Being an American abroad doesn’t exempt you from filing a US tax return, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a hefty price to do it.
Every year, millions of U.S. expats discover they still have to report their worldwide income and possibly file extra forms like FBAR (FinCEN 114) or FATCA (Form 8938). However, many also discover something else: there are ways to file your taxes completely free, even from overseas.
Do Expats Really Need to File?
Yes, the US is one of the only countries that taxes based on citizenship rather than residency. If you're a US citizen or green card holder living overseas, you must file a federal income tax if your income exceeds standard thresholds, even if you pay tax abroad.
But the good news is, there are ways to avoid double taxation! There are tax benefits available to US expats mainly because of tax treaties formed between the US and multiple countries.
But all that is stated above requires proper filing, which is where free tools can help.
Free Filing Options for Americans Abroad in 2025
IRS Free Fillable Forms
This is ideal for experienced filers who don’t need much guidance because this does not provide guidance through the process. With the free fillable forms, the IRS lets you:
- Fill out electronic versions of IRS tax forms
- Do basic calculations (limited)
- Submit your tax return electronically (e-file) if eligible, or print and mail it
This is designed for people who know which forms they need and how to complete them.
Tax forms available for US expats
- Form 1040 - US individual income tax return
- Form 2555 - Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
- Form 1116 - Foreign Tax Credit
- Form 8938 - FATCA reporting of foreign assets
- Schedule B - Interest income and foreign accounts
- Schedule C/SE - Self-employed expats or freelancers
When You Should Not Use Free Fillable Forms
- If you’re unfamiliar with IRS forms
- If you need state filing (state returns are not supported)
- If you want auto-import of W-2s or 1099s
- If you’re concerned about triggering penalties from misreporting
- If your filing involves complex trust, business entity, or estate issues
Mailing Returns from Abroad (If Required)
If you can’t e-file (common for expats claiming FEIE), mail your completed return to:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215 USA
IRS Direct Pay + Form 4868
IRS Direct Pay is a secure online service that allows individuals to pay their taxes directly from a US checking or savings account, without fees or third-party processors.
Additionally, IRS Form 4868 is the Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File US Individual Income Tax Return. It gives you a 6-month extension to file your federal return.
If you use Direct Pay to make a tax payment and select "Form 4868" as the reason, the IRS automatically treats that payment as an extension request, even if you don’t submit Form 4868 separately.
Why This Matters for Expats
US citizens living abroad automatically get a 2-month extension to June 15. But if you're still waiting for:
- Foreign tax documentation
- Currency conversion confirmations
- Final housing cost totals
- FBAR or FATCA info
Then requesting a further extension to October 15 gives you much-needed breathing room.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS-sponsored initiative that offers free tax return preparation to eligible individuals. It’s run by IRS-certified volunteers who provide help in person or virtually, especially to those with low-to-moderate income or special circumstances.
You’re eligible for VITA if you meet any of the following:
- Earned US$64,000 or less in 2024 (this threshold may vary slightly each year)
- Persons with disabilities or special filing needs
- Limited English-speaking individuals
- Age 60 and older
- Service members, their families, and certain US citizens living overseas
When VITA Works Best for Expats
VITA supports tax forms that expats might need, such as:
- Basic Form 1040 or individual income tax return filing
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Additional Child Tax Credit
- Education credits (AOTC, LLC)
- State returns (limited)
VITA is seasonal (usually open late January through mid-April). If you qualify and can locate a participating office, it’s one of the few no-cost ways to get personalized tax filing help while living overseas.
In summary
Living overseas doesn’t free you from US tax obligations, but thankfully, it doesn’t have to cost you, either. The key is to start early, choose the right tools based on your needs, and stay informed about your reporting requirements. With the right combination of knowledge and resources, you can confidently manage your US tax filings from anywhere in the world, for free.