How we helped an English teacher in Korea resolve past-due taxes – and receive a refund
“Don’t wait and try to find the fastest or cheapest service. You’ll be more satisfied by finishing your taxes sooner while staying informed about the most recent laws. Paying to have your taxes done is not a great feeling – but TFX somehow makes it feel less painful and quick.”
Matthew Kyle Nelson, English teacher in Korea, TFX client since 2013
For many Americans living abroad, US taxes fade into the background – overshadowed by new routines, new cultures, and a new sense of home. That was true for Matthew Kyle Nelson, an English teacher in Cheonan, South Korea. He built a life abroad, trusted the advice of fellow expats, and assumed that paying Korean taxes meant he was fully compliant.
It took years before he discovered that wasn’t the case. And yet, what began as a stressful realization eventually turned into a 13-year streak of smooth tax seasons – supported by consistent support from a trusted tax partner.
Key facts
| Years unfiled | 5 |
| Countries | US, South Korea |
| Filing method | Streamlined filing compliance procedure |
| Outcome | Got compliant; $3,000 in refund |
| Current status | TFX client 13+ years |
This is how Taxes for Expats helped Matthew get there:
We spoke with Matthew, and he told us more about his experience.
Misinformation led to years of unfiled tax returns
When Matthew moved from Detroit to South Korea to begin teaching English, he quickly connected with other English teachers.
Like many Americans navigating teaching abroad taxes, he relied on advice from fellow educators. Their tax guidance was well-meaning – and completely wrong:
“There was a lot of misinformation floating around,” Matthew recalls. “Everyone said that if we earned money in Korea and paid Korean taxes, then we didn’t need to file in the US. I incorrectly assumed this for several reasons, but mostly because I was young and didn’t make much money at that time.”
It wasn’t until several years later that he learned the reality – that all US citizens, regardless of where they live or work, must still file with the IRS.
By then, Matthew had five years of unfiled tax returns.
Searching for answers – and finding the right path forward
Matthew began researching online, trying to understand how to correct his tax situation. That’s how he came across the streamlined filing compliance procedure – an IRS program designed for taxpayers abroad who unintentionally fell behind on their US returns.
“After some years of not reporting, the streamlined filing procedure seemed like my best option,” Matthew says. “I heard about Taxes for Expats helping expats with streamlined procedures simply by browsing around the internet.”
What reassured him he’d chosen the right team was the clarity of the process:
“My experience was great. The best part about the whole process was that the information was outlined well and had a lot of documentation for support if I wanted to learn more on my own.”
Once Matthew decided to move forward, we guided him through every step – organizing his documents, interpreting his Korean income records, and preparing the complete IRS-required package to ensure everything was accurate and submitted correctly.
As Wendy Christiansen, CPA and Tax Supervisor at Taxes for Expats, explains:
“To be eligible for the streamlined procedure, you have to show that you are non-willful – you did not know you were supposed to be filing. Matthew’s situation falls within this requirement. We always work with you to make sure that your narrative about non-willfulness meets what the IRS expects to hear. But contrary to popular belief, the IRS really doesn’t want to penalize people – they just want people to be in compliance. So if your non-compliance wasn’t willful, you can keep calm.”
The results: compliant, confident – and unexpectedly refunded
Matthew’s biggest concern going into the streamlined filing procedure was penalties. But he not only became fully compliant with the IRS with zero penalties, but also received a refund:
“I must have received around $3,000 in refund. I was surprised because I got the child tax credit even with the streamlined tax reporting, and I didn’t expect that at all.”
Becoming compliant had lifted a weight off his shoulders. And it didn’t end there. Since then, Matthew has continued to receive annual refunds, amounting to thousands of dollars each year.
“Hopefully that continues even after my kids leave for university,” Matthew adds with a smile.
Why Matthew continues filing with TFX: “They’re insightful”
What started as a one-time fix evolved into a long-term relationship. More than 13 years later, Matthew still files with TFX – a testament to the year-after-year service he’s come to rely on.
“The reports are clear and comprehensive. Moreover, everyone working there is kind,” he says. “They’re honest and insightful.”
For Matthew, it’s the predictability and professionalism that keep him coming back.
“Being able to copy over information from previous years is crucial,” he adds. “The explanations for each item are really helpful. And the service has continually improved. TFX has always been upfront about costs.”
Life in South Korea is full – teaching, raising kids, and navigating a culture far from home. Having stress-free tax seasons and consistent tax support means one less thing to worry about.
Streamlined filing with TFX: A penalty-free solution for unfiled US taxes
If you’ve missed a few years of filing, the IRS streamlined filing compliance procedure offers a penalty-free way to get back on track – just as it did for Matthew. Designed for expats whose non-compliance was non-willful, this program allows you to catch up on overdue tax returns and FBARs without any IRS penalties.
The streamlined procedure provides full penalty amnesty, regardless of income level or how many years have passed. To catch up, you’ll file 3 years of tax returns and 6 years of FBARs.
Our streamlined procedure service includes:
- complete analysis of your situation and eligibility
- preparation and filing of 3 years of federal tax returns
- submission of 6 years of FBARs
Additionally, we can prepare your non-willful certification and other required documents.
With 20+ years of experience and 50,000+ clients worldwide, TFX has helped thousands of expats regain clarity, compliance, and peace of mind through this program. Our tax experts guide you through every step to ensure your filings are accurate, complete, and submitted correctly.
