Foreign income - need to find a tax accountant to help with tax return

[Niceb 2]

Hi all,

I have been trying to find a reasonably priced tax accountant to do my first US tax return for months now. I have been quoted $1,500 which I can no way afford as my husband as been struggling to maintain employment since we have arrived. I have a small business in Ireland which I receive an income from. The taxes are already paid over there. I also have a negative equity property which I rent out, plus my husband, who is Brazilian, has a property in Brazil that he rents out. We also have foreign bank accounts which we need to file the FBAR for. Although our 2015 incomes were very modest , the tax return (which we will file jointly) is too complicated to do ourselves. I have been looking all over to find someone. Has anyone used HRBlock to attempt something like this? They have very bad reviews online. I am just scared that the return will be filed incorrectly and we will end up with penalties. Has anyone got any suggestions of good chain companies or even virtual tax accountants?

[MariaR323 199]

Hi all,

I have been trying to find a reasonably priced tax accountant to do my first US tax return for months now. I have been quoted $1,500 which I can no way afford as my husband as been struggling to maintain employment since we have arrived. I have a small business in Ireland which I receive an income from. The taxes are already paid over there. I also have a negative equity property which I rent out, plus my husband, who is Brazilian, has a property in Brazil that he rents out. We also have foreign bank accounts which we need to file the FBAR for. Although our 2015 incomes were very modest , the tax return (which we will file jointly) is too complicated to do ourselves. I have been looking all over to find someone. Has anyone used HRBlock to attempt something like this? They have very bad reviews online. I am just scared that the return will be filed incorrectly and we will end up with penalties. Has anyone got any suggestions of good chain companies or even virtual tax accountants?

The one thing I *can* suggest is to NOT go with H&R Block - even the simplest return they do NOT know how to complete.

Honestly, you're better off going with an independent tax preparer and based on the details you provided, yes, it does sound a little more on the complex side. Look for someone who has experience with foreign income/tax. The price does sound a little high, but to be honest, it's probably close to what you'd be paying given the complexity of what your tax return will turn out to.

[Niceb 2]

Thanks for that tip but any suggestions who I can use. I can't find anyone, which I find incredible given the number of foreign nationals in this country.

Thanks for that tip but any suggestions who I can use. I can't find anyone, which I find incredible given the number of foreign nationals in this country.

[AB loves AG 54]

I agree, don't go with H&R Block or any of those chain type places. Ask your spouse to ask friends where they go. You want an independent tax accountant. The quote you were give sounds extremely high , even absurd considering even your more complex situation.

[MariaR323 199]

It might be a tad bit on the higher end of the scale for pricing, but I'm pretty sure they were just trying to safeguard their work. I'm a registered tax preparer in California and I can more or less imagine the work that return will involve. And as the preparer you don't really know the exact amount of work it will take until you're reviewing the paperwork. So you give a quote based on estimates.

I can recommend one or two people - although I don't know what their fees would be - but I do know they specialize in foreign taxes. I'll see if I can get their contact info to you later in the day.

Thanks for that tip but any suggestions who I can use. I can't find anyone, which I find incredible given the number of foreign nationals in this country.

Thanks for that tip but any suggestions who I can use. I can't find anyone, which I find incredible given the number of foreign nationals in this country.

Are you physically located in Philadelphia?

[Niceb 2]

Yes I am.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I would ask MariaR23 for a quote in a private message.

And maybe fill out your timeline with some dates you entered the US. Do you have a greencard? When did you enter the US? Is anybody a U.S. Citizen? Do you actually have to file and complicate it with you foreign income?