Where to Find a US Tax EA in Germany

2026-07-093 min read

Where US expats in Germany can find IRS-credentialed tax preparers and how to verify an EA or other preparer is actually qualified for cross-border US-Germany filings.

Last reviewed: July 9, 2026. This article reflects current IRS rules and EA exam requirements as of this date.

Americans in Germany need tax preparers who understand both the US and German systems. A domestic-only EA is the wrong fit. expat returns require FEIE/FTC analysis, FBAR filing, and treaty coordination.

The Firms

Greenback Expat Tax Services. Dedicated expat CPAs handling German returns. Riester/Rürup analysis, FEIE vs FTC optimization.

Taxes for Expats (TFX). Germany country guide. Treaty basics, German pension analysis, and streamlined compliance.

MyExpatTaxes. Software-driven filing for straightforward German returns.

Expat Tax Online. Named 'best overall for most Americans abroad' in 2026. Serves Germany.

Local German Steuerberater + US EA partnership. Many German tax advisors partner with US preparers for coordinated dual filing. Ask your Steuerberater if they have a US preparer relationship.

How to Vet a Cross-Border EA

"Do you understand the FEIE vs. FTC election for Germany?" The correct election depends on German tax rates and the specific income mix. A preparer who defaults to the FEIE without analyzing the election may be costing you money.

"Are you familiar with the US-Germany tax treaty?" Every treaty is different. A preparer who's never read the US-Germany treaty will miss things specific to your situation.

"Are you listed in the IRS directory?" Verify at irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf. Every legitimate EA or CPA with a PTIN is listed.

If You Want to Become the EA Germany Needs

The IRS examination route does not list a degree requirement. The three SEE parts cost $951 for the 2026 cycle, before the PTIN, Form 23, preparation, or retakes. Germany-US specialization requires additional cross-border competence; neither the EA credential nor a population estimate guarantees clients.

Start studying for the EA →

Dojo Challenge · strike before you scroll

Retrieve it before the explanation retrieves it for you.

Armando's tax return was selected for audit, and he went through the examination. He was represented by Ginny, an unenrolled preparer with an AFSP certificate. Ginny prepared the return under audit. Armando wishes to appeal the examination, and prefers that Ginny represent him before IRS Appeals. What are his options?

Enter a full practice round →Check readiness

Keep building this concept · 3 related guides

Where to find a US tax enrolled agent in VietnamA practical route to US tax preparers and enrolled agents serving Americans in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, including how to verify IRS credentials and vet a cross-border EA before sharing documents.Where to Find a US Tax EA in AustraliaA practical finder for Americans living in Australia who need US tax preparation, listing the firms and credentialed EAs available, and the verification steps that separate a real cross-border preparer from a credential gap.How to Find an EA Who Actually Knows Foreign Taxes (And the Firms Expats Trust)A practical vetting guide for expats who need an Enrolled Agent who genuinely works US-Netherlands cross-border filings, with the specific questions to ask and the firm names that recur in expat communities.

Find your weak topics →Open the 50-unit path →