Greenback vs MyExpatTaxes: Side-by-Side Comparison
Side-by-side comparison across 16 dimensions. Data is approximate and for informational purposes only.
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| Dimension | Greenback | MyExpatTaxes |
|---|---|---|
| Model | CPA-managed | DIY software |
| Federal Return (1040) | $565 | $115–639 |
| FBAR (FinCEN 114) | $125 (up to 5 accounts) | Included (Base Full+) |
| FATCA (Form 8938) | $120 (up to 5 accounts) | Included (Base Full+) |
| Form 5472 (Foreign-owned LLC) | $405 (foreign-owned US LLC); $275 (corporation) | Not available |
| Form 5471 (Foreign Corp) | $750 (active); $350 (dormant) | Corporate $939; or Premium $639 + $359 |
| Form 8865 (Foreign Partnership) | $475 | Corporate $939; or Premium $639 + $359 |
| State Return | $185 | $69–139 |
| FEIE (Form 2555) | Included | Included |
| Streamlined Filing (Catch-up) | $1,750 | $875 |
| Who Prepares | CPAs and EAs | Software; tax-pro review (Reviewed+); pro-prepared (Premium+) |
| Turnaround | 2–4 weeks | Immediate self-file; 5–10 business days if reviewed |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.8 (1,654 reviews) | 4.7 (5,140 reviews) |
| Non-Resident LLC Support | Yes (Form 5472 + pro-forma 1120) | No |
| IRS Representation | Not available | Notice support (Reviewed+) |
| Accuracy Guarantee | Not available | Unknown — ask vendor |
Key Notes
Greenback
CPA-prepared with the widest per-form coverage, including Form 5472 plus the pro-forma 1120 that foreign-owned single-member LLCs need. Priced per form rather than by tier, so cost scales with the number of information returns filed. Its client agreement scopes out IRS audit representation and offers no accuracy guarantee.
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.
MyExpatTaxes is a DIY platform — you fill in the forms guided by their software. Greenback assigns you a CPA. The price difference ($115–639 vs $565+) reflects that.
Source: Reddit r/expatsMyExpatTaxes works well for straightforward expat returns (one country, W-2 or 1099 income). Complex situations with a foreign-owned US LLC (Form 5472) need Greenback — MyExpatTaxes cannot file that return at all.
Source: Founder communitiesMyExpatTaxes bundles FBAR from the Base Full tier ($175) up — not in the $115 Base Lite, which is salary-income only. Greenback charges $125 separately. For founders with foreign bank accounts, that bundling matters.
Source: Trustpilot reviewsVisit These Services
Frequently 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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