Taxes for Expats Review: TFX Pricing, Process & Alternatives
TFX is a full-service U.S. expat tax specialist with a published federal-return starting price of $450. Here is what the current service includes, where add-on fees can appear, and how its model differs from alternatives.
What TFX is
Taxes for Expats (TFX) is a specialist U.S. tax preparation firm focused on Americans living abroad and other international filing situations. Its current site describes CPA-led preparation, a secure online workflow, and services that can include annual federal returns, FBAR, FATCA, amended returns, streamlined filing, consultations, and international information forms.
TFX says the federal expat return starts at $450. Its current pricing materials also list separate fees for common additions such as a state return ($160), FBAR ($85), Form 8938 ($100), Form 1040-X ($175), Form 5471 ($625), and PFIC Form 8621 ($200 for the first form and $150 for each additional form). Exact scope depends on the facts of the return, so the headline price should not be treated as the final bill for every filer.
How the TFX process works
For new clients signing up after September 24, 2026, TFX's help center describes a quote-first flow: create an account, answer a short questionnaire, review the quote, prepay and sign the engagement letter, then complete the full tax questionnaire and upload supporting documents. Existing clients can follow a slightly different sequence.
TFX's help materials publish a standard turnaround of about 15 business days per filing year after the engagement is in place and required information is submitted. Expedited preparation is available for surcharges in some situations.
TFX pricing at a glance
| Service | Published 2026 price | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Federal expat return | From $450 | Common income types and 35+ forms stated as included; complexity/add-ons can increase cost. |
| State return | $160 | Separate from federal return. |
| FBAR | $85 | FinCEN Form 114 where required. |
| FATCA Form 8938 | $100 | Applies only when relevant thresholds/rules are met. |
| Streamlined foreign offshore package | From $1,450 | TFX describes a package covering three returns and six FBAR years; extra international forms can add cost. |
Who may find TFX a good fit?
TFX is most directly aligned with people who want a human-led service rather than DIY software, especially when they have foreign accounts, foreign tax credits, FEIE questions, multiple years to catch up, investment income, or international information-reporting needs. A simple salary-only filer who is comfortable with tax software may prefer a lower-cost self-service model.
Trade-offs to check before signing up
- Starting price is not the same as final price. International forms, FBAR, FATCA, state returns, and entity reporting can add fees.
- Full-service help costs more than DIY software. The relevant comparison is not just price; it is whether you want to prepare the return yourself or have a professional-led workflow.
- Eligibility for tax positions is fact-specific. No provider can safely promise that FEIE, FTC, streamlined filing, or another route applies without reviewing your facts.
Alternatives worth comparing
Greenback and 1040 Abroad are also professional-service models. Bright!Tax is another specialist service. MyExpatTaxes is more software-led and starts at a lower price for simple returns. Use the comparison pages below to evaluate the service model first, then published price and included forms.
Want professional help with your U.S. expat return?
Taxes for Expats (TFX) focuses on U.S. tax preparation for Americans abroad. Check the current quote and scope for your situation.
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