Quick answer: Look for a fee-only, fiduciary advisor with specific cross-border or expat tax experience — not every certified financial planner understands FATCA, PFIC rules, or exit tax exposure. The most reliable starting points are the NAPFA directory (fee-only fiduciaries), the XY Planning Network (advisors specializing in specific niches, including expats), and the CFP Board’s…

Quick answer: Wise is the most transparent option overall, using the real mid-market exchange rate with a small, clearly disclosed fee — best if your recipient has a bank account. Remitly is the strongest choice for family remittances with flexible speed options, while Xoom (owned by PayPal) and WorldRemit lead on cash pickup and mobile…

Quick answer: File Form W-7 along with the federal tax return that requires it. Standard IRS processing takes 7-11 weeks (up to 14 weeks during tax season, January-April). The fastest and safest route is applying through a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA), since they verify your passport in person and return it to you immediately —…

Quick answer: MyExpatTaxes is the most complete DIY option, covering FEIE, the Foreign Tax Credit, FBAR, and even state returns starting around $119. Expatfile is the fastest and cheapest choice for a straightforward federal-only return with foreign income. If your situation is simple W-2 income with no foreign accounts, general-purpose software like TurboTax can still…