Filing US Taxes from Amsterdam: A Step-by-Step Guide
Filing our first US tax return from Amsterdam took way longer than expected. We didn't know what forms we needed, which deadlines applied to expats, or that FBAR was a separate filing.
Now we've done it several times. Here's the process we've developed.
Timeline: What We Do
January: Gather documents as they arrive (1099s, business income records, bank statements)
February: Organize everything into folders (US income, Dutch business, foreign accounts)
March: Send documents to accountant
April: Review draft return, approve, file
May: File Dutch taxes (separate process)
What You'll File
US Federal Return:
- Form 1040 (standard return)
- Form 2555 (FEIE, if you're excluding income)
- Schedule C (if you have business income)
- Schedule SE (if self-employed)
FBAR (Separate Filing):
- FinCEN Form 114
- Due April 15 (auto-extension to October 15)
- Filed through BSA E-Filing System, NOT with your tax return
- Required if foreign accounts exceed $10,000 aggregate at any point
Key Deadlines for Expats
| Deadline | What |
|---|---|
| April 15 | US taxes due (or FBAR if not extending) |
| June 15 | Auto-extension for expats (taxes only, not FBAR) |
| October 15 | Final deadline if you filed extension |
Expats get an automatic 2-month extension - no form required. You just have June 15 instead of April 15.
If you owe taxes, interest still accrues from April 15. File as early as possible.
DIY vs Accountant
Year One: Hire an accountant. The learning curve is steep, and mistakes are expensive.
After Year One: Your call. If your situation is stable and you understand the process, software like TurboTax Expat Edition works.
We use an accountant every year. Costs $800 for US taxes. Saves us time and stress. Our accountant catches things we'd miss.
Software That Works from Abroad
TurboTax Expat Edition - We used this Year One before switching to an accountant. Works, but requires understanding expat rules.
H&R Block Expat Services - Similar to TurboTax.
MyExpatTaxes - Designed for expats. Simpler interface.
Greenback Expat Tax Services - Full-service accountant, but online.
Regular TurboTax doesn't include Form 2555. Make sure you're using the expat version.
Physical Presence Test
You need to pass this test to qualify for FEIE.
The rule: Be physically present in a foreign country for 330 full days during any 12-month period.
How we track it:
- Spreadsheet with every day of the year
- Mark days in US vs Netherlands
- Check math before filing
Trip planning: We can spend 35 days in the US per year (365 - 330). We plan family visits around this.
FBAR: Don't Forget This
FBAR is the form most people forget—and it has the harshest penalties.
Who files: Anyone with foreign accounts exceeding $10,000 total at any point during the year.
Where to file: BSA E-Filing System (bsaefiling.fincen.treas.gov), NOT the IRS.
Penalty for not filing: Up to $10,000 per violation (per account, per year).
We set a calendar reminder separate from tax filing. It's that easy to forget. See our complete FBAR requirements guide.
Common Mistakes
Filing FBAR with your tax return - It's a separate filing on a separate website.
Using the wrong exchange rate - Use the Treasury's official rate for December 31.
Not tracking days - One day over in the US and you fail Physical Presence Test.
Missing estimated payments - If self-employed, pay quarterly to avoid penalties.
What We Actually Pay (In Costs)
US Tax Preparation: $800/year (accountant) Dutch Tax Preparation: $400/year (separate accountant) Software (if DIY): $100-200/year
Worth it for peace of mind.
Our guide includes the exact documents we gather, form-by-form filing notes, and our day-tracking template. Get the Guide →
For a broader overview, see US taxes living in Netherlands complete guide and learn when you need an expat tax accountant.
Digital Guide — $199
We're not tax professionals—just Americans who file from abroad. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.