2025 Tax Season: Why Early Preparation Matters When Living Abroad

Begin gathering documents tied to your 2025 income and assets, including:

• W-2s and 1099s

• Foreign wage statements and employer summaries

• Bank and investment account records

• Rental and business income reports

• Digital-asset activity

• Documentation for deductions and credits you expect to claim

Early organization reduces last-minute stress and minimizes filing risks.

An IRS online account allows you to:

• View transcripts and past returns

• Access IRS notices and balances

• Confirm identity details

• Securely authorize your tax professional when needed

This is especially helpful for expats who may face mail delays or time-zone challenges.

Paper refund checks are being phased out.

If you’re an expat who still relies on mailed refunds, now is the time to secure:

• A valid U.S. bank account

• A prepaid card or financial service with proper U.S. routing information

Electronic refunds are faster, safer, and increasingly required.

Although the filing deadline may feel far away, 2025 tax preparation should start now—especially for Americans living abroad. Foreign income, overseas assets, and cross-border life changes make early planning far more valuable for expats than for domestic filers.

As a firm dedicated exclusively to expat tax strategy, Mertz International encourages early preparation because:

• Expats face more complex documentation requirements, including foreign income reporting and account disclosures

• Electronic refunds are now the standard, making updated U.S. banking information essential

• Early review allows us to identify planning opportunities—or risks—before the 2025 filing season begins

• Life changes abroad, such as moving countries, starting a business, or changing employers, can significantly impact your tax position and are far easier to manage proactively

Early action leads to clearer strategy, smoother filing, and better outcomes for 2025 and beyond.