Tax Deadlines by Country: Guide for US Expats
As a US expat, you get an automatic extension to June 15 for your US tax return, giving you extra time to handle both countries’ requirements. According to IRS Publication 54, this automatic extension applies to all qualifying US citizens living abroad, providing breathing room to coordinate multiple tax obligations.
Missing tax deadlines can trigger penalties in both countries, but knowing the key dates helps you plan ahead and avoid stress. Most expats juggle two tax systems, and while that sounds overwhelming, proper timing makes the process manageable.
When Are US Tax Deadlines for Expats?
US citizens abroad enjoy more flexible deadlines than domestic taxpayers:
US Tax Deadlines for 2025 Tax Year (Filed in 2026):
- April 15, 2026: Standard US deadline (applies if you’re temporarily in the US)
- June 15, 2026: Automatic extension for qualifying expats (no forms required)
- October 15, 2026: Final deadline with Form 4868 extension request
FBAR and FATCA Deadlines:
- April 15, 2026: FBAR deadline (automatic extension to October 15, 2026)
- June 15, 2026: Form 8938 deadline (follows your tax return extension)
The June 15 automatic extension only applies to filing, not payment. If you owe US taxes, interest accrues from April 15. However, most expats using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or Foreign Tax Credit owe little to no US tax.
For more detailed information about planning for upcoming tax years, see our comprehensive guide on 2024 & 2025 tax deadlines for expats.
What Are the Local Tax Deadlines For Major Expat Destinations?
Here are the local tax deadlines for countries where American expats reside:
| Country | Tax Filing Deadline | Notes |
| Albania | April 30 | Individual income tax |
| Argentina | April 15 | Individual income tax |
| Australia | October 31 | Tax year: July 1 – June 30 |
| Brazil | April 30 | Individual income tax |
| Canada | April 30 | June 15 if self-employed |
| Chile | April 30 | Individual income tax |
| China | June 30 | Individual income tax |
| Costa Rica | February 15 | Individual income tax |
| Dominican Republic | March 31 | Individual income tax |
| El Salvador | April 30 | Individual income tax |
| France | May-June | Varies by zone and filing method |
| Germany | July 31 | December 31 with tax professional |
| Honduras | April 30 | Individual income tax |
| Hong Kong | December 31 with a tax professional | Varies by individual assessment |
| India | July 31 | Tax year: April 1 – March 31 |
| Ireland | October 31 | Mid-November for electronic filing |
| Israel | April 30 | Individual income tax |
| Italy | November 30 | Individual income tax |
| Japan | March 15 | Individual income tax |
| Lebanon | April 1 | Individual income tax |
| Mexico | April 30 | Individual income tax |
| Netherlands | May 1 | Can request extension |
| New Zealand | July 7 | Tax year: April 1 – March 31 |
| Nicaragua | 90 days after year-end | Individual income tax |
| Norway | April 30 | Individual income tax |
| Pakistan | September 30 | Individual income tax |
| Panama | March 15 | Individual income tax |
| Philippines | April 15 | Individual income tax |
| Portugal | March 31 | Individual income tax |
| Puerto Rico | April 15 | Individual income tax |
| Singapore | April 15 | Individual income tax |
| South Africa | Determined annually by government notice | Varies each year |
| South Korea | May 31 | Individual income tax |
| Spain | June 30 | Individual income tax |
| Sweden | May 2 | Individual income tax |
| Switzerland | March 31 – April 30 | Varies by municipality |
| Taiwan | May 31 | Individual income tax |
| United Kingdom | January 31 | Online filing; October 31 for paper |
These deadlines can change annually and may have different rules for residents vs non-residents. Always verify current deadlines with local tax authorities or consult a local tax professional.
How Do You Handle Overlapping Tax Seasons?
Many expat destinations have tax years that overlap with the US filing season, creating potential timing conflicts.
Countries with April/May Deadlines: If you’re in Canada, Mexico, Germany, or other April/May deadline countries, you’ll handle both tax obligations simultaneously. This is when having organized records becomes critical.
Countries with Different Tax Years:
- Australia: July 1 – June 30 tax year (October 31 deadline)
- United Kingdom: April 6 – April 5 tax year (January 31 deadline)
- India: April 1 – March 31 tax year (July 31 deadline)
Strategic Timing: Plan document gathering in January and February to prepare everything for whichever deadline comes first. Many expats find it easier to complete their local country taxes first, then use that information for their US return.
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
The consequences vary, but understanding penalty structures helps you prioritize when time gets tight.
US Penalty Structure:
- Failure to file: 5% per month (up to 25% of tax owed)
- FBAR penalties: Up to $12,921 per account for non-willful violations
- Form 8938 penalties: Up to $60,000 for continued failure to file
Good News for Most Expats: If you owe no US tax (common when using FEIE or FTC), failure-to-file penalties are minimal. However, FBAR and Form 8938 have separate penalty structures regardless of tax owed.
Local Country Penalties: They vary significantly by country. Some impose fixed fees, while others use percentage-based penalties. Countries like Germany and the UK tend to have structured penalty systems, while others may be more discretionary.
How Can You Stay Organized Across Multiple Tax Systems?
Managing dual tax obligations requires systematic organization, but it’s more straightforward than it sounds.
Essential Document Organization:
- January: Gather all tax documents from both countries
- February: Organize documents by country and income type
- March: Begin preparation for whichever deadline comes first
- April-May: Handle overlapping deadlines systematically
Digital Organization Tips:
- Use cloud storage accessible from both countries
- Scan all physical documents immediately
- Create separate folders for each tax year and country
- Keep backup copies of filed returns
What About Extensions and Late Filing Relief?
Both countries offer options when you can’t meet original deadlines.
US Extensions:
- Automatic: June 15 extension for qualifying expats
- Requested: October 15 extension with Form 4868
- Special circumstances: Additional relief available for taxpayers affected by disasters or emergencies
Local Country Extensions: Vary by country. Some offer automatic extensions for certain circumstances, while others require applications with valid reasons. Research your specific country’s rules early in the tax year.
Streamlined Filing Procedures: If you’re behind on US filings, the Streamlined Filing Procedures offer penalty relief for taxpayers with non-willful compliance failures. This program allows you to file the last 3 years of returns and 6 years of FBARs without penalties.
How Greenback Makes Dual Filing Manageable
Coordinating multiple tax deadlines across countries requires expertise in both US expat tax law and international tax systems.
We have a rigorous hiring process for both our accountants and customer service reps. We only hire the best. Only an excellent CPA or Enrolled Agent will touch your return from start to finish. Peace of mind is something we deliver year-round, not just during tax season.
Next Steps:
- Mark your calendar: Note both US and local country deadlines for 2025
- Organize your documents: Start gathering tax documents early in the year
- Consider professional help: Evaluate whether expert assistance makes sense for your situation
- Stay current: Don’t let filings fall behind, as catching up becomes increasingly complex
No matter how late, messy, or complex your return may be, we can help. You’ll have peace of mind, knowing that your taxes were done right and filed on time.
Ready to simplify your multi-country tax obligations? If you’re ready to be matched with a Greenback accountant, click the get started button below. For general questions on expat taxes or working with Greenback, contact our Customer Champions.
Whether you’re years behind or just unsure about the thresholds, our team is ready to help.
This article provides general information and should not be considered specific tax advice. Tax deadlines can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current deadlines and consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.
