Do you e-file the return for me?

No. Atamatax generates an IRS-ready PDF package — your Form 1040 with one Form 8621 per PFIC, plus the supporting schedules — for you to review and file. Integrated e-file through a partner ERO is targeted for Q3 2026. Until then you receive forms mapped to each IRS form for manual filing.

Is Atamatax a CPA firm?

No. Atamatax is tax-preparation software, not a CPA or law firm, and using it is not tax or legal advice. It does the PFIC classification and Form 8621 math so you can file with confidence, but the return — and the elections you make — are yours. If your facts are unusual, get a professional opinion.

What does $499 actually cover?

A complete expat return with PFIC analysis: Form 1040 with Schedules B and D, up to 25 Form 8621s with your chosen QEF / mark-to-market / §1291 method per holding, fund-domicile classification, Form 8938 (FATCA) and FBAR threshold checks, and Form 1116 for the foreign tax credit. One flat price, no per-form add-ons.

What if I have more than 25 PFICs?

The $499 tier covers up to 25 Form 8621s, which is enough for the large majority of expat portfolios. If you hold more, get in touch before you finalise and we'll sort out the right approach.

Which method should I pick for each fund?

It depends on the fund: QEF if it issues a PFIC Annual Information Statement, mark-to-market if it's an exchange-traded fund, and §1291 only as the fallback. Our QEF-vs-MtM-vs-1291 guide and the free §1291 estimator walk through the decision per holding. This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.

Form 8621 · flat $499

One Form 8621 per fund.
Flat $499 — up to 25 PFICs.

Foreign mutual funds and UCITS ETFs each need their own Form 8621, with QEF, mark-to-market or §1291 chosen per holding. Atamatax does the classification and the math, then hands you IRS-ready forms — for a flat $499, not a four-figure CPA bill.

Run the free PFIC check Start a return

Free PFIC scan · No payment until you finalise · Software, not a CPA firm

The whole reason most expats are here

A CPA charges ~$3,200 for the same Form 8621s. We charge $499.

Traditional CPA

~$3,200/ return

Per-form billing, hourly add-ons for each PFIC, weeks of back-and-forth — and you still review every number yourself.

Atamatax · PFIC

$499/ return

Up to 25 Form 8621s, QEF / MtM / §1291 per holding, domicile classification, FBAR and 8938 checks — one flat price. Draft free; pay only when you finalise.

CPA figure is an illustrative market estimate for a multi-PFIC expat return, not a quote. Your costs vary. This is general information, not tax advice.

How it works

From a pile of foreign funds to filed in three steps.

Scan your funds

Paste or import your holdings into the free PFIC checker. We classify each fund by domicile and flag every PFIC — no card required.

Choose a method per holding

Compare QEF, mark-to-market and §1291 side by side for each fund, with the §1291 estimator to size the cost. Bulk-apply a method to similar funds.

Get IRS-ready Form 8621s

Finalise to receive one Form 8621 per PFIC (up to 25), wired into your 1040 with Schedules B and D. You pay only at this step.

See a sample return (PDF)

Start with the free tools

Check, estimate, then file.

PFIC checkerSee which of your funds are PFICs and how many Form 8621s you need.§1291 estimatorModel the punitive excess-distribution charge before you hold or exit.FBAR / 8938 checkConfirm whether your foreign accounts cross the reporting thresholds.

Understand the rules first

PFIC rules for foreign funds & ETFsWhat makes a fund a PFIC and why it matters for US persons abroad.The Irish UCITS ETF trapWhy the 'sensible index fund' a European broker sold you is a PFIC.QEF vs MtM vs §1291A decision guide to which PFIC election to make, per holding.

PFIC software · FAQ

Honest answers before you start.

Do you e-file the return for me?: No. Atamatax generates an IRS-ready PDF package — your Form 1040 with one Form 8621 per PFIC, plus the supporting schedules — for you to review and file. Integrated e-file through a partner ERO is targeted for Q3 2026. Until then you receive forms mapped to each IRS form for manual filing.
Is Atamatax a CPA firm?: No. Atamatax is tax-preparation software, not a CPA or law firm, and using it is not tax or legal advice. It does the PFIC classification and Form 8621 math so you can file with confidence, but the return — and the elections you make — are yours. If your facts are unusual, get a professional opinion.
What does $499 actually cover?: A complete expat return with PFIC analysis: Form 1040 with Schedules B and D, up to 25 Form 8621s with your chosen QEF / mark-to-market / §1291 method per holding, fund-domicile classification, Form 8938 (FATCA) and FBAR threshold checks, and Form 1116 for the foreign tax credit. One flat price, no per-form add-ons.
What if I have more than 25 PFICs?: The $499 tier covers up to 25 Form 8621s, which is enough for the large majority of expat portfolios. If you hold more, get in touch before you finalise and we'll sort out the right approach.
Which method should I pick for each fund?: It depends on the fund: QEF if it issues a PFIC Annual Information Statement, mark-to-market if it's an exchange-traded fund, and §1291 only as the fallback. Our QEF-vs-MtM-vs-1291 guide and the free §1291 estimator walk through the decision per holding. This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.

Is your fund a PFIC?

The UCITS ETFs US expats ask about most.

Every one of these is a non-US fund — a PFIC for US citizens, no matter what it tracks. Check yours for what it means and how to file.

Atamatax · PFIC filing

See your Form 8621 count first. Pay $499 only when you finalise.