If you’re an American living abroad or planning to move overseas, you’ve got more than just the typical tax return on your radar. With worldwide income reporting, Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs), foreign tax credits, and ever-changing rules from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), international tax compliance can get complex fast. That’s why engaging a specialist like a Texas expat tax CPA is a smart move — and the team at Hopkins CPA, serving clients from Corpus Christi and across Texas, is well-positioned to help.
Why You Need a Texas Expat Tax CPA
Being abroad does not exempt you from U.S. tax obligations. U.S. citizens and resident aliens must file Form 1040 if their income exceeds the threshold, and if you have foreign financial assets you may need to file FBAR — even if you pay tax overseas.
A Texas-based expat tax CPA brings two key advantages:
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Local expertise: A CPA licensed in Texas understands both federal and Texas state tax rules, and can advise on state residency issues for expats (which many overlook).
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Expat specialization: For example, Hopkins CPA lists “Expatriate Tax Services” among their offerings: tax return preparation, FBAR, amended returns, audit representation, and social security rules for expats.
When you combine those, you get someone who understands your specific status — living abroad, working overseas, possibly with foreign bank accounts and investments — and how to navigate U.S. tax-compliance from Texas.
Common Expat Tax Pitfalls & How a Specialist Helps
Here are the types of issues U.S. expats frequently run into — and how a Texas expat tax CPA can help you avoid them:
1. FBAR & FATCA Reporting
If you hold foreign bank or financial accounts whose aggregate value exceeded $10,000 at any time during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR). Failure can lead to large penalties. A specialist CPA ensures these forms are filed properly and on time.
2. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion & Foreign Tax Credit
Living abroad may allow you to exclude up to a certain amount of your foreign earnings (Form 2555) or claim foreign tax credits for taxes paid abroad (Form 1116). But the rules are nuanced — you need to track physical presence, bona fide residence tests, and more. A firm like Hopkins CPA knows how to apply these for expats.
3. State Residency Confusion
Just because you live overseas doesn’t automatically remove your state tax filing obligation. Texas doesn’t have a personal income tax, but if you previously lived in a different state or retain ties there, you might still have a state-filing requirement. A Texas expat tax CPA can review your residency status and advise accordingly.
4. Foreign Social Security and Totalization Agreements
If you pay into foreign social security systems or maintain U.S. Social Security eligibility while abroad, the rules can get complicated. The right CPA will review treaty or totalization agreement impacts, and manage related filings. Hopkins CPA specifically lists social security rules for expats among their services.
5. Late or Amended Filings & Audit Risk
Many expats fall behind on filings. Addressing overdue returns, amending returns or cooperating with an IRS inquiry demands expert handling. The Hopkins CPA website realises this: expatriate-tax services include audit representation.
How Hopkins CPA Handles Expatriate Tax Services
Here’s how their process typically works — and what to expect when you engage a Texas expat tax CPA like them:
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Initial review & fact-finding: They’ll gather your overseas income, foreign bank accounts, residency status, prior tax filing history, and ask about foreign assets.
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Assessment of requirements: Are you required to file FBARs? Do you qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or Foreign Tax Credit? What’s your state residency?
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Return preparation and filing: They prepare Form 1040 (and any required state forms if applicable), FBARs, and other schedules (2555, 1116, etc.).
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Amended returns / late filings: If you missed prior years, they’ll help bring you into compliance, address penalties, and provide audit-support services if needed.
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Ongoing planning and support: Moving abroad, closing foreign accounts, repatriating income — they’ll be able to advise year-to-year. Because expat tax planning is not “one and done.”
Why Choosing a Texas-Based Firm Matters
Here’s why picking a CPA in Texas makes sense:
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Regulatory oversight: Texas-licensed CPAs are held to professional and ethical standards — giving you peace of mind.
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State tax clarity: If you’re leaving Texas (or another state) or coming back, a local CPA knows the nuances of establishing or ending state residency.
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Comfort with U.S. filing norms: Even if you live overseas, you still file with the IRS in the U.S. The local firm gives you a U.S. point-of-contact you can trust.
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Personalised service: Smaller specialist firms like Hopkins CPA often give more tailored attention to expats than large offshore-only providers.
When to Engage Your Expat Tax CPA
Too often expats wait until tax season or until they’ve missed filings. Better to engage earlier when you:
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Plan to move abroad (or return) within the year
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Have foreign income, foreign bank accounts, foreign investments
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Earn self-employment income overseas
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Hold dual tax residence (U.S. + foreign country)
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Wish to optimise with foreign tax credits and exclusions
Getting ahead of deadlines reduces stress, avoids penalties, and gives you better planning options.
Summary & Call to Action
If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident abroad (or planning to become one), your tax situation demands a specialist approach. A Texas expat tax CPA, especially one experienced with expatriate tax issues like the team at Hopkins CPA, can give you the compliance, planning, and representation you’ll need.
Don’t treat your overseas status as a tax-free zone — treat it as a scenario requiring smart, experienced guidance. Reach out to Hopkins CPA, explain your expat situation, and get aligned well ahead of tax season.
Ready to talk? Visit their Expatriate Tax Services page and schedule a consultation. Make the move abroad with the confidence that your U.S. tax obligations are under control.
