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U.S. tax filing · London

U.S. Tax Filing for Americans in London

Fixed-fee support for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders in London — UK salary and PAYE, ISAs and SIPPs, City finance equity, FBAR and FATCA reporting.

London is home to one of the largest American communities in the world, spread across the City and Canary Wharf, tech, law, media and academia. Many arrive expecting the UK–U.S. tax treaty to handle everything — but PAYE income, tax-advantaged UK accounts and equity compensation still flow onto a U.S. return, often in ways the treaty does not fully shelter.

Typical situations we see in London

  • ISAs (cash and stocks-and-shares): tax-free in the UK, but the U.S. generally does not recognise the wrapper, and funds inside can be PFICs.
  • SIPPs and workplace pensions: UK treatment is favourable, but U.S. and treaty treatment of contributions and growth can differ and may need reporting.
  • City finance and tech professionals with RSUs, options and bonuses to reconcile across UK and U.S. rules.
  • UK funds, investment trusts and unit trusts held through a local platform that may be PFICs (Form 8621).
  • Multiple UK bank and investment accounts that together cross the FBAR threshold.
Moving to London does not switch off U.S. tax filing. ISAs, SIPPs, UK funds and equity compensation can each create U.S. reporting obligations — even when the UK has already taxed the income and little or no U.S. tax is ultimately due.

What to check first

Start with whether your combined non-U.S. accounts crossed $10,000 at any point (FBAR), whether you hold UK or other non-U.S. funds (PFIC), and whether the Foreign Tax Credit or Foreign Earned Income Exclusion fits your situation better. The free Tax Risk Check walks you through it in a couple of minutes.

Atamatax provides tax preparation support and educational resources. This website does not constitute legal or tax advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is my ISA a problem for U.S. taxes?
It often is. The U.S. generally does not treat an ISA as tax-free, and a stocks-and-shares ISA can hold investments classed as PFICs, which carry extra reporting. Many Americans in the UK review their ISA holdings carefully. Atamatax provides preparation support; this is not individualized advice.
I have a SIPP or workplace pension in London — how is that handled?
UK pensions generally receive favourable treatment, and the UK–U.S. treaty can help, but the U.S. and treaty treatment of contributions, growth and reporting can be nuanced. It is worth reviewing before filing rather than assuming the treaty covers everything.
Do Americans in London still need to file U.S. taxes?
In most cases yes — the U.S. taxes citizens and Green Card holders on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Foreign tax credits and exclusions often reduce or eliminate the U.S. tax owed, but reporting (including the FBAR) can still be required.
Does Atamatax work with people based in London?
Yes. Atamatax provides fixed-fee U.S. tax filing support for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders living abroad, including London. The final quote depends on your documents and tax situation.

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