Are you an American looking to work or live in France?
Are you a U.S. citizen whose employer has offered you an assignment with a company in France? Or are you thinking of spending your retirement in France? Among other concerns, you’re wondering about your taxes and tax credits.
Taxes in the United States, a complex subject when you live in France
Living or working abroad, particularly in France, entails numerous tax adjustments. The American tax system, in particular, remains complex to grasp when living outside the United States.
What income should be declared? To which country are taxes due? What are your obligations to the U.S. federal government, particularly with regard to federal income taxes?
These are all essential questions to avoid misreporting, double taxation or penalties linked to a misunderstanding of your obligations.
At Expand CPA, we support American individuals and professionals based in France, providing up-to-date expertise and personalized advice. We’ll help you navigate between the two legislations, optimize your returns and stay in compliance with the requirements of both countries.
Your US tax questions if you live in France
Whether you’re on secondment, an employee or an expatriate, many questions come up for resident aliens with American profiles doing business in France. Navigating between the French tax system and the rules of the U.S. federal government can quickly become complex. Managing taxes, the tax schedule applicable or reporting obligations raises legitimate doubts. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
- What is my tax status in France (resident or non-resident) and what consequences does this have on my taxation and on the tax brackets applied?
- As a French tax non-resident, how do I comply with my obligation to declare my income in the United States?
- If I am a French tax resident, what are my obligations with regard to the U.S. tax system, particularly in terms of Federal income tax?
- How to effectively apply the French-American tax treaty to avoid double taxation and recover US tax credits?
- Can you guide me through the process of tax expatriation, taking into account the rules specific to each country?
- How does impatriate status work in France, and what tax optimizations are possible? What concrete tax advantages can I expect in France?
- If my company withholds at source (PAS) in France, am I still subject to a obligation to declare my income in the USA?
- Can your firm handle the preparation and filing of tax returns in both countries for American individuals living in France?
Americans in France: our services for US tax returns
Expand CPA specializes in accounting and tax services for US companies and individuals located in France. In this capacity, we handle the preparation of U.S. tax returns, including the management of taxes and tax credits:
- Form 1040 for the federal tax return of Americans residing in France
- Form 1040-NR for non-residents of the United States, but who carry out business activities there and must pay taxes
- FinCen 114 form also known as FBAR to declare bank, financial and dollar accounts held in any foreign financial institution or for which you have a mandate or power of attorney
- Form 8938 to declare financial assets held abroad (bank accounts, stocks, life insurance, retirement plans and pensions, etc.) and their dollar value for the tax year
US tax for Americans in France: our other specific services
In addition to U.S. tax returns, Expand CPA also assists and advises American citizens present on French territory in managing their taxes and other obligations. This is the case in many of life’s situations or during an international move.
Advice and services relating to expatriation in France
Our tax specialists for expatriates will help you with any decisions or procedures relating to U.S. expatriate tax provisions, including tax management and foreign income reporting, such as:
- Renouncing american citizenship. while managing the tax implications
- End tax residency for long-term US residents and optimize taxation
These people are subject to the 8854 tax return as expatriates. We can prepare this form for you.
Expand CPA, a partner who advises you on your US taxes.
Our tax experts assist you in the event of audits by the US authorities and with requests to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). We also carry out tax adjustments for one or more previous years, optimizing taxation. We take care of Streamline certification.
Our other tax services for American individuals in France
Our tax assignments go beyond U.S. tax management. We also handle:
- French taxation (advice and declarations for income tax, taxes and IFI) for Americans whether or not they are tax residents of France
- Tax optimization for wealth management on French territory (property income tax, investment management, transfer duties for a property sale or inheritance taxation)
- The application for identification, i.e. the ITIN number, for persons subject to U.S. taxation without resident status, including the passport certification process
- Tax advice for new foreign residents in France regarding taxes and fiscal obligations
- The implementation of the tax treaty between France and the United States and the request, where applicable, for reimbursement of foreign taxes by virtue of double taxation
Why entrust Expand CPA with your U.S. tax affairs?
Our dual culture is a real asset in helping you manage your taxes, taxes and tax credits in the U.S.
Our consultants have proven experience in assisting American companies based in France, as well as their managers and employees from the USA.
Thanks to their training in public accounting, they also master the functioning of French taxation, a definite advantage when advising foreign individuals living or working in our country and managing their taxes.
Our values also guarantee confidentiality, trust and honesty in our actions, ensuring the security of your tax and financial information.