Expat Resources – Recommended Expat Service Providers
While overseas as an expat you are faced with an assortment of issues, including how to get good quality health coverage, investment advice, your mail forwarded from the U.S. to overseas, or saving money on foreign currency exchange when sending money home or making a large purchase or other currency transaction. Many expats face the same challenge of finding a reputable service provider to solve these issues and more, in addition to finding a reputable professional to prepare your U.S. tax returns. At Tax Samaritan, we have compiled some expat resources to make this process easier.
On this page, you’ll find links to various categories of recommended services. As we discover new providers or receive recommendations from our clients that could benefit others, we’ll make sure to share them here. Each provider is carefully selected and specializes in providing services for expats.
For more information or to contact these service providers, click their logo on the subsequent pages (links below). You’ll be redirected to their website, where you can learn more about their services and how they can assist you.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement
- Foreign Exchange Brokers
- Mail Forwarding Service
- International health insurance
- Wealth Management and Investment Services for Expats
Categories of Expat Resources
1. Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
A Health Reimbursement Arrangement can help you save on taxes and healthcare costs if you own a business. HRAs allow business owners to reimburse their employees (and themselves) for medical expenses tax-free. This can be a strategic way to reduce your overall tax burden while ensuring your team has access to necessary health services.
TASC offers the BizPlanNOW Section 105 Plan, which enables qualified small business owners to deduct 100% of their family medical costs, including federal, state, and FICA taxes. TASC has been administering Section 105 plans for over 25 years and specializes in helping business owners take advantage of these tax savings. With BizPlanNOW, you could potentially save $5,000 or more a year by declaring your medical expenses as a business deduction rather than a personal one. If you’re interested, you can reach out to Todd Kuehn, our representative from TASC, to learn more about your potential tax savings and see if you qualify.
2. Foreign Exchange Broker
Use a Foreign Exchange Broker instead of traditional banks to save money on currency exchanges. Brokers often offer better rates, lower fees, and faster transactions, making them ideal for expats who frequently transfer money between countries. This service can be particularly beneficial if you make large purchases or manage finances in multiple currencies.
TorFX offers competitive exchange rates and no transfer fees for international money transfers, making it a great choice for expats managing large currency transactions. They provide services like forward contracts and market orders, allowing you to secure favorable rates for future transfers. TorFX also offers personalized support with dedicated account managers to help guide you through the process.
Halo Financial specializes in personalized currency exchange services with competitive rates and low fees. They offer a range of solutions, including regular payments and forward contracts, tailored to meet the needs of expats handling frequent currency exchanges. Halo Financial is known for its customer-focused approach, helping clients find the best currency solutions for their unique situations.
3. Mail Forwarding Service
Never miss important mail again by using a Mail Forwarding Service. These services provide a U.S. address where your mail is received and then forwarded to your location abroad. Some services even offer scanning options, allowing you to view your mail online the same day it arrives. This is a convenient way to keep up with essential documents and communications while living overseas.
Traveling Mailbox offers a reliable virtual mailbox service with over 50 U.S. addresses to choose from. Ideal for expats and frequent travelers, this service scans your mail, making it accessible online from anywhere in the world. You can choose to have your mail forwarded, stored, or shredded, and enjoy integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, and more. With features like free mail shredding, check depositing, and 30 days of free mail storage, Traveling Mailbox gives you the flexibility and control you need to manage your postal mail remotely. Plans start at $15 per month, and the service is known for its ease of use and security.
Anytime Mailbox provides virtual mailbox services with over 1,700 addresses worldwide, offering flexibility for expats and businesses. You can view your scanned mail online, forward it to any location, or discard it with just a few clicks. Anytime Mailbox offers affordable pricing starting at $5.99 per month, making it a popular choice for those looking for a simple, efficient way to manage mail while abroad. Whether you’re dealing with personal mail or running a business, the platform offers secure mail handling with the convenience of digital access.
4. Health Insurance
Protect yourself from unexpected medical costs with expat health insurance. Unlike domestic plans, these policies cover international medical care and emergency evacuations and give you access to a global network of healthcare providers. Whether you’re moving abroad for work, retirement, or adventure, a comprehensive health insurance plan ensures you’re covered wherever you go, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your life overseas.
Expat Financial provides international health insurance to expatriates around the world. They offer excellent global health plans from large and well-known international insurance providers. You can also download their international health insurance guide.
CSM is a well established, regulated and multi-award winning Independent Financial Advisory (IFA) firm that has its origins dating back over 35 years to 1985.
CSM provides detailed and specific advice and guidance on a range of expat related insurance services for the US and global expat community. Insurance services include:
- Life Assurance
- Critical Illness
- Income/Disability
- Travel and Expat Medical Insurance
5. Wealth Management and Investment Services for Expats
When you’re living abroad, managing your finances can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right wealth management services, you can make smart decisions about your money, plan for retirement, and keep your investments on track, all while ensuring you’re covered from a tax perspective. These services are designed with expats in mind, helping you protect and grow your wealth wherever life takes you.
Founded in 2002, International Asset Management (IAM) specializes in providing wealth management services tailored specifically for U.S. expatriates and non-U.S. citizens living in the United States. IAM helps clients navigate complex cross-border financial challenges, including investment management, retirement planning, tax strategies, and estate planning. Their expertise lies in creating customized financial strategies that align with your global lifestyle, ensuring your investments and assets are optimized and secure, no matter where you live.
IAM’s team of experienced advisors takes a consultative approach, ensuring each client receives personalized solutions based on their unique situation. They offer access to multi-currency portfolios and global investment opportunities, all while maintaining compliance with U.S. regulations.
Fill out our Wealth Management Interest Form to book a meeting with Tom at IAM and discuss how they can support your financial goals as an expat.
Help Us Help Others
We hope these expat resources make your life a little easier by connecting you with trusted services that can save you money and provide quality support. While the final choice is always yours, we’re committed to sharing partners we believe in and that have proven helpful to others. At Tax Samaritan, our goal is to guide you through the expat journey with reliable recommendations.
If you have received excellent service or value from an expat resource, share your experience with us here at Tax Samaritan so that we can share your discovery with others.