricing between TFX and its competitors, and which forms/schedules are included in each bundle:
❌Fees for corporate forms are higher than competitors.
❌Some business forms are not available on the base plan.
❌Only one Schedule K is included in the expanded income bundle.
🏁Final verdict: is TFX the best tax service for expats?
Taxes for Expats is affordable for U.S. taxpayers living overseas, especially salaried workers, investors, and retirees.
✅Affordable Services – TFX provides federal tax returns at a lower price point than some competitors.
✅User-friendly – Customers appreciate the ease of signup, as well as the intuitive user interface on the desktop site.
✅Trusted and Reliable – Taxes for Expats has been in business for over 25 years, and scores top reviews among digital nomads and expats.
❌Cost for Business Owners – TFX’s base package contains fewer forms for small business and self-employed, and its corporate add-ons are more expensive than alternatives.
Leave a Reply