Which Firms Help Expats With Cross-Border Tax Planning?

by Adam Fayed on October 29, 2026

Expats can find cross-border tax planning support from international tax advisory firms, specialist expat tax providers, global mobility advisers, and private-client tax practices.

Andersen, EY, Vialto Partners, Sable International, Greenback Expat Tax Services, and Bright!Tax offer different combinations of international tax advice and compliance services.

Adam Fayed provides a complementary perspective through international investment planning and wealth management, helping eligible expats consider how their investments and long-term financial objectives fit alongside their cross-border tax arrangements.

Specialist tax advice is provided by qualified professionals, including through external partners where appropriate.

The firms below are presented for comparison rather than as a ranked list.

Their suitability is based on the countries involved, the complexity of the client's affairs, and whether the immediate requirement is tax planning, compliance, or coordination with wider financial decisions.

Key Takeaways

Large international tax firms can coordinate complex tax matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Expat tax specialists typically focus on specific countries, filing obligations and individual tax planning needs.
Global mobility advisers help internationally mobile employees and executives manage cross-border tax obligations.
Wealth management firms can incorporate tax considerations into broader financial planning and work with specialist tax advisers where needed.

I can connect you with expert tax support for your specific situation. My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp ‪+44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

The information in this article is not tax advice and may have changed since the time of writing. FIRMS THAT HELP EXPATS WITH CROSS-BORDER TAX PLANNING

How to choose a cross-border tax planning firm

Expats should choose a cross-border tax planning firm based on its expertise in the countries involved, its experience with similar client situations, and its ability to provide tax residency planning where relevant.

An extensive international network can give expats access to international tax advisors across multiple jurisdictions, but it does not guarantee that every office can handle individual tax matters in every country.

Several factors help distinguish providers:

Country coverage: Check whether the firm has tax professionals familiar with each relevant country and can coordinate advice across jurisdictions. Separate local advisers may be necessary where its expertise is limited.
Planning versus compliance: Determine whether the firm provides forward-looking tax advice, tax return preparation, or both. A tax planning engagement may assess options before a relocation or transaction, while compliance services address filing obligations, reporting requirements, and foreign income tax compliance where applicable.
Client specialism: Match the firm's expertise to the client's circumstances. US citizens living abroad may need specialist US expat tax support, while business owners with international operations may require coordinated personal and corporate tax advice. International executives may benefit from a global mobility specialist.
Professional qualifications: Verify the qualifications and relevant professional authorizations of the individuals providing advice. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so assess the credentials of the actual advisers rather than relying solely on the firm's reputation.
Fees and engagement scope: Confirm whether the quoted fee covers an initial consultation, written tax analysis, implementation support, and ongoing compliance. A low-cost consultation may not include a detailed assessment of a complex, multi-country tax position.
Coordination with other advisers: Expats with investment portfolios, private companies, or substantial assets may need their tax adviser to work with accountants, lawyers, or financial advisers. Establish who is responsible for each part of the engagement and whether coordination is included in the fee.

Which firms help with cross-border tax planning for expats?

Firms helping expats with cross-border tax planning and related financial decisions include Adam Fayed, Andersen, EY, Vialto Partners, Sable International, Greenback Expat Tax Services, and Bright!Tax, each offering a different approach to international tax and financial planning.

1. Adam Fayed

Cross-border tax planning services: International financial and wealth planning that considers how tax circumstances may affect investment portfolios, retirement objectives and long-term financial decisions. Adam Fayed also works with specialist tax professionals to help clients access jurisdiction-specific tax advice where needed.
Fees and compensation: Adam Fayed lists standalone consultations starting at US$1,500 and investment-related costs typically ranging from 0.5% to 2.5% annually, depending on the solution and underlying investments. These are financial advisory fees, not fees for tax preparation or formal tax advice. Confirm current pricing and any applicable minimum investment directly.
Geographic coverage: International, largely remote service model reportedly serving clients in more than 100 countries, with business interests in Mauritius, Uganda, and Singapore, including relationships with locally licensed advisers. Client eligibility remains subject to residency and regulatory restrictions.
Main consideration: Most relevant to expats seeking to coordinate wealth planning with their tax position. Clients requiring tax filings or formal advice on specific countries' tax laws should establish whether a separate tax professional is needed.

2. Andersen

Cross-border tax planning services: International tax advisory, private-client tax, corporate tax, and global mobility services, depending on the local practice. These capabilities may help expats coordinate personal and business tax matters across jurisdictions.
Fees and compensation: Andersen's New Zealand engagement terms provide for fixed-fee or hourly billing, with hourly rates specified in the engagement letter. No universal fee schedule for expat international tax planning has been verified.
Geographic coverage: Andersen Global has a presence in over 1,000 locations across more than 180 countries, supported by a network of legally independent member and collaborating firms. Specific tax services and expertise vary by jurisdiction.
Main consideration: Confirm that the relevant local practice has experience with the countries involved and can coordinate advice across all applicable jurisdictions.

3. EY

Cross-border tax planning services: International tax planning, cross-border tax analysis, reporting, and risk management. EY's private tax teams also advise business-owning families and private capital investors, which may be relevant to expats managing personal and business tax matters across jurisdictions.
Fees and compensation: EY uses engagement-specific pricing, with fees determined by the agreed scope of work and professional rates. A published client contract illustrates hourly billing for additional expatriate tax services and a US$5,000 annual cap for certain participant-paid tax-return services, but this is not a standard rate for individual expats.
Geographic coverage: EY has over 700 office locations across more than 150 countries and territories. Specific tax services and private-client capabilities vary by jurisdiction.
Main consideration: EY's international tax practice has a strong focus on multinational businesses, so individuals should confirm that the relevant office offers the specific private-client services required.

4. Vialto Partners

Cross-border tax planning services: Expatriate tax planning and compliance, social security advice, international assignment support, and private-client services. These capabilities can help individuals and employers coordinate tax obligations associated with cross-border employment and mobility.
Fees and compensation: VialtoDirect offers fixed-price tax services starting at US$850 in the US, £587 in the UK, A$1,100 in Australia, C$1,250 in Canada, and CHF 850 in Switzerland. These are starting prices for tax engagements rather than comprehensive tax planning fees; final pricing depends on the jurisdictions involved and the complexity of the case.
Geographic coverage: Vialto reports a presence in more than 50 offices serving over 150 territories. Confirm the availability of specific tax and private-client services in the relevant jurisdictions.
Main consideration: Vialto's core specialism is global mobility, so expats seeking broader personal wealth or investment planning should establish whether those needs fall within its services or require a separate adviser.

5. Sable International

Cross-border tax planning services: UK personal tax, South African tax and accounting, Australian cross-border tax advice, and contractor accounting, depending on the service and jurisdiction. These offerings can help expats address tax and accounting requirements associated with their international circumstances.
Fees and compensation: Sable International offers tailored pricing for its tax and accounting services and a complimentary initial consultation with a cross-border expert in London or Cape Town. No standard fee for comprehensive overseas tax planning was verified; request a quote based on the countries and services involved.
Geographic coverage: Sable International reports 10 offices across eight countries. Its tax services include UK personal tax, South African tax, and Australian cross-border tax advice, but availability varies by jurisdiction. Confirm that the firm covers the specific countries involved.
Main consideration: Sable's expertise is service- and market-specific, so verify that it can coordinate advice across all the jurisdictions relevant to the engagement.

6. Greenback Expat Tax Services

Cross-border tax planning services: US expat tax return preparation and individual tax consultations. These services can help US taxpayers abroad address federal filing obligations and obtain guidance on expatriate tax matters. Advice on foreign country tax law may require a separate local specialist.
Fees and compensation: Greenback lists US federal tax return preparation at US$565, a 30-minute tax consultation at US$250, and a 60-minute consultation at US$500. These are published prices for specific services, not a universal fee for comprehensive cross-border tax planning.
Geographic coverage: Greenback serves US taxpayers living abroad in more than 200 countries and territories, providing US federal and state tax return preparation. For host country tax returns, it offers in-house UK filing services and works with partner specialists in other jurisdictions.
Main consideration: Greenback is particularly relevant to Americans abroad who need US tax support. Expats seeking coordinated advice on US taxes and foreign income tax compliance should confirm the scope of the engagement and whether another local adviser is needed.

7. Bright!Tax

Cross-border tax planning services: US expat tax preparation and advisory engagements covering complex situations such as relocation, changes in overseas tax circumstances, and questions involving pensions, property, or inheritance. The scope of advice concerning foreign country tax laws should be confirmed separately.
Fees and compensation: Bright!Tax's published advisory offering typically starts at US$800, with the fee based on the agreed scope of work.
Geographic coverage: Bright!Tax serves US taxpayers living abroad, with clients in more than 200 countries and territories. Its services focus on US federal and state tax matters; advice on host-country tax law may require a separate local adviser
Main consideration: Its dedicated advisory service may suit Americans abroad with complex US tax questions, but it should not be assumed to replace qualified tax advisers in every relevant jurisdiction.

Tax Advice Can Inform Your Decisions. What Guides Your Investments?

Managing wealth internationally involves more than understanding tax obligations. Your portfolio, income needs and retirement objectives should form part of a coherent long-term investment strategy.

Discuss Your Options

When a large international tax firm makes sense

A large international tax firm is most useful when a client's tax affairs require several specialists to work together, such as when a big business operates across multiple countries or an executive has complex compensation arrangements.

These firms can provide access to country-specific tax professionals and related expertise within one network.

However, their broader capabilities may be unnecessary for routine filings or straightforward US expat tax matters, which specialist providers can often handle more directly.

Smaller or specialist firms may also be worth considering for clients seeking more direct adviser involvement or a service tailored to their particular circumstances. The size of a firm does not necessarily determine the level of personal attention or expertise available.

The engagement should also make clear who is responsible for the final tax position.

Where two or more advisers are involved, one should not assume that another professional has reviewed a jurisdiction-specific issue unless this has been agreed.

Conclusion

Cross-border tax planning is also a question of timing. An adviser brought in before a relocation, business sale, or major investment decision may have more options to assess than one engaged after the transaction has taken place.

This makes the firm's ability to provide forward-looking advice particularly relevant when evaluating providers.

A firm's global reach may help coordinate complex matters, but its real value lies in whether its recommendations address the client's circumstances before important financial choices become difficult or costly to change.

FAQs

How much does a tax advisor charge?

Tax advisory fees can range from US$250 for a 30-minute consultation to US$800 or more for specialist advisory services, depending on the complexity and scope of the engagement.

What is the most tax-friendly country for expats?

The UAE, Bahrain, the Bahamas, Monaco, and the Cayman Islands generally do not levy personal income tax, making them potential options for expats seeking lower personal taxes.

Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Cyprus also offer preferential tax regimes for eligible residents, with benefits subject to specific conditions and income types.

Who is the best person to give tax advice?

The best person to give tax advice is a qualified tax professional with expertise in the relevant country or countries, such as a tax accountant, certified public accountant, or authorized tax adviser.

For cross-border matters, choose someone who can coordinate local specialists, while a financial adviser can help integrate tax considerations into investment and retirement planning.

What is the difference between a tax advisor and a tax consultant?

A tax adviser typically provides ongoing guidance on tax obligations and planning, while a tax consultant is often engaged to analyze specific tax issues or recommend solutions for a particular situation.

However, the titles overlap and have no universal distinction, so the professional’s actual expertise and scope of services matter more than the title.

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