Can US expats use the IRS Free File system to do their taxes?

If you’re a US citizen living in Germany, tax season comes with a familiar question: How do I file my US taxes from abroad - without the headache? One option many consider is the IRS Free File system. But while it might seem like a convenient solution at first, it’s not always the best fit for expats. 

Make your US taxes a breeze with Expat Overseas

Here’s why, and how Expats Overseas offers a smarter, stress-free alternative for Americans abroad.

What is IRS Free File?

The IRS Free File programme partners with private software providers to offer free federal tax return filing to eligible taxpayers (usually those earning under 79.000 US dollars). While it’s a helpful option for some, it’s primarily designed for Americans living in the US. Expats can technically use it, but in practice, many run into frustrating obstacles.

Why Free File often doesn’t work for expats

US expats face a unique set of tax challenges - ones that most Free File software simply isn’t built to handle. Common issues include:

• US-only requirements: Some software providers require a US phone number, mailing address or bank account to verify your identity or issue refunds.
• Missing forms and credits: Key expat-related forms - such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) or the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) - are often poorly integrated or unsupported, bringing the risk of double taxation.
• Extra reporting obligations: Expats with foreign bank accounts must file FBAR reports, and potentially FATCA forms, which are tasks not covered by most Free File options.
• No help with local taxes: Filing in the US is just one part of the picture. Many expats also need to complete local returns (like your German Einkommensteuererklärung).

The result? Incomplete filings, missed credits, and a very real risk of paying more than you need to - or even twice.

Why Expats Overseas is the smarter solution

Expats Overseas was founded by Americans living abroad, so they've built their service from the ground up to make tax filing abroad easy, accurate and stress-free.

Here’s what makes them different:

• All credits applied correctly: From foreign exclusions to tax treaties, they make sure you never pay more than you owe.
• No US phone or bank account needed: Their system is 100% designed for Americans abroad.
• US + local taxes: They can handle both your US return and your German return if needed.
• Simple, guided tax organiser:  Upload your documents and answer a few questions - they do the rest.
• Real human support: Complex situation? No problem. Their tax experts are here for you.

Whether you’re a remote worker, retiree, freelancer or entrepreneur living in Germany, Expats Overseas offers a pain-free, full-service solution that makes tax season a breeze.

The bottom line

While the IRS Free File system works for some Americans, it’s not built with expats in mind. Don’t risk missing out on valuable tax benefits or making costly mistakes.

With Expats Overseas, your taxes are handled by professionals who understand the ins and outs of expat life, so you can file with confidence, from anywhere in the world.