Understand expat tax reporting deadlines

If you’re wondering how to navigate expat tax reporting deadlines, you’re not alone. As a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder living abroad, you generally follow the same April 15 tax return due date as stateside taxpayers. However, you automatically receive two extra months to file in most situations, pushing your paperwork deadline to June 15. For the 2025 tax year specifically, the automatic extension date is June 16, 2025.

Keep in mind that while you get a grace period for filing, any taxes owed still need to be paid by April 15 to avoid interest charges, which can run about 8% annually in 2025. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and factor in payment deadlines just as carefully as filing deadlines. For more details on official U.S. tax deadlines, you can visit the IRS website.

Recognize the automatic two-month extension

The IRS gives U.S. expats an automatic two-month extension without requiring you to submit any additional forms. This grace period applies to most people who live outside the U.S. on the usual April 15 due date. If you qualify, this typically means:

  • Your new deadline is June 15 (or June 16, 2025, if June 15 falls on a weekend or holiday).
  • You must pay any owed tax by April 15 to minimize interest charges.
  • You won’t face failure-to-file penalties if you file by the automatic extension date.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria for this extension, review your living arrangements and where your primary place of work is located. You can find more information in our expat tax filing guidelines.

Consider additional extensions

Sometimes, you need more than two months to finalize your return. In that case, you can request an additional extension by filing Form 4868 before June 15. This pushes your filing deadline to October 15. If you need even more time to qualify for tax benefits such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, you can also explore Form 2350, which extends your filing date until you’ve satisfied the residency or physical presence requirements.

Even with these extended deadlines, the IRS will charge interest on any taxes owed starting from April 15. So if you anticipate paying additional amounts, you’ll want to send in an estimated payment before the regular due date. To see if you qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, check out our foreign earned income exclusion rules and IRS form 2555 instructions.

Know your FBAR requirements

Along with your federal tax return, you may need to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) if your overseas accounts exceed $10,000 in total at any point during the year. The official FBAR deadline aligns with April 15, but there’s an automatic extension until October 15. You don’t have to submit a special form to claim this extension. If you’d like an in-depth look at what’s required, visit our FBAR filing requirements US expats.

Make sure you file your FBAR electronically through the BSA E-Filing System. Late filing can trigger significant penalties, so it’s wise to keep this report on your checklist alongside your standard return.

Avoid penalties by filing promptly

If you owe taxes and miss deadlines, the IRS can levy both failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties. These can stack up quickly and often come with interest charges. Even if you don’t owe anything, you could still face automatic penalties for submitting FBAR or other informational forms late. That’s why it’s crucial to take your filing responsibilities seriously and keep track of each form’s due date.

A great starting point is reviewing our expat tax compliance checklist. It outlines the forms and deadlines you’re likely to encounter and helps you stay organized as you work toward timely compliance.

When to seek professional help

Managing your U.S. and foreign obligations can get complicated, especially if you need to file additional forms like Form 5471, Form 3520, or have to handle complex foreign investments. Working with a professional can protect you from expensive mistakes and make the entire process less stressful. If you’re uncertain where to turn, the team at American Pacific Tax can simplify compliance for you, reduce your IRS risk, and help ensure you don’t overlook any key deadlines.

Stay compliant to protect your finances

Staying on top of your expat tax reporting deadlines is essential for avoiding costly penalties, maintaining peace of mind, and safeguarding your financial future. You can use our expat tax reporting obligations and US expat tax compliance requirements guides to clarify your obligations. If you’re ready to step forward with confidence, request a compliance review or consultation with American Pacific Tax. You’ll get personalized insights into your filing needs, plus practical guidance to help keep you fully compliant year after year.