Helping Americans abroad navigate cross-border tax

Americans Overseas is an independent platform that connects U.S. citizens living abroad with qualified U.S. tax professionals. The organisation was founded by two Americans born and raised in Europe who encountered the same dilemma many U.S. expats face today.

Despite living entirely outside the United States, they discovered they were still subject to U.S. tax reporting requirements, something they, like many others, had never been made aware of.

When they searched for help, there was none.

That experience led to the creation of Americans Overseas: a service designed to reduce the confusion and anxiety that often accompanies cross-border tax obligations, and to provide a clear way forward.

A common dilemma, not a personal failure

Many of the people who contact Americans Overseas are well-organised, financially literate individuals who have lived abroad for years. Often, they’ve never filed a U.S. tax return because they simply didn’t know they had to. The discovery can be jarring, but it’s also manageable.

In fact, in around 90% of the cases Americans Overseas sees, clients:

• Do not owe any U.S. tax

• Are eligible to file retroactively via the IRS Streamlined Procedure

• Can resolve their U.S. tax filing without penalties

The issue is rarely one of wrongdoing, it’s a lack of awareness. And once that awareness is there, the path forward becomes clearer.

The impact of FATCA - and why it matters

The turning point for many U.S. expats came with the introduction of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) in 2010. This U.S. legislation requires banks worldwide to identify clients with U.S. ties and report their account details to U.S. authorities - often via local tax agencies.

In practical terms, this means:

• Banks may request a U.S. tax identification number (TIN/SSN)

• Investment platforms may restrict or deny access to U.S. citizens

• Some financial accounts may be frozen or closed without proper documentation

This is often the moment when an otherwise invisible obligation becomes very real, and very personal.

What Americans Overseas offers

Americans Overseas offers a range of services and support, including:

• Free intake consultations to assess your situation

• A carefully vetted network of U.S. tax professionals experienced in expat cases

• Guidance on FATCA, FBAR, TINs/SSNs, PFICs, and renunciation

• Plain-language information tailored to your local context

Importantly, their role is not just to connect, but to provide context and clarity. Clients are often relieved to find that there are practical solutions available, and that their situation is more common than they realised.

When to take action

You don’t need to wait until there’s an urgent issue. If you:

• Have received a FATCA-related letter from your bank

• Are unsure whether you’re required to file U.S. tax returns

• Have never filed, but now understand you may need to

• Are considering renouncing your U.S. citizenship

It’s worth having a conversation. Getting clarity can reduce uncertainty, and that alone can lower your financial stress.

A calm response to a complex system

Navigating cross-border obligations is rarely straightforward, especially when rules differ across jurisdictions. But it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Americans Overseas provides the structure, the network, and the reassurance to move forward with confidence.

As always, if you’re unsure about your situation, or if you have clients who are, we encourage you to speak with a qualified cross-border tax adviser.

To learn more or speak with Americans Overseas directly, visit: americansoverseas.org