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US expat tax services for Americans in the UAE

20+ years of experience in US expatriate tax services to simplify your expat experience in the UAE
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US expat tax services for Americans in the UAE
Our customers say

Are you facing any of these US expat tax challenges while living in the UAE?

  • Filing US taxes from Dubai is confusing

    Filing US taxes from Dubai is confusing

    I live in Dubai with no UAE income tax. Do I still file US taxes?
  • Foreign Earned Income Exclusion in the UAE

    Foreign Earned Income Exclusion in the UAE

    I have Emirates NBD or ADCB accounts in Sharjah. Do I report them to the IRS?
  • Streamlined tax amnesty for UAE expats

    Streamlined tax amnesty for UAE expats

    I haven't filed US taxes in years from Ajman. What are my options?
  • Housing costs and US tax deductions

    Housing costs and US tax deductions

    My Ras Al Khaimah rent is expensive. Can I claim housing exclusion on my US return?
  • Understanding US tax obligations in the tax-free UAE

    Understanding US tax obligations in the tax-free UAE

    Living in Fujairah with zero local taxes – what do I owe the IRS?
Need help with US expat taxes in the UAE? We're your trusted tax advisor
Let’s talk and build a clear plan together.
Schedule a free consultation

Our services for US expats in the UAE

Tax return preparation

Tax return preparation for US expats

Get your US tax return filed accurately and on time. Serving Americans in Dubai and throughout the UAE with fully remote service.

Tax planning & consulting

Tax planning & consulting

Strategic US tax planning to maximize your tax-free UAE benefits. We optimize Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and housing deductions for UAE expats.

IRS assistance

IRS assistance

Get help with IRS correspondence and letters. We handle all US tax communications seamlessly across time zones.

Tax projection

Tax projection

Forecast your US tax liabilities based on UAE income and investments. Americans throughout the UAE rely on us for accurate IRS projections.

Expatriation

Expatriation

Considering renouncing US citizenship while in the UAE? We provide expert guidance on IRS expatriation tax requirements.

Amended returns

Amended returns

Need to correct past US tax returns? We help fix IRS mistakes and ensure compliance with streamlined procedures.

Representation with the IRS

Representation with the IRS

Let us represent you in IRS audits or disputes. Americans anywhere in the UAE receive professional IRS representation.

Free expat tax extension

Free expat tax extension

Push your US tax filing deadline to October 15 for free. Available throughout the UAE and worldwide.

Get started Schedule a free consultation

Why Americans in the UAE trust our US expat tax services

Verified
Review of Taxes for Expats

They were very professional and very prompt in answering all questions. I will use them again next year, and will recommend to my friends.

David
UAE
Verified
I Completely Trust TFX and So Should You!

I have been using TFX since 2014 when I first moved overseas to Italy. They have been great under several different circumstances. The first year I had to just moved and had a lot of expenses. The second year I only had my military retirement and my wife's disability. Then I went to work in Abu Dhabi for 4 years as a government contractor, and now I live in Italy and have an LLC in the US. They handle every situation without missing a beat. I completely trust them and so should you!

Vincent
UAE
Verified
I would heartily recommend TFE to any Expat

I would heartily recommend TFE to any expat who needs taxes done and prefers a structured, managed approach to the service. I used TFE for 7 years in a row while in Qatar and was very satisfied each time. Check them out!

Dennis Charles Habecker
UAE
Verified
Review of Taxes for Expats

They were very professional and very prompt in answering all questions. I will use them again next year, and will recommend to my friends.

David
UAE
Verified
I Completely Trust TFX and So Should You!

I have been using TFX since 2014 when I first moved overseas to Italy. They have been great under several different circumstances. The first year I had to just moved and had a lot of expenses. The second year I only had my military retirement and my wife's disability. Then I went to work in Abu Dhabi for 4 years as a government contractor, and now I live in Italy and have an LLC in the US. They handle every situation without missing a beat. I completely trust them and so should you!

Vincent
UAE
Verified
I would heartily recommend TFE to any Expat

I would heartily recommend TFE to any expat who needs taxes done and prefers a structured, managed approach to the service. I used TFE for 7 years in a row while in Qatar and was very satisfied each time. Check them out!

Dennis Charles Habecker
UAE

Transparent pricing for US tax services in the UAE

US Personal Income Tax Return

$450
~1,653 AED
Includes
  • US and non-US wages
  • Foreign tax credit (form 1116)
  • Qualified IRA or ROTH contributions
  • Health care coverage exemption
  • Alternative minimum tax calculations
  • Estimated payment vouchers
  • US retirement and social security income
  • Interest and dividends (10 transactions included)
  • Foreign earned income exclusion (form 2555)
  • Child & dependent credits & deductions
  • Over 35 tax forms included
Additional forms at extra cost, if needed

Streamlined procedure (SFOP)

Penalty-free program for expats with multiple years of non-compliance
$1,450
~5,326 AED
Includes
  • 3 years tax returns (currently 2021-2023)
  • 6 years FBAR (currently 2018-2023)
  • One package $1,450
  • Special package: 25% discount on standard rates
  • Optional: Certification letter add-on
Additional forms at extra cost, if needed

Helpful resources for US expats in the UAE

Explore our collection of articles and guides to understand the tax implications of living in the UAE as a US citizen.
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Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need to file US taxes if I live in the UAE?
Yes, all US citizens and green card holders must file US tax returns annually, regardless of where they live. Filing US taxes from the UAE is mandatory even though the UAE has zero income tax. The US taxes based on citizenship, not residence, so your tax-free UAE salary must still be reported to the IRS.
2. Can I exclude my UAE salary from US taxes?
Yes, most Americans in the UAE can exclude up to $130,000 (2025 amount) using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) on Form 2555. Since the UAE has no income tax, FEIE is your primary tool to reduce or eliminate US tax liability. You must meet either the Physical Presence Test (330 days outside the US) or the Bona Fide Residence Test.
3. Do I need to report my UAE bank accounts to the IRS?
Yes, if your UAE bank accounts (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, FAB, etc.) exceed $10,000 USD at any time during the year, you must file FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) by April 15. You may also need FATCA Form 8938 if accounts exceed $200,000 for single filers. Failure to file can result in severe penalties.
4. What are my US tax filing deadlines from the UAE?
US expats in the UAE receive an automatic extension to June 15 for IRS filing. You can request a further extension to October 15. Any US taxes owed must be paid by April 15 to avoid IRS interest charges, even if you file later. Since the UAE has no tax year, this is straightforward.
5. Can I claim a housing deduction for my expensive Dubai rent?
Yes, in addition to FEIE, you can claim Foreign Housing Exclusion for qualifying housing expenses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other Emirates. UAE housing costs are among the world's highest, so this exclusion can be substantial. You can exclude housing costs above approximately $18,000 up to a limit based on your location.
6. What if I haven't filed US taxes in years while living in the UAE?
You may qualify for IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures - the "UAE streamlined tax amnesty" many expats use. This allows you to catch up on 3 years of US tax returns and 6 years of FBARs with reduced penalties, provided non-compliance was non-willful. Many UAE expats qualify because they incorrectly assumed tax-free UAE meant no US filing requirement.
7. How does the Physical Presence Test work for UAE expats?
If you're physically present outside the US for 330 full days during any 12-month period, you qualify for FEIE. Most UAE expats easily meet this test. Careful tracking of travel days is essential, especially for frequent US visitors. Each day counts as "present" where you are at midnight.
8. Do I pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on UAE income?
It depends. If you're employed by a US company, you typically pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (15.3% total). If employed by a non-US company in the UAE, you generally don't pay these taxes. Self-employed individuals must pay self-employment tax on net earnings, even if living in the UAE, though FEIE reduces the income subject to this tax.
9. What happens if I move to the UAE mid-year?
On your US tax return, you report full-year worldwide income. You may use partial-year FEIE if you meet residency tests for part of the year. The tax-free nature of UAE income makes planning simpler than in countries with foreign tax credits. Professional guidance is essential for transition years.
10. Can I contribute to a US IRA while living in the UAE?
Yes, but with limitations. You can contribute to a US IRA if you have qualifying earned income after applying FEIE. However, income excluded via FEIE cannot be used for IRA contributions. If you claim the full $130,000 exclusion, you cannot contribute. Consider claiming less FEIE to maintain IRA eligibility if retirement savings are important.
11. How does the UAE's zero income tax affect my US tax strategy?
UAE's tax-free status makes FEIE extremely valuable since there's no foreign tax to credit. You won't use Foreign Tax Credit (unlike high-tax countries), focusing entirely on FEIE and housing exclusion. This simplifies your US return but makes accurate FEIE qualification critical. Missing the Physical Presence Test by even one day can be costly.
12. When should I hire a US tax consultant for the UAE?
Consider hiring a US tax advisor in the UAE if you have UAE bank accounts over $10,000, earn over $130,000, are self-employed, have complex housing arrangements, need housing exclusion optimization, or haven't filed US taxes in years. UAE's unique tax-free environment requires specialized expertise to maximize FEIE benefits and ensure FBAR compliance.
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