1040 Abroad vs MyExpatTaxes: Side-by-Side Comparison
Side-by-side comparison across 16 dimensions. Data is approximate and for informational purposes only.
| Dimension | 1040 Abroad | MyExpatTaxes |
|---|---|---|
| Model | CPA-managed | DIY software |
| Federal Return (1040) | $500 | $115–639 |
| FBAR (FinCEN 114) | $100 | Included (Base Full+) |
| FATCA (Form 8938) | Free with federal return | Included (Base Full+) |
| Form 5472 (Foreign-owned LLC) | $300 (includes pro-forma 1120) | Not available |
| Form 5471 (Foreign Corp) | $1,000 | Corporate $939; or Premium $639 + $359 |
| Form 8865 (Foreign Partnership) | Unknown — ask vendor | Corporate $939; or Premium $639 + $359 |
| State Return | $100 | $69–139 |
| FEIE (Form 2555) | Included | Included |
| Streamlined Filing (Catch-up) | $1,800 | $875 |
| Who Prepares | CPAs | Software; tax-pro review (Reviewed+); pro-prepared (Premium+) |
| Turnaround | 2–3 weeks | Immediate self-file; 5–10 business days if reviewed |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.9 (231 reviews) | 4.7 (5,140 reviews) |
| Non-Resident LLC Support | Yes (Form 5472 + pro-forma 1120) | No |
| IRS Representation | Unknown — ask vendor | Notice support (Reviewed+) |
| Accuracy Guarantee | Unknown — ask vendor | Unknown — ask vendor |
Key Notes
1040 Abroad
CPA-prepared, with the cheapest Form 5472 filing of the three ($300, pro-forma 1120 included) — the decisive form for foreign-owned single-member LLCs. Cheaper than Greenback on the base return and 5472, but MORE expensive on Form 5471 ($1,000 vs $750), so "cheaper across the board" does not hold. Streamlined catch-up is near-parity with Greenback.
MyExpatTaxes
Lowest-cost option for US citizen expats, and the only DIY route here. Supports Form 5471/8865 for US persons with foreign corporations via the Corporate plan ($939) or Premium + surcharge. Cannot file Form 5472 / pro-forma 1120, so it is not an option for non-US persons who own a US LLC.
What Real Users Say
Anonymized and paraphrased observations from founder communities, review platforms, and forums.
1040 Abroad assigns a CPA but uses a more templated approach than Greenback. MyExpatTaxes is fully self-service. 1040 Abroad is the middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Source: Reddit r/expats1040 Abroad turnaround is 2-4 weeks. MyExpatTaxes is immediate (you file when you finish). Depends whether you value speed or professional review.
Source: Trustpilot reviewsBoth handle FEIE and FTC. Neither handles complex cross-border structures well (multi-entity, transfer pricing). For those, you need a specialized cross-border CPA.
Source: Founder communitiesFrequently Asked Questions
How We Compared
We compared filing costs for key forms (1040, FBAR, FATCA, 5472), service models, non-resident LLC support, and accuracy guarantees from each provider's website.
Disclaimer: All data on this page is approximate and for informational purposes only. Pricing, features, and availability change frequently. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify all figures directly with each provider before making decisions. Data reflects conditions as of early 2026.
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