Expatfile
What Expatfile is
Expatfile is do-it-yourself tax software for Americans living abroad who need to prepare and electronically file U.S. expat tax returns. A guided questionnaire leads through preparation without requiring tax expertise, and users can submit returns directly to the IRS with an acceptance-status notification. Expatfile says it can also transmit FBAR filings to FinCEN through the BSA E-Filing system. Supported topics include Form 1116 for foreign tax credits, Form 2555 for the foreign earned income exclusion, and Form 8938 for FATCA reporting. Its plans address standard filing, self-employment, investment and rental income, streamlined catch-up returns, and unlimited forms or amendments. SFOP packages support prior-year returns with up to six years of FBAR and a Form 14653 certification statement. Users can start for free and pay when ready to e-file; a free trial is offered. Access works on web, Android, and iOS, with 24/7 email and chat support.
Who it suits
It suits Americans overseas handling U.S. returns, including self-employed people, investors, landlords, and those catching up on prior years. Users should confirm their forms are supported before filing.
What it does well
- Guided filing without tax expertise
- Direct IRS e-file and acceptance notification
- FBAR transmission to FinCEN
- Web, Android, and iOS access
- 24/7 email and chat support
What to know first
- No free plan
- Unsupported forms cannot currently be handled
- Designed for U.S. expat returns
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $119 per tax return · IRS e-file · tax treaty benefits · W-2, 1099-G, 1099-INT, 1099-SSA, 1099-R · listed forms | $119, paid once |
| Premier | $159 per tax return · Includes Standard · refundable child tax credits · self-employment tax exemption · supports 1099-DIV, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC | $159, paid once |
| Investor | $199 per tax return · Includes Premier · capital gains including crypto · rental and royalty income · FATCA reporting | $199, paid once |
| Unlimited | $499 per tax return · Expert-prepared return · unlimited forms, amendments, and support · business ownership forms not included | $499, paid once |
| SFOP Standard | $699 total · Required prior year returns · Form 14653 certification statement · up to 6 years of FBAR | $699, paid once |
| SFOP Premier | $819 total · Includes SFOP Standard · refundable child credits · certificate of coverage exemption | $819, paid once |
| SFOP Investor | $939 total · Includes SFOP Premier · capital gains including crypto · FATCA reporting | $939, paid once |
As expatfile.tax lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Expatfile combines guided preparation with IRS e-file and FBAR transmission for Americans abroad. Its range of plans covers common expat situations, but form support should be checked before starting.
Facts from Expatfile's own pages
- Audit support
- Yes · expatfile.tax, 22 Sept 2026
- FBAR
- Expatfile says it can transmit FBAR filings to FinCEN through the BSA E-Filing system. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- No · expatfile.tax, 22 Sept 2026
- Guided filing
- Its questionnaire guides users through preparing a return without requiring tax expertise. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Headquarters address
- The contact page lists Expatfile.tax LLC at 1 E Liberty St #600, Reno, Nevada 89501. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Investment income
- Yes · expatfile.tax, 22 Sept 2026
- IRS e-file
- The service lets users e-file their returns directly with the IRS and receive an acceptance status notification. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Limits
- The company says it cannot currently support forms that are not listed among its supported forms. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Mobile access
- web_and_mobile · expatfile.tax, 22 Sept 2026
- Payment timing
- The pricing page says users can start for free and pay after completing their return when they are ready to e-file. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy controls
- Users can request deletion of their personal data by emailing support. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Rental income
- Yes · expatfile.tax, 22 Sept 2026
- Security
- The security page says data at rest is encrypted with AES-256 and public connections use post-quantum key exchange. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Security monitoring
- The company says an independent security firm scans its platform weekly and that it commissions independent penetration tests. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Self-employment support
- Yes · expatfile.tax, 22 Sept 2026
- Sign-in
- The application offers passwordless email links and sign-in with a passkey, Google, or Apple. · app.expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Streamlined filing
- Its SFOP package supports catching up on prior-year returns and includes up to six years of FBAR and a Form 14653 certification statement. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- Expatfile advertises 24/7 email and chat support. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported tax topics
- Listed supported forms include Form 1116 for the foreign tax credit, Form 2555 for the foreign earned income exclusion, and Form 8938 for FATCA reporting. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Expatfile is do-it-yourself tax software for Americans living abroad to prepare and e-file their U.S. expat tax returns. · expatfile.tax, 12 Oct 2026
Where Expatfile stands on Freedom251
- Tax Software#92 of 149
- Personal Tax Software#92 of 123