Tax Preparation Services

Greenback vs 1040 Abroad

Side-by-side comparison across 15 dimensions. Data is approximate and for informational purposes only.

Model
Greenback
CPA-managed
1040 Abroad
CPA-managed
Federal Return (1040)
Greenback
$565
1040 Abroad
$500
FBAR (FinCEN 114)
Greenback
$125
1040 Abroad
$100
FATCA (Form 8938)
Greenback
$125
1040 Abroad
$100
Form 5472 (Foreign-owned LLC)
Greenback
$235–380
1040 Abroad
$300
Form 5471 (Foreign Corp)
Greenback
$380
1040 Abroad
$300
State Return
Greenback
$185
1040 Abroad
$100
FEIE (Form 2555)
Greenback
Included
1040 Abroad
Included
Streamlined Filing (Catch-up)
Greenback
$1,750
1040 Abroad
$1,200
Who Prepares
Greenback
CPAs and EAs
1040 Abroad
CPAs
Turnaround
Greenback
2–4 weeks
1040 Abroad
2–3 weeks
Trustpilot Rating
Greenback
5.0 (1,605 reviews)
1040 Abroad
5.0 (216 reviews)
Non-Resident LLC Support
Greenback
Yes (Form 5472)
1040 Abroad
Yes (Form 5472)
IRS Representation
Greenback
Included
1040 Abroad
Not mentioned
Accuracy Guarantee
Greenback
Yes (covers penalties)
1040 Abroad
Not mentioned

Key Notes

Greenback

Most comprehensive service with IRS representation and accuracy coverage. Highest base cost but includes penalty protection. Strong non-resident LLC support via Form 5472.

1040 Abroad

Lower cost CPA service with faster turnaround. Strong Form 5472 support for non-resident LLC owners. Fewer reviews than competitors but perfect 5.0 rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Greenback pricing compare to 1040 Abroad?

Greenback federal return (1040): $565. 1040 Abroad federal return (1040): $500. Total costs vary depending on add-ons, state fees, and renewal rates.

Which is more accessible for non-US residents, Greenback or 1040 Abroad?

Greenback: Yes (Form 5472). 1040 Abroad: Yes (Form 5472). Accessibility depends on entity type, country of residence, and specific documentation requirements.

Is Greenback or 1040 Abroad a stronger fit for cross-border founders?

The answer depends on your specific situation — entity type, country of residence, budget, and operational needs. Both services address different trade-offs. Use our free risk check to map your structural exposure before choosing.

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.

15 data points per service·Last reviewed March 2026

Why Trust This

  • Built by Jett Fu — 20+ years running cross-border businesses
  • Affiliate links are marked. Most services listed have no affiliate relationship. Details
  • Data sourced from provider websites. We verify pricing and features periodically.

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.

Not sure which service fits your situation?

Choosing between services depends on where you live, where your clients are, and how your income flows. Our free risk check maps your structural exposure in 3 minutes.