Part 24 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Finding an Accountant In Your New Country

By Darien Wilson

If you’re an American in the sandwich years  planning to move abroad, there's a good chance you will need an accountant in your new country. I’m Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 24 of 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad. Today's topic is: Finding an Accountant In Your New Country.

Previously we talked about the importance of hiring a good US accountant, but it is also  important to have an accountant in your new country. Yes, having two accountants is expensive, but unless your financial situation is very simple, it's a good idea to have help to "cover your assets."

What Sort of American Abroad Needs An Accountant In Their New Country?

If you have a straightforward job and no investments, filing in many other countries can be shockingly simple.

• If you’re a standard employee, your taxes might actually be easier than in the U.S.

• But if you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or have investment accounts? Things can get messy fast.

• If you already have a business in the US and you wanna move abroad and keep that business going, I strongly recommend that you talk to accountants who understand international taxation in both the U.S. and your target country so you can set up the right structures from the get-go and remain in compliance. You don't know what you don't know, so get professional advice to be on the safe side.

As we discussed before, the U.S. is one of the only countries in the world that taxes its citizens no matter where they live. So even if you never set foot in the U.S. again, as long as you're a U.S. citizen, you still have to file U.S. taxes.

Now add in local taxes in your new country.

A lot of countries have tax treaties with the U.S. that prevent double taxation, but you'll want to confirm that, probably early in the planning phase when you're deciding where you want to live abroad. And even if you’re not double-taxed, your U.S. investments might be viewed very differently abroad.

• If you’re middle aged or older, when you’re moving abroad, you might have a 529 college savings plans or Roth IRA.

• But in some countries? Because they do not have similar savings vehicles, these may be considered regular investment accounts and be taxed as assets—even though in the U.S., you legally can’t withdraw those funds early without penalties.

This is just one example of many potential financial pitfalls when moving abroad as a mid-career professional or older. 

Where to Find Vetted Experts

So how can you find an accountant in your new country? While you can of course take advantage of search engines, old-fashioned networking with other expats is a great way to find accountants who are experienced in international taxation. Once you join some groups for American expats, depending on where you are, you may find that accountants offer free informational seminars as a way to share information and attract new clientele. These seminars are a good way to get a sense for whether or not your new potential accountant would be a good fit for you.

If you're in social media groups with other Americans abroad, you'll likely start to notice the same few names popping up when folks ask for recommendations for accountants. If a variety of folks in your new country are recommending the same person over time, that's a pretty solid endorsement.

It's a good idea to find an accountant well before tax season, so this is one area where you don't want to procrastinate!

Final Thought

If you're an American living abroad with a complex tax situation, unless you’re a tax expert yourself, hire someone who knows what they’re doing to do your taxes. And of course, all this expertise doesn’t come cheap. This is another thing you need to budget for. Even though it might be expensive, in the end, it could save you time, money, and sanity. The last thing you want is to be paying penalties and fees.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.

© 2025 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved