Hard to find a UK/US tax preparer

Hi everyone, I'm a long time lurker (registered several years ago when I first moved to the UK), and have found these forums invaluable for information. Thank you to all the knowledgeable people that have helped the clueless like myself. 

I've been using a separate US based tax preparer since I moved here, and it has caused me nothing but trouble. I am trying to find a UK based one with both US and UK tax qualifications to help me get out of a mess, but I am having little luck and getting a bit desperate at this point. I've contacted half a dozen firms based on searches online, and in general have found them overloaded and non-responsive. I'm hesitant to use one of the mass market ones since they are all US based, seem to have a lot of hidden fees, and I'd prefer a firm that handles both my UK/US returns - although if forced to, I will probably use one of them as a last resort (maybe taxesforexpats...). I actually think this forum would benefit greatly by having a pinned list of recommended preparers (like contractoruk forums which made it very easy for me to find an excellent UK accountancy for my ltd).

Anyways in lieu of all that, I really need some strong recommendations. Searching online is just not working for me. If you are not comfortable doing it on here, can you DM me? It would be greatly appreciated and save me some stress!

Thanks!

Like yourself I really struggled with this when I returned in 2016 and finally found one who has been doing my returns. She is fully booked and each year I wonder if this is the year I won't get a reply to my emails.

Asking for recommendations usually will not receive many replies. Searching google for US tax advisors in England comes up with many choices, but no recommendations. I have registered with Greenback Expat Services and am on their newsletter and have attended a couple of their web seminars but have not used them. They are my standby for when my current advisor retires, moves on or whatever.

Some of the below have been recommended by posters on this site. Some are inexpensive (less than $400), some are expensive ($1,000+).


https://www.greenbacktaxservices.com/

https://britishamericantax.com/

http://www.ingletonpartners.com/expatriate-tax/

https://www.hrblock.com/expat-tax-preparation/?otppartnerid=9125&campaignid=ps_mcm_9125_0104&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtvPjBRDPARIsAJfZz0p1IIWeuP912JTQ9gWtHhE5NsMcipcFc3sJzrk5eX4JVgEIE6aTCvcaAtw7EALw_wcB

https://www.taxesforexpats.com/

https://www.usglobaltax.co.uk/

https://www.americanuktaxsolutions.com/about-us.html

http://www.americantaxreturns.co.uk/

https://www.frankhirth.com/

Thanks durhamlad for the reply. I agree I don't expect many replies (based on similar postings I've seen on here) - but as a desperate act, I thought it could not hurt to ask.

I have tried many of those ones you listed without much luck. There is one or two I missed - so I'll give them a shot. I am not a high net worth individual - so spending thousands of pounds is excessive for me. I've been looking for someone since the beginning of this year without a lot of luck, or I would have swapped over in 2018.

I wonder why it's so hard to find this kind of accountant! Does everyone just use one of the large US preparers? Maybe I should just give up and go that route...

Thanks durhamlad for the reply. I agree I don't expect many replies (based on similar postings I've seen on here) - but as a desperate act, I thought it could not hurt to ask.

I have tried many of those ones you listed without much luck. There is one or two I missed - so I'll give them a shot. I am not a high net worth individual - so spending thousands of pounds is excessive for me. I had a one man limited liability company, which I closed last year,  which my US preparer has not handled very well and is causing most of my difficulties. To be fair, the IRS does not make it easy with GILTI and now the much more complex 2018 5471. I've been looking for someone since the beginning of this year without a lot of luck, or I would have swapped over in 2018.

I wonder why it's so hard to find this kind of accountant! Does everyone just use one of the large US preparers? Maybe I should just give up and go that route...

I also can't believe how few there are out there. I have attended a couple of the Greenback seminars and they do seem pretty good. These days they apparently have a portal into which you load your info and can track the progress of your returns.

I feel sure I could probably manage myself but there is zero chance my wife could cope which is why I am sticking with a preparer for now. Our returns should get less complicated in about 3 years time.

We actually have a small number of professionals here on the forum. They are very discrete! I will message you! 

I've also been investigating this, I'm trying to establish an LLC in the States and am looking for someone who can make sure I do taxes correctly in both countries. I was also surprised by how few options I've been finding. I've spoken with someone in Manchester at 1040 Tax Solutions. I haven't actually used them yet, but I've had an initial phone meeting with them and they sound like they can help. If it's possible to also send me the list of people who are on this forum who are accountants, that would be fabulous! But I also totally understand if they don't want their names shared a bunch so this can stay separate.

Probably coming a little late to the party here but a couple of years ago I used the Streamlined program to bring my US taxes current (always a nightmare). Scared of going it alone, I engaged Warrener Stewart. Their lead partner for US taxes is Damian Talbot who is both a UK Chartered Accountant and an IRS Enrolled Agent. Soted my affairs out & highly recommended. https://www.warrenerstewart.com/our-people/directors/damian-talbot-fca-cta-ea

After having no luck trying to contact various dual qualified accountants, I went with greenback taxes. They have been amazing and I can highly recommend them. Professional and prompt responses and incredibly knowledgeable even with my complex situation. It's such a relief! I'm no longer convinced that a dual qualified practitioner is necessary (although it would be nice, but it's a rare combination). I think a CPA/EA who specialises in preparing expat returns is what matters.

https://finchassociates.co.uk/


Just wanted to add this tax firm to the mix.