Easy Tax Filing Process
File US Taxes Easily and Securely OnlineHow To File Your US Taxes When You Don’t Live There?
We believe that filing your US tax return should be easy and painless, no matter where you are in the world.
That’s why we developed a proven process to work with US expats and other US tax filers which allows you to have your taxes done by an experienced CPA from the comfort of your own home.
“This is my first time doing my taxes from abroad and with Online Taxman, the process was very easy.”
Our Easy 4 Step Process
Consultation
You get to know us while we learn about your tax situation and give you an accurate quote.
Upload Your Info
We use an encrypted secure online portal for all your tax documents.
Relax
Our tax experts do your taxes for you. If we need more info, we will reach out to you.
File
After you review everything, we e-file for you. Or we tell you exactly how to submit.
Process Steps In More Detail:
Have A Consultation
You can schedule a time directly in our calendars using the online form here. It will take you through a few questions to pair you with the best accountants for your situations.
The goal of the tax consultation with one of our experienced tax accountants is to:
- Understand your tax situation
- Share with you our background and experience
- Answer questions you may have
- Provide you with an accurate and fixed fee quote
This consultation is a great way to get to know your accountant. Taxes can be very personal, so we want to make sure that you are comfortable with the person who will be doing yours.
After our consultation, we will send you an electronic engagement letter outlining the scope of services and an initial deposit email with a secure payment link. If you’d like to work with us, simply e-sign the engagement letter and pay the deposit.
You will generally work with the senior accountant you have already spoken with, along with a staff accountant. Together they will handle your US tax return throughout the entire process.
Share Your Tax Info Via A Secure Collaboration Portal
Once you sign and pay, you will receive an automatic welcome email with an online questionnaire, as well as an invitation to collaborate using a 256-bit encrypted shared folder, the same security used at financial institutions.
This is how you will securely share your tax documents with us and where your CPA will upload your tax return for your review. Your questionnaire will help us gather some basic information that applies to your specific situation that will build on what we learned in the initial consultation. We will also request you upload at least your prior year’s tax return for us to review.
Once you upload your documents and complete questionnaire, your accountant will get to work.
Sit Back While Our Accountants Prepare Your Taxes
Now that you have uploaded your documents, your tax accountant will begin preparing your US tax return. They will contact you directly if he needs any additional information or has additional questions.
Your CPA and staff accountant will handle all of your questions, document requests, etc. We are always available via email or by phone appointment.
Usually, a single US tax return will be ready within about 2-3 weeks from the time you submit all your final documents and questionnaire. During the busiest time right before major deadlines, it will take a bit longer. If you need more expedited service, please let your accountant know and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Review And E-File
Once we complete your US tax return, it will be uploaded to the collaboration folder for your review. At this time, we can make any necessary changes and answer any additional questions that you may have before we finalize the return. Upon the upload of your return, we will also request that you pay the remaining invoice.
After you approve the tax return, we will send it to you for electronic signature. Once the return is signed and the invoice is paid, we will e-file the return. We will never file unless you have approved your return first.
In the few cases where the IRS won’t allow for e-filing, we will provide instructions on how to file appropriately yourself.
What Our Clients Say About Our Process
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what our clients say:
- They simply make filing my returns easy.
- It was quick, easy, and completely online.
- Their processes and tools made it easy to submit/review documents at every step along the way.
- Kindness, availability, promptness, serviceability, confidentiality, security.
- Fast and efficient.
- Easy and accurate.
Frequent Questions About Our Process
How do I get started?
The easiest way to get started is to contact us to set up a consultation. In this consultation, we will discuss your tax situation and provide you with a free quote. No obligations.
Is it really secure doing everything online?
Yes, it is. It might even be safer than handling paper documents. Even the IRS prefers electronic filing for most instances.
We understand that many people are apprehensive about sharing their personal information through an online platform. To protect your information and ensure that it is completely confidential, Online Taxman uses high 256 bit security encryption and multiple safety features designed into our client portal.
As a client, you will open a (free) account within our secure online client portal. This is where you upload your tax documents. We do not share personal and financial information via email, which is not safe. Instead we handle all documents in the encrypted client portal, which is easy-to-use and safe.
How long will it take to do my tax return?
Once we received all the tax documents and the initial payment from you, it will usually take us about 2-3 weeks to fill out your tax return and review it internally. During high season close to tax deadlines, it might take longer. If you need expedited service, please let us know.
If you send us additional documents later or change information, it will of course add to the timeline and potentially the cost.
We will file your tax return after you reviewed everything, made the final payment and give us the green light to e-file.
How much will my tax return (or other services) cost?
Our pricing is transparent and fixed, so you won’t be surprised by a bill later.
Our standard expat tax package starts at USD 600 for an individual federal tax return filing with standard forms. But keep in mind that each situation is unique. You may need additional forms or services, for example late filings.
During the consultation we will assess your specific needs and provide you with a fixed accurate quote, so there will be no surrises down the line.
What is included in the price?
In addition to the tax return and standard forms, our price always includes the following
- Answering your tax questions throughout the year
- Review of prior 3 years tax returns
- Assistance with questions from the IRS about tax filings prepared by us
- 30 day money back guarantee
Can you file my tax return for me?
In most cases, we can e-file your tax return on your behalf. In some cases however, for example for late filings using the streamlined process, the IRS doesn’t allow for e-filing because they require a “wet” signature from you.
If we can’t e-file, we provide you with detailed instructions for printing, labeling, signing, and mailing your returns in paper form. The only way we could file those paper returns on your behalf would be if you give us power of attorney to do so.
How do I pay?
When a payment is due, we send you a link that makes easy and safe.
For most types of engagements, we ask for payment in two installments: The first payment is due before we get started on your return. The second and final payment must be made once the return is completed, before it will be filed.
Some engagements require a full payment upfront.
Most payments are by paying by credit or debit card. In some cases, a bank transfer is encouraged.
The accountant will advise of of the payment terms during the consultation.
Can I meet my CPA in person?
Taxes can be very personal, so we understand how important it is to get to know and love your CPA. You will meet your accountant first during the consultation via phone.
Unlike other service providers, we don’t give your tax preparation to a nameless contractor. All our accountants and their experience are listed on our website.
Since our clients and our expat CPAs are usually not located in the same city or even country, meetings are held via Skype or other virtual meeting tools.
Doing your taxes online does not mean that you won’t be able to talk to your CPA. It is easy to schedule a free Skype call go over some questions you may have.
Next Step - Schedule A Consultation With Us
During the consultation we assess your tax situation and will provide you with a quote. Our transparent, fixed fee pricing means you won’t have any surprises.
Our experienced tax accountants prepare your US tax return, so you don’t have to dig through the details of tax laws that apply to your specific international tax situation. If the IRS has questions about your return, we’re there for you and will handle the correspondence with the IRS.
