US/UK tax expert definative list

In today's world of lightning fast Internet communications, having your US taxes done in the UK has got to be one of the biggest anachronisms I can imagine.

Not only will you pay UK rates (which as well all know are at least 1.6 times higher than US, often 2-3 times higher), you'll also be slapped with a 20% VAT (don't get me started on that scam - what ADDED value is an accountant bringing to the table?). And last if not least, you'll be hiring someone in country A to do taxes for country B, when there are thousands of willing experts in country B to do it.

So while the rest of the world is outsourcing services to cheaper locations - why have a job done in a more expensive one? As long as I've lived in London I have been annoyed at the exhorbitant prices for services here. For example - a notary public charges 50 pounds to notarize a passport copy. Same service back home costs $1.

I would try and find a US based tax preparer - instead of paying an arm and a leg for a UK specialist. Unless you're Madonna, of course.

It's often best to get both returns done by the same preparer, particularly if you are using the tax treaty.

It's often best to get both returns done by the same preparer, particularly if you are using the tax treaty.

Do you look for a podiatrist who can also treat your throat? Or do you look for an electric who can also do plumbing?
While there exist unique specialists who cover dual areas, they are likely to charge much, much higher than hiring separate experts in each field, simply because they are unique. So maybe if one's situation is so unique as to require a dual specialist (maybe if he wants to install a light inside a shower head?) he should look for that unique dual-area-specialist.
But for 99% of expats who simply write off their locally paid taxes from the US obligation - I struggle to see how a London-based accountant is any more capable of performing the work than a US-based one. Just my opinion of course.

Do you look for a podiatrist who can also treat your throat? Or do you look for an electric who can also do plumbing?
While there exist unique specialists who cover dual areas, they are likely to charge much, much higher than hiring separate experts in each field, simply because they are unique. So maybe if one's situation is so unique as to require a dual specialist (maybe if he wants to install a light inside a shower head?) he should look for that unique dual-area-specialist.
But for 99% of expats who simply write off their locally paid taxes from the US obligation - I struggle to see how a London-based accountant is any more capable of performing the work than a US-based one. Just my opinion of course.

For the simplest of returns I agree. But for those I'd just do them myself. Tax matters tend to become more complicated the older one gets and they also become increasingly interdependent. I have cross border pensions and investments and it requires someone with cross border tax knowledge. I could employ 2 separate people with that knowledge or a single person in the UK or US. I think it's easier and probably less expensive to get the returns done by one person

In today's world of lightning fast Internet communications, having your US taxes done in the UK has got to be one of the biggest anachronisms I can imagine.

Not only will you pay UK rates (which as well all know are at least 1.6 times higher than US, often 2-3 times higher), you'll also be slapped with a 20% VAT (don't get me started on that scam - what ADDED value is an accountant bringing to the table?). And last if not least, you'll be hiring someone in country A to do taxes for country B, when there are thousands of willing experts in country B to do it.

So while the rest of the world is outsourcing services to cheaper locations - why have a job done in a more expensive one? As long as I've lived in London I have been annoyed at the exhorbitant prices for services here. For example - a notary public charges 50 pounds to notarize a passport copy. Same service back home costs $1.

I would try and find a US based tax preparer - instead of paying an arm and a leg for a UK specialist. Unless you're Madonna, of course.

The majority of US based CPAs/EAs/tax attornies et al do not have the experience and technical skills to handle taxpayers with foreign income/tax issues (other than extremely basic ones). We have had to amend dozens of these tax returns. It is a niche, and we charge more than in the US, but we're specialists.

For example - a notary public charges 50 pounds to notarize a passport copy. Same service back home costs $1.

This is because a US notary and a UK notary are two very different things. Practically anyone can become a US notary (some states require you to take an exam, but most just require that you fill out a form and post a bond -exception is LA). On the other hand in the UK (and the rest of the world) you first need to be a lawyer, and then take a two year course in Roman Law, Private International Law and Notarial Practice. And then be supervised for two years.

This is because a US notary and a UK notary are two very different things. Practically anyone can become a US notary (some states require you to take an exam, but most just require that you fill out a form and post a bond -exception is LA). On the other hand in the UK (and the rest of the world) you first need to be a lawyer, and then take a two year course in Roman Law, Private International Law and Notarial Practice. And then be supervised for two years.

WOW     Bit of difference between the two.

The majority of US based CPAs/EAs/tax attornies et al do not have the experience and technical skills to handle taxpayers with foreign income/tax issues (other than extremely basic ones). We have had to amend dozens of these tax returns. It is a niche, and we charge more than in the US, but we're specialists.

Same specialists exist in the US and charge significantly less. I don't now what you guys charge, but some people in London (spoke to one chap today out of curiosity - 55 Baker St) are charging 1,500 GBP + VAT. To me that's beyond ridiculous.

This is because a US notary and a UK notary are two very different things. Practically anyone can become a US notary (some states require you to take an exam, but most just require that you fill out a form and post a bond -exception is LA). On the other hand in the UK (and the rest of the world) you first need to be a lawyer, and then take a two year course in Roman Law, Private International Law and Notarial Practice. And then be supervised for two years.

And how does that help me get a stamp certifying that my passport copy is legit? It is all a scam meant to create barriers to entry, which results in having to pay someone 50 GBP for 30 seconds of work.

I am sure there is a market need for scholars of Roman law - I shouldn't have to hire one to certify a passport copy!