Americans in the UK

Usually more fixable than people expect. The Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures exist for taxpayers whose failure to file was not wilful, and generally cover three years of returns and six of FBARs without penalty. We will tell you honestly whether you qualify.

Broadly, relief comes through foreign tax credits, with the treaty settling residence and specific categories such as pensions. It usually prevents double taxation, but it does not remove either filing obligation.

Almost certainly, and how it is treated depends on the scheme. Employer schemes and SIPPs are not identical in US eyes, and getting the position consistent year to year matters more than the position you pick.

The UK year ends 5 April and the US year ends 31 December, so they never line up. In practice we prepare them together and decide the credit ordering once, because each return needs to know what the other claimed.

The US return is due 15 April, automatically extended to 15 June if you live abroad, and to 15 October on request. UK Self Assessment is due 31 January online. Tax owed is still due on the original date even where filing is extended.

If your foreign accounts together exceed $10,000 at any point in the year — even for one day, even across accounts you barely use — an FBAR is due. It is a reporting form, not a tax charge.

Potentially, depending on the scheme and the treaty position taken. It is one of the areas where a consistent position year to year matters more than the specific position chosen.

You can file separately, or elect to treat your spouse as a US taxpayer. The election can reduce the rate but pulls their worldwide income into the US system, so it is rarely the obvious choice it looks like.

Yes. We ask for the last two or three years of returns so the positions carry forward correctly, particularly on pensions, funds and credit carryovers.