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For U.S. citizens and green card holders living abroad
Americans abroad need specialists who know both tax systems cold.
FATCA, FBAR, PFIC exposure, SIPP treaty elections - US obligations follow you wherever you live. We introduce US citizens and green card holders to specialists who work both sides of the equation, so you get guidance that holds up in both jurisdictions.
Availability depends on where you live and where your assets are held - confirmed during manual review.
Why this needs a dedicated process
Living abroad does not switch off U.S. tax and retirement realities.
US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. That single fact creates a cascade: FATCA reporting obligations, potential PFIC treatment on local investment products, FBAR filing requirements, and treaty elections that must be invoked carefully to avoid double taxation on pension contributions and distributions.
Most financial advisers - even experienced ones - are not equipped to navigate this. The intersection of UK pension rules, IRS reporting requirements, and your host country's local tax law is genuinely specialist territory. Finding the right person is where this process begins.
No financial advice is provided on this website.
Read our US persons abroad guide →How this page works
The intake and review process.
This page qualifies fit, captures context, and routes every eligible request into a manual review queue before any introduction decision is made.
Submitting a request does not commit you to anything. We will only contact you if an introduction route is appropriate.
Key terms
- FBAR (FinCEN Form 114)
- An annual filing required for any US person with a financial interest in, or signature authority over, foreign accounts with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year. Filed separately with FinCEN — not with your tax return.
- FATCA (Form 8938)
- A broader reporting obligation for specified foreign financial assets, filed with the US tax return. Different thresholds and asset categories to FBAR. Both can apply simultaneously to the same accounts.
- PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company)
- A US tax classification that applies to many non-US investment funds and collective vehicles — including some UK ISA investments. PFIC treatment can result in punitive US tax rates. US persons with UK or offshore investments need specialist review to identify and manage PFIC exposure.
Nothing on this page constitutes financial, tax, or legal advice.
Eligibility
Who this is for
- US citizens and green card holders living abroad with UK or international pension assets.
- Americans with FATCA, FBAR, or PFIC exposure who need cross-border specialist guidance.
- US persons planning retirement income across two or more tax jurisdictions.
Who this is not for
- UK residents seeking domestic financial advice (outside our service scope).
- Non-US households without cross-border US tax obligations.
- Anyone seeking guaranteed outcomes or product placement without specialist review.
How it works
Manual review
Every submission is manually checked for eligibility and compliance before any next step is taken.
Planned introduction
If suitable, we connect you with the right specialist. We do not provide financial advice on this website.
Decision clarity
Trust & compliance
How we handle your information.
This website is for information and introduction purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Pharos Introductions is an introducer service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or investment recommendations. Every enquiry is manually reviewed before any introduction is made, and lead details are never auto-forwarded to third parties.
Every enquiry is manually reviewed. We do not auto-forward leads to third parties.
Questions
Do I need a specialist adviser if I am a US citizen living abroad?
In almost every case, yes. The intersection of US worldwide taxation — FATCA, FBAR, PFIC treatment of local investment products, and IRS retirement account rules — with your host country's financial regulations is genuinely specialist territory. Most financial advisers, even experienced ones, are not equipped to navigate both sides simultaneously.
What is FBAR and who needs to file it?
FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is filed annually by any US person with a financial interest in, or signature authority over, foreign financial accounts with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any point during the calendar year. The penalties for non-compliance are substantial. A cross-border specialist can help ensure your reporting obligations are correctly met.
What is the difference between FBAR and FATCA reporting?
FBAR is filed separately with FinCEN and covers foreign bank and financial accounts. FATCA (Form 8938, filed with your US tax return) covers a broader range of specified foreign financial assets, with different reporting thresholds. Both can apply simultaneously to a US citizen living abroad. A qualified cross-border adviser can help you identify which obligations apply to your specific situation.
Can I contribute to a SIPP as a US citizen living in the UK?
In many cases, yes — but the US tax treatment is complex. Under the UK-US tax treaty, SIPP contributions may be deductible on a US return, but a treaty election must be invoked correctly. Without appropriate specialist guidance, there is a risk of double taxation on contributions or withdrawals. This is an area where someone with experience of both HMRC and IRS rules is essential.
Is a QROPS transfer suitable for US persons with UK pensions?
QROPS transfers for US persons carry significant additional complexity. Transferring a UK pension to a QROPS may create foreign grantor trust reporting obligations under US law (Form 3520), and in some circumstances trigger immediate tax events. Whether a QROPS is appropriate for a US person depends heavily on their overall US tax position. Specialist advice is essential before any transfer decision.
What happens to my IRA or 401(k) when I live abroad?
US retirement accounts remain subject to US tax rules regardless of where you live. However, the interaction with your host country's tax treatment varies — some jurisdictions recognise the deferred status of US retirement accounts; others may not. A specialist can help you understand the most efficient way to manage withdrawals or rollovers across both tax systems.
More questions? Visit our full FAQ