Frequently asked questions

Yes. The United States taxes citizens and green card holders on worldwide income, regardless of where they live. Even if you pay taxes in your host country, you generally still need to file a U.S. return.

The FEIE lets qualifying U.S. expats exclude a portion of their foreign-earned income from U.S. taxation. For 2024, the limit is approximately $126,500 and is indexed for inflation annually. Qualification depends on meeting either the Physical Presence Test or the Bona Fide Residence Test.

It depends on your income level, type, and host country tax rates. The FEIE excludes income, while the FTC offsets U.S. tax with foreign taxes paid. In some cases, a hybrid strategy delivers the best outcome. We model both and recommend the optimal approach for your situation.

You may qualify for the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, which allow non-willful taxpayers to catch up with reduced or no penalties. The key is to act proactively before the IRS contacts you.

It depends on your last state of residence, domicile rules, and whether you maintain ties there (property, licenses, voter registration). Some states are more aggressive than others in chasing former residents. We review your specific state exposure during consultation.

We focus on U.S. tax obligations and coordinate with local advisors in your host country when needed. Many of our clients pair our U.S. tax services with a local accountant for full cross-border coverage.

Do not ignore it. Forward the notice to us for a quick review. Most IRS notices have a clear resolution path — whether it is a simple math error, missing form, or information mismatch. We handle the analysis and direct response on your behalf.

Yes. Raquel is an Enrolled Agent — the highest credential awarded by the IRS — and is federally licensed to represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and collections in all 50 states and internationally.

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax practitioner authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Unlike CPAs, who are state-licensed, EAs have unlimited practice rights nationwide.

Absolutely. We provide full audit representation — from gathering documentation and preparing responses to attending meetings with the IRS. Our goal is to resolve the matter efficiently while protecting your rights.

There are several IRS programs for taxpayers who cannot pay in full, including installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, and Currently Not Collectible status. We evaluate your financial situation and negotiate the best feasible arrangement.

In many cases, yes. The IRS offers penalty abatement options — including First-Time Penalty Abatement and Reasonable Cause relief. We assess your history and build the strongest case for relief.

Yes. We provide monthly bookkeeping that stays clean, current, and audit-ready — including categorization, reconciliation, and tax-ready financial reports for freelancers, small businesses, and foreign entities.

Yes. We maintain USD-converted books, track FBAR-relevant accounts, and produce tax-ready reporting that aligns with both U.S. and local requirements.

Foreign income is reported in U.S. dollars using IRS-accepted exchange rates. We then apply the appropriate benefits — FEIE, Foreign Tax Credit, or treaty positions — to minimize your U.S. liability legally.

The IRS generally accepts the yearly average exchange rate or the rate on the date of receipt, depending on the income type. We use IRS-published rates and document the method consistently to avoid issues.

Yes. If the aggregate value of your foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). Additionally, FATCA (Form 8938) may apply at higher thresholds.

A Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) is a foreign corporation with predominantly passive income or assets. Common examples include certain foreign mutual funds. PFIC rules are complex and punitive — we review your holdings and handle the required reporting.

Your first 60-minute consultation is always free. After that, follow-up sessions are $65 for 60 minutes or $110 for a 2-hour deep-dive session. You choose the tier that fits your needs.

Yes — your initial 60-minute session is completely free, with no obligation. It is an opportunity for us to understand your situation and for you to see how we work before committing to any paid engagement.

Visit our Book Appointment page, select your session type, and choose a time on our Google Calendar. You will receive a confirmation email with meeting details. For paid sessions, payment instructions are sent after booking.

All consultations are conducted virtually via secure video conferencing, so we can serve clients worldwide regardless of time zone or location.

You will receive a calendar invitation with a secure video link. After the session, we send a written follow-up summary with recommended next steps. If you need ongoing support, we discuss the right service package for you.

Yes. Beyond one-time consultations, we offer fractional CFO engagements, recurring tax planning, and ongoing bookkeeping packages. We tailor the scope to your business size and complexity.

We serve clients in English, Portuguese, and Spanish — fluently. This allows us to support a diverse international client base with clarity and cultural understanding.

Yes. We work with U.S. citizens and businesses worldwide. All services are delivered virtually, so your location does not limit access to our team.

We provide expat tax filing, bookkeeping, IRS resolution, back tax preparation, tax planning, business tax services, fractional CFO leadership, business training, and add-on marketing and design services.

We do both. We provide detailed tax preparation and filing services, as well as strategic advisory and planning. You can engage us for the full return or for advisory-only guidance.

Absolutely. We serve small and mid-sized businesses with entity structuring, quarterly estimates, payroll guidance, operational design, and fractional executive leadership.