Blog

We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Essential 2025 Tax Filing Deadlines for Americans Abroad: What Physicians, Executives, and Asset Sellers Need to Know

Essential 2025 Tax Filing Deadlines for Americans Abroad: What Physicians, Executives, and Asset Sellers Need to Know

As a tax mitigation accountant serving physicians, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals in Atlanta and beyond, I understand that proactive tax planning can make a world of difference. For Americans living and/or working outside the United States, June 16, 2025, is a critical deadline to mark on your calendar. Not only does it represent the automatic filing extension for your 2024 federal income tax return, but it’s also when your second estimated tax payment for 2025 is due. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down what every expatriate, high-income executive, and seller of major assets needs to know to stay compliant and optimize their tax position.

Image 3

Filing Deadline Extension for Americans Living and Working Abroad

While most U.S. taxpayers must file their 2024 returns by April 15, 2025, U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and dual citizens who live and/or work outside the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension. This means your deadline is June 16, 2025.

  • You qualify for this extension if both your tax home and residence are outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, or if you were serving in the military abroad on April 15, 2025.
  • A brief statement indicating which situation applies must accompany your tax return.
  • Permanence matters: A short-term assignment or a vacation outside the U.S. is not enough to qualify for the extension.

If you can’t file by June 16, you can request an additional extension until October 15, 2025, using IRS Form 4868. When filing the extension, check Box 8 to indicate you are “out of the country.” Remember: Extensions provide extra time to file, not to pay. Pay your estimated federal tax liability by June 16 to avoid late payment penalties, and always include a reasonable payment estimate.

Foreign Bank Accounts and Information Reporting: FBAR and FATCA

Tax compliance for Americans with foreign financial interests is more complex than simply filing a federal return. If you own, control, or have signature authority over foreign financial accounts, additional reporting may be required under the Bank Secrecy Act (FBAR) and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA):

FBAR (FinCEN Form 114)

  • If your aggregate foreign account balances exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2024, you must file an FBAR using the BSA E-Filing System. FBAR is not filed with your tax return.
  • Failure to file FBAR can result in severe penalties, so review your holdings carefully—even modest overseas assets can trigger the filing requirement.
  • The original FBAR deadline for 2024 is April 15, 2025, but FinCEN automatically extends this to October 15, 2025. No separate request is needed for this extension.
Image 2

Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets)

  • Under FATCA, many U.S. taxpayers must also file Form 8938 along with their Form 1040 when the value of their foreign financial assets exceeds IRS thresholds.
  • The thresholds depend on filing status and residency, making it vital for physicians, business owners, and executives with global portfolios to review reporting requirements annually.
  • If you aren't required to file a federal tax return, you also are not required to file Form 8938.

Second Quarter 2025 Estimated Tax Payment Due

Estimated quarterly tax payments are not just for the self-employed—anyone receiving income without sufficient tax withholding (such as investment earnings, rental income, K-1 distributions, alimony from pre-2019 divorces, or asset sales) may need to pay estimated taxes. The second 2025 estimated tax installment is due June 16, 2025.

For our physician clients, executives, and sellers of appreciated property or businesses, proper estimated tax planning prevents surprise tax bills and costly penalties. Estimated payments may also apply to those subject to the net investment income tax (NIIT) or employment tax on household staff.

Image 1

Quarterly Estimated Tax Table (2025)

Quarter Period Covered Months Due Date*
First Jan–Mar 3 April 15
Second Apr–May 2 June 16
Third Jun–Aug 3 September 15
Fourth Sep–Dec 4 January 15 (2026)

*If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day.

Safe Harbor Rules and Penalties

To avoid underpayment penalties, ensure your total annual prepayments (withholding + estimated payments) meet one of the following safe harbors:

  • 90% of current year’s tax liability
  • 100% of prior year’s tax liability (if your prior year AGI is $150,000 or less; 110% if over $150,000)

If your net tax due after credits and withholding is under $1,000, you are exempt from the underpayment penalty.

Note: IRS computes penalties on a per-quarter basis—early overpayments carry forward, but underpaying a single quarter results in a penalty that cannot be offset by future overpayments.

Let’s Build Your Personalized Tax Plan

With the U.S. tax code’s global reach and escalating penalties for noncompliance, it’s more important than ever for expatriates, physicians, high-income executives, and asset sellers to work proactively with a trusted advisor. As your neighbor just outside Atlanta, I offer specialized experience in minimizing your overall tax burden and keeping you compliant with even the most complex federal and international rules.

Click on the button to schedule a 15-minute discovery call. Together, we’ll uncover tax-saving opportunities and ensure your compliance—giving you peace of mind, wherever you call home.

Dan Hollis | Tax Mitigation Accountant | 404-414-8800 | dan@physiciansfinancialadvisory.com

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

Smart Assistant Have questions? We are here to help.
Hi there! Have questions about Physicians Financial Advisory? Smart Assistant can help answer your questions 24/7.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully