Forms:
As you may be aware, a typical 1040 US expat tax return would include both Form
1040 (Basic Return Form) and Form 2555 (Foreign Income Exclusion). If you have
significant interest or dividends, capital gains or losses, or if you itemize,
then Schedules B, D and A respectively would be needed. If foreign taxes were
paid, Form 1116 (Foreign Taxes Paid) would likely be
used. Other forms are used only as needed.
Average Cost:
Most U.S. expat tax returns cost between $450 and $1500 depending on complexity;
state tax returns are in the $195-$325 range.
Initial retainer fee:
Because of the additional time it takes to setup an overseas client account -
transmittal of engagement agreements, etc., a
one-time-only retainer fee of $525 is charged at the start of a formal
engagement.
