Expat Taxes Made Simple: MyExpatTaxes vs ExpatFile

Filing US taxes from abroad can be stressful, especially during the busy season when deadlines loom and rules can feel overwhelming. For US expats, choosing the right tax software is essential to ensure accurate filings, peace of mind, and fair pricing. The right choice keeps you compliant, helps you avoid costly penalties, and ensures you maximize tax benefits so you never pay more than you owe or leave money on the table.

Two popular platforms are MyExpatTaxes and ExpatFile. Both are designed for Americans living abroad, but there are key differences in pricing, features, and support that can make a big impact. In this article we aim to provide a direct, fact-based comparison of the two platforms, focusing on ease of use and ideal users, to help you decide which option best fits your needs.

Platform Overview

Choosing the right platform starts with understanding what each one is built to handle, from everyday expat returns to more complex cases.

MyExpatTaxes

MyExpatTaxes was created by expats, for expats, built on the understanding of how challenging and confusing US tax filing can be while living abroad. The platform combines intuitive software with optional professional support, making it easier for Americans overseas to stay compliant without unnecessary stress.

• Designed specifically for expats, covering everything from simple returns to complex cases (investors, small business owners, or even those catching up through the Streamlined Filing Procedure).
• Extensive form support with over 50 supported forms, from straightforward expat returns to complex filings like, corporate reporting, amended returns.
• Access to MyExpatPlanning for long-term tax strategy to help you plan ahead, reduce surprises, and optimize your financial future as an expat.
• The option to use MyExpatInvest, a dedicated tool to help expats make smarter, tax-efficient investment choices and avoid costly pitfalls like PFICs.
• Flexible upgrade options: professional review, or a one-on-one video consultation with a Tax Professional.
• Educational resources to support expats year-round, including regular webinars, an in-depth blog, and an active YouTube channel with practical guidance.

ExpatFile

ExpatFile is another platform designed for Americans living abroad, with a focus on the online filing process. It provides a user-friendly interface that works well for straightforward expat situations including the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures.

• Simple, user-friendly interface designed for standard expat returns.
• Supports common expat filing needs such as reporting foreign income, claiming exclusions and credits, and handling investment or rental income.
• Offers different service tiers to match varying filing needs.
• Optional add-ons: audit protection, professional review, and filing with a Tax Professional (via the Unlimited package).

Base Plan Differences

ExpatFile requires upgrades for essentials like the FBAR and the Child Tax Credit, while MyExpatTaxes’ Lite plan includes the Child Tax Credit, and the Base Investor plan includes FBAR at no extra cost.

Review done as of September 17, 2025, for the most up-to-date information, you should refer to their website

Full Pricing Comparison

Here’s how the different tiers compare between MyExpatTaxes and ExpatFile:

MyExpatTaxes

• Base Lite – $115 Federal return for simple expat situations – those with only salaried income (W-2 or foreign employer compensation), no additional deductions or FBAR/FATCA filing requirements. Includes the Child Tax Credit and refundable Additional Child Tax Credit.
• Base (Full) – $175 Includes FBAR, FATCA and support for self-employment income, retirees and investment income and more.
• Reviewed – $315 Everything in Base, plus professional review and approval by a Tax Professional.
• Premium – $575 Everything in Reviewed, plus Preparation and filing by a Tax Professional, access to MyExpatPlanning, corporate forms (5471 & 8865), and the option to add a video call for an additional fee.
• Streamlining – $875 Catch-up option covering up to 3 back years, and the current year of tax returns + 6 back years of FBARs. Includes Form 14653 (Streamlined Certification Letter), with comprehensive Tax Professional guidance and review.

ExpatFile

• Standard – $119 Federal return with core forms. From what we have seen, FBAR and the Child Tax Credit require separate upgrades.
• Premier – $159 Adds the Child Tax Credit and the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit.
• Investor – $199 Adds investment, self-employment income, and FATCA reporting. FBAR available as an add-on (+$59).
  • FBAR – $59 per person ($118 for spouses filing separately) Full FBAR support add-on for all plans above.
• Unlimited – $499 Work directly with an expat Tax Professional to have them professionally prepare your return. One flat fee for unlimited forms, unlimited amendments, and unlimited support (business ownership forms not included). Quick turn-around time!
• Streamlined Filing – $699 to $939 Covers up to 3 years of federal tax returns and up to 6 years of FBARs. Includes Form 14653 (Streamlined Certification Letter) with professional review and preparation. Final price depends on the tax year.

Best Value for Money

At first glance, ExpatFile’s Standard Plan ($119) appears close in price to MyExpatTaxes’ Base Lite Plan ($115). The difference, however, lies in what you actually receive. The Base Lite Plan with MyExpatTaxes already includes the Child Tax Credit, while ExpatFile requires customers to upgrade to the Premier Plan ($159) in order to claim it. Both providers charge an additional fee for FBAR, but MyExpatTaxes’ add-on is slightly cheaper at $55 compared to ExpatFile’s $59.

For expats with more complex needs, MyExpatTaxes’ Base (Investor/Small Business) Plan costs $175 and includes FBAR at no extra cost. ExpatFile’s comparable Investor Plan is more expensive at $199 and still does not include FBAR, which must be purchased separately.

When all these factors are considered together, MyExpatTaxes may be the more affordable choice. Based on what we’ve seen, it provides a wider range of options and broader coverage at a better value. With transparent upfront pricing and no hidden add-ons, you’ll always know exactly what you’ll pay.

The Bottom Line

While ExpatFile is positioned as a simple solution for expats, its plans quickly become more expensive once essentials like FBAR or the Child Tax Credit are added. MyExpatTaxes consistently appears to offer lower prices for the same or greater coverage, which could make it the more cost-effective choice for many expats. It’s a comprehensive yet easy-to-use platform that supports everything from straightforward returns to complex filings, including corporate reporting. With additional services like MyExpatPlanning and MyExpatInvest, MyExpatTaxes stands out as the more complete, affordable solution for Americans abroad.

If you want peace of mind, clear pricing, and the confidence that you’re filing correctly without overpaying, get started with MyExpatTaxes today.