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International Tax Accountant: Enrolled Agent, Remote
Short answer: An international tax accountant prepares US returns for people whose life or business crosses a border. We are an Enrolled Agent practice that does this remotely, in English or Spanish, with an Enrolled Agent signing. We also tell you plainly what we do not handle.
Key takeaways
We prepare US returns for Americans abroad, including Form 1040 with Form 2555 or Form 1116, the FBAR and Form 8938.
We also handle late filings, Form 5472 for foreign-owned US companies, ITIN applications and Form 1040-NR.
We do not prepare foreign countries' own tax returns, and we do not do US reporting for foreign corporations that Americans own.
"Near me" does not matter, because everything is done remotely.
Choose someone who is licensed, signs the return, quotes a flat fee in writing and can represent you before the IRS.
Who needs an international tax accountant
Individuals. You are a US citizen or green-card holder living abroad, a dual citizen, a freelancer working from another country, a retiree on a foreign address, or a non-US person with US income. US citizens and resident aliens abroad file under the same rules as people in the US, and a green-card holder is taxed on worldwide income like a citizen.
Businesses. You live outside the US and own a US LLC or corporation. The IRS has its own reporting for foreign-owned US companies, and the penalty for missing it is steep.
If you searched for an international tax advisor, consultant, specialist or preparer, this is the work those words usually mean. We explain the Enrolled Agent difference below.
What we handle
US returns for Americans abroad. Form 1040 with Form 2555 (foreign earned income exclusion) or Form 1116 (foreign tax credit). For tax year 2025 the maximum exclusion is $130,000, and for tax year 2026 it is $132,900. You need a foreign tax home plus either the bona fide residence test or 330 full days abroad in any 12 consecutive months. For tax year 2025, a single filer under 65 generally must file at $15,750 of gross income, and self-employed people must file at $400 of net earnings. We run the exclusion and the credit both ways before choosing.
FBAR and Form 8938. The FBAR is required when your foreign accounts total more than $10,000 at any time in the year, and it is filed with FinCEN, not with your return. Form 8938 is separate and attached to the return. Living abroad, the thresholds are more than $200,000 on the last day or $300,000 at any time (single), and $400,000 or $600,000 (married filing jointly).
Catching up on late returns and FBARs. If your failure to file was non-willful, the streamlined procedures may fit. For Foreign Offshore filers that means three years of returns, six years of FBARs, and payment of the tax and interest. You are not eligible if you are under an IRS exam or criminal investigation, so talk to us before you file anything.
Foreign owners of US companies. We obtain the EIN and prepare Form 5472 with the pro forma Form 1120 for a foreign-owned US LLC. The penalty for failing to file is $25,000 per reporting corporation.
ITIN applications. If you cannot get an SSN, we prepare Form W-7 together with your return. The IRS says to allow 7 weeks, or 9 to 11 weeks in peak season or when filing from overseas.
Non-resident returns. We prepare Form 1040-NR when you must file one or when filing gets you a refund. For tax year 2025, the due date is April 15, 2026 if you had wages subject to US withholding, and June 15, 2026 if not.
IRS notices and representation. If the IRS writes to you while you are abroad, Sabih Shafi can represent you as an Enrolled Agent. Bring the notice to the free review.
What we do not handle
We want you to hear this before you call.
Foreign countries' own tax returns. We prepare US returns only. For your local return, you need a local professional.
US reporting for Americans who own foreign corporations, such as Form 5471. We do not do this work. If a streamlined package would require those forms, we are not the right firm for that package.
"Near me" does not matter
Everything we do is remote. You send documents electronically, we talk by phone, and returns with a foreign address can be e-filed. We work in English or Spanish, in any time zone. Los Angeles is our base, but we serve Americans in all 50 states and abroad.
Deadlines for people abroad work differently. If you live outside the US on April 15, you get an automatic extension to June 15, with a statement attached to the return. Interest still runs from April 15 on any tax not paid, and Form 4868 extends filing time to October 15, not payment time. The FBAR is due April 15 and extends automatically to October 15.
How to choose an international tax accountant
A CPA is a different credential, and either can be the right fit depending on the job. We are an Enrolled Agent practice: Sabih Shafi is federally licensed by the IRS and can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states. Four questions will narrow the field with any provider.
Are they licensed? You can verify a preparer in the IRS Return Preparer Office directory at https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf.
Who signs your return? Ask whether a credentialed professional reviews and signs it, or whether someone you never speak with prepares it.
Is the fee flat and in writing? Avoid a number quoted over the phone before anyone has seen your documents, and avoid a fee that changes after you sign.
Can they represent you before the IRS? Preparing a return and representing you are different services, so ask.
How working with us goes
Free 20-minute review. We look at your situation, your years and what you need, and tell you whether we are the right fit.
Flat fee in writing. You see the fee before any work starts.
Send your documents. You send them electronically. No mailing originals.
Preparation and review. Your return is prepared, then an Enrolled Agent reviews and signs it.
Filing and follow-up. We file where the IRS allows e-filing, and we stay available if a notice arrives.
Ready to start?
Call or text (323) 900-0305, or book your free 20-minute review. If you are behind on filings, book before you send anything to the IRS.
General information, not tax advice for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you prepare my taxes in the country where I live?
No. We prepare US returns only. Your local return needs a professional in that country, and we can work from the figures on it for your US return.
Do I need an international tax accountant if I already pay tax abroad?
Often yes. Paying foreign tax does not remove a US filing duty, but the foreign tax credit or the exclusion may reduce your US tax.
Do you handle Form 5472 for my US LLC?
Yes, if you are a foreign owner and the company has reportable transactions with you or other related parties. A foreign-owned single-member LLC files a pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 attached.
Can you help if I am a non-US person with US income?
We prepare Form 1040-NR and ITIN applications. Book the free review so we can confirm your situation fits before you pay anything.
What is the difference between an Enrolled Agent and a CPA?
They are different credentials. An Enrolled Agent is federally licensed by the IRS and can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states. Our comparison guide in the related reading below covers it in more detail.
Last reviewed: October 2026 by Sabih Shafi, EA
Related Reading
Talk to an Enrolled Agent
This article is general information, not individual tax advice. If you want to talk through your own IRS or state balance, book a free 20-minute review or call or text us directly.
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