US Expat Tax Preparation Services in Chicago, IL
Accurate US Tax Filing for Americans Living and Working Abroad
US citizens and green card holders living outside the United States are still required to file US tax returns — and the rules can be complex. At Heard & Associates LLC, we provide professional US expat tax preparation services in Chicago to help Americans abroad stay compliant with IRS requirements while avoiding double taxation.
Whether you live overseas temporarily or long term, our tax professionals guide you through expat-specific filings with clarity, accuracy, and confidence.
📞 Call (312) 810-3603 or Book Your Consultation Online today.
US Tax Filing Requirements for Expats
Even if you live and earn income outside the US, you may still be required to file:
- Annual US federal income tax returns
- Foreign income disclosures
- Additional international reporting forms
Failure to file correctly can lead to penalties, IRS notices, or compliance issues — even when no tax is owed. We help expats understand exactly what is required based on residency, income type, and country of residence.
US Expat Income Tax Preparation
Our US expat tax preparation services cover federal filings for Americans living abroad, including accurate reporting of foreign income, employment earnings, and self-employment income.
We assist with:
- US expat income tax preparation
- Reporting foreign wages and self-employment income
- Proper currency conversion and income classification
- Coordination of federal and state considerations
- Electronic filing and IRS compliance
Every return is reviewed carefully to ensure accuracy and compliance with current IRS guidelines.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion & Foreign Tax Credit
Many expats qualify for tax relief through the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) — but these benefits must be applied correctly.
We evaluate eligibility and apply the most beneficial option to:
- Reduce or eliminate double taxation
- Ensure correct use of exclusions and credits
- Avoid IRS red flags from improper claims
Our goal is to minimize tax exposure while maintaining full compliance.
FBAR & FATCA Compliance (Foreign Asset Reporting)
US expats with foreign financial accounts may be required to file additional disclosures, including:
- FBAR (FinCEN Form 114)
- FATCA reporting (Form 8938)
We assist with identifying reportable accounts, preparing required filings, and ensuring deadlines are met. Proper reporting is critical, as penalties for noncompliance can be severe — even when accounts generate little or no income.
Late or Unfiled Expat Tax Returns
If you haven’t filed US tax returns while living abroad, you’re not alone — and there are safe ways to catch up. We help expats address prior-year and multi-year unfiled returns and guide them through compliant filing options.
Our services include:
- Addressing IRS notices related to non-filing
- Coordinating compliance strategies to reduce penalties
- Filing multiple unfiled expat tax returns
- Reconstructing income when records are incomplete
Illinois & State Residency Considerations
Some expats maintain ties to Illinois or other states, which may affect state filing requirements. We help determine whether state tax filings are required and how residency rules apply while living abroad.
This ensures your filings are consistent across federal and state levels.
Why Choose Heard & Associates?
5.0
Based on 40 reviews
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Chelsea Denise
03:30 30 Jan 26
Very professional, efficient, and knowledgeable. Made tax season simple and stress-free. Highly recommend!
McKayla Shepherd
01:41 30 Jan 26
I will probably never file my taxes with anyone else but this company! They make everything so easy and convenient and the process takes no time! Thanks so much Daryl!
Antwon Williams
22:57 28 Jan 26
I’ve had an excellent experience working with Heard & Associates . He’s extremely knowledgeable, professional, and takes the time to explain everything clearly, which makes the entire process stress-free. He’s thorough, detail-oriented, and always make sure I’m getting the best possible outcome. Communication is quick and reliable, and I never feel rushed or confused. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy and efficient tax professional.
Carmecia Mcknight
14:50 28 Jan 26
Darryl is very professional and prompt.
He was thorough and extremely knowledgeable. All questions were answered clearly, deadlines were met, and the entire process was seamless. I felt confident knowing my finances were handled with accuracy and care. I highly recommend his services.
He was thorough and extremely knowledgeable. All questions were answered clearly, deadlines were met, and the entire process was seamless. I felt confident knowing my finances were handled with accuracy and care. I highly recommend his services.
Leann Solorio
15:02 26 Jan 26
Just did my taxes with Mr. Heard and he was kind and educational as well. Very nice office as well. Highly recommend going to him.
Martin vOJTEK
01:27 23 Jan 26
Darryl is amazing. He got me the best return I’ve ever had. He’s also so patient and kind and he will go out of his way to help with any issues that arise. I tell everyone I know to go to Darryl and sing his praises.
Gabrielle Benson
01:54 22 Jan 26
I found Darryl via online research with no referrals and I'm so glad I went with him! I needed to find someone who could handle my yearly tax preparation, but was also interested in future tax planning as I continue to grow financially. His team was super responsive, I got a response the same day and we scheduled a meeting for the next week. He was able to give me a price estimate and expected turnaround and my taxes were completed that day. He was knowledgable about any additional questions I had and communication was quick and thorough. I look forward to continue working with him!
Qinah S.
00:54 21 Jan 26
My people, my people! After being guided by Yah to "do something different this year", He led me to Heard & Associates. Darryl is accurate, efficient, responsive and pleasant, just to name a few of the key words when describing my experience with filing with this firm. Look no further! I encourage anyone who seeks a tax professional to connect with H&A asap. He was great!
nikhil sampat
14:21 16 Jan 26
Great experience! Very knowledgeable and helped out a lot! highly recommend
Soulful Mama
00:52 14 Jan 26
Heard & Associates is a great tax and accounting company. Professional and personalized. Stellar service!
Najala Watson
02:58 08 Jan 26
Excellent service from start to finish. Darrel truly cares about his clients and goes above and beyond to make sure everything is done right. The process was stress-free, organized, and very thorough. It’s clear he’s passionate about helping individuals and small businesses succeed. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing tax or accounting guidance.
Najala Watson
02:57 08 Jan 26
I’ve had a great experience working with Darrel and his team. They are professional, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain things clearly. I felt confident knowing my taxes were handled accurately and efficiently. Communication was smooth, and any questions I had were answered promptly. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for reliable tax and accounting services.
Q
20:38 28 Dec 25
Effective, trustworthy and consistent organization. I've been using this firm for my tax preparation needs for the past couple of years and it has provided me with a peace of mind during the busy tax season. I would/have recommend tax services to anyone in my network!
Jason Wiley
20:33 27 Dec 25
Very professional, helped with all of concerns and needs, I felt very comfortable, learned new information, had a very positive impacting experience! Thank you so much!!!!
Laquitta Williams
14:41 25 Dec 25
I had an excellent experience with Darrel Heard & Associates. From the moment I connected with them, I felt comfortable and confident that I was in good hands. They were patient, professional, and took the time to truly explain everything to me in a way that made sense. I never felt rushed or overlooked.
They were extremely thorough and detail-oriented, making sure everything was accurate and done in my best interest. What I appreciated most was how stress-free they made the entire process — that alone is priceless. I walked away feeling relieved, informed, and confident about my finances.
I highly recommend Darrel Heard & Associates to anyone looking for an accountant they can truly trust.
They were extremely thorough and detail-oriented, making sure everything was accurate and done in my best interest. What I appreciated most was how stress-free they made the entire process — that alone is priceless. I walked away feeling relieved, informed, and confident about my finances.
I highly recommend Darrel Heard & Associates to anyone looking for an accountant they can truly trust.
Brandon Atkins
15:21 22 Dec 25
I’ve had an excellent experience working with Heard and Associates for both my personal and business taxes. They are knowledgeable, professional, and extremely thorough. They take the time to explain everything clearly and make sure nothing is overlooked. Tax season is stress-free knowing I’m in good hands. I highly recommend Heard and Associates to anyone looking for a reliable and honest accounting firm.
Marilyn Lee
13:42 22 Dec 25
Mr. Heard was very professional and knowledgeable about his services he provided. The location was very easy to find as well. He gives great detail with various options to help suit your needs. I would definitely be recommending him to my colleagues, family, and friends. Thanks Again.
Dantoinne Williams Jr.
00:07 22 Dec 25
I was in a panic because the person who originally did my taxes wasn't available. I reached out to Heard & Associates and all of my stress went away. We sat down discussed my situation for my business and my taxes were taken care of in that moment! I'm forever grateful and extremely pleased with the customer service.
James Watson
00:02 22 Dec 25
Heard & Associates has been excellent to work with for my small business taxes. Mr. Heard knowledgeable, professional, and extremely detail-oriented, which gives me real peace of mind. He took the time to explain everything clearly, stayed on top of deadlines, and made what’s usually a stressful process feel easy. Communication was smooth and timely throughout, and I always felt confident that my business was in good hands. I highly recommend Heard & Associates to any small business owner looking for a dependable and trustworthy accounting firm.
James Watson
22:12 21 Dec 25
I’ve had a great experience working with Mr. Heard. He’s knowledgeable, thorough, and made the entire process stress-free from start to finish. Everything was explained clearly, all deadlines were handled on time, and I felt confident knowing my return was done accurately. Communication was easy and professional, and he was always quick to answer any questions I had. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy accountant.
JUANJOSE CINTRON
15:12 11 Dec 25
Excellent professional, quick to reply and very helpful and thorough advice.
A 143
23:11 05 Dec 25
Professional!
Issa Salat
20:05 01 Dec 25
Very professional.
Yore Omerey
22:14 15 Nov 25
I was really stressed as a small business owner in this financial climate especially with the intense work I do. Mr. Heard respected me as a small business owner and created a business model to get me back on track.
He brilliantly solved long and short term issues with immense professionalism. I felt heard, I felt protected, and educated in the process. He was generous with his time and genuinely cared about the success of my company. The service was thorough and cost effective, he has my gratitude. I highly recommend them!
He brilliantly solved long and short term issues with immense professionalism. I felt heard, I felt protected, and educated in the process. He was generous with his time and genuinely cared about the success of my company. The service was thorough and cost effective, he has my gratitude. I highly recommend them!
Julian Howard
17:23 11 Nov 25
Extremely knowledgeable and professional — they made the entire tax process smooth and stress-free.
Always available to answer questions and explain everything clearly.
I highly recommend them for anyone looking for accurate, efficient, and trustworthy tax services.
Always available to answer questions and explain everything clearly.
I highly recommend them for anyone looking for accurate, efficient, and trustworthy tax services.
Demetria Dotson
18:32 13 Oct 25
Heard & Associates have always been top tier!
I had such a great experience with Heard & Associates! Mr. Heard was professional, patient, and really took the time to explain everything in a way I could understand. The company made filing my taxes so easy and even helped me get my finances more organized for the future. You can tell they truly care about their clients. I’ll definitely be coming back every year and recommending them to my friends and family!
I had such a great experience with Heard & Associates! Mr. Heard was professional, patient, and really took the time to explain everything in a way I could understand. The company made filing my taxes so easy and even helped me get my finances more organized for the future. You can tell they truly care about their clients. I’ll definitely be coming back every year and recommending them to my friends and family!
Brandon Atkins
04:53 13 Oct 25
I’ve been working with Heard and Associates for both my personal and business tax preparation and consulting, and I couldn’t be more satisfied. They’re professional, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain everything clearly.
They helped me organize my business finances, maximize deductions, and develop a tax strategy that truly fits my goals. I really appreciate their attention to detail, quick communication, and how they make what could be a stressful process feel easy and efficient.
They helped me organize my business finances, maximize deductions, and develop a tax strategy that truly fits my goals. I really appreciate their attention to detail, quick communication, and how they make what could be a stressful process feel easy and efficient.
Whats The Word Media Inc.
02:12 13 Oct 25
Working with Heard & Associates has been one of the best business decisions I’ve made. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy truly stand out. From day one, their team made it easy to get organized and stay on top of everything — especially when it comes to bookkeeping.
They’ve completely transformed how my business handles its financial records. Every transaction is tracked, categorized, and explained clearly, so I always know where my money is going and what my cash flow looks like. Their bookkeeping services are not only thorough but also easy to understand — they take the time to explain reports and help identify opportunities to save or scale.
What I appreciate most is their consistency and communication. They respond quickly, provide monthly updates without being asked, and make sure all my accounts are clean and compliant come tax time. It’s rare to find a team that combines deep expertise with such genuine care for their clients’ success.
If you’re looking for an accounting firm that truly treats your business like their own — especially when it comes to keeping your books in order — I highly recommend Heard & Associates. They’re reliable, transparent, and simply excellent at what they do.
They’ve completely transformed how my business handles its financial records. Every transaction is tracked, categorized, and explained clearly, so I always know where my money is going and what my cash flow looks like. Their bookkeeping services are not only thorough but also easy to understand — they take the time to explain reports and help identify opportunities to save or scale.
What I appreciate most is their consistency and communication. They respond quickly, provide monthly updates without being asked, and make sure all my accounts are clean and compliant come tax time. It’s rare to find a team that combines deep expertise with such genuine care for their clients’ success.
If you’re looking for an accounting firm that truly treats your business like their own — especially when it comes to keeping your books in order — I highly recommend Heard & Associates. They’re reliable, transparent, and simply excellent at what they do.
david mason
14:20 02 Oct 25
I can’t say enough great things about Heard & Associates! They handle all of my business bookkeeping and S-Corp taxes for my heating and cooling company, and the experience has been outstanding. Their team is professional, reliable, and truly cares about helping my business succeed. I’m beyond grateful to have found such a knowledgeable CPA firm, and I look forward to continuing to grow my business with their support. Highly recommend them to any business owner looking for trusted financial guidance!
Get Help with US Expat Tax Filing Today
If you’re a US citizen or green card holder living abroad and need reliable tax support, don’t leave compliance to chance.