Comparison · updated monthly
Greenback is a done-for-you CPA/EA service. Atamatax is self-serve software: the on-screen summary is free, while package generation is paid.
Greenback Expat Tax Services presents a human-preparation service; verify its current credentials, scope, and fees directly with the provider. Atamatax is self-guided software specialized in PFIC / Form 8621: its on-screen diagnostic and calculation summary are free, while generating a supported draft package requires payment.
Who Greenback Expat Tax Services is for
Greenback fits expats who want to hand the return to a preparer and don't mind paying per-service fees and waiting on a preparer's queue — especially complex situations like self-employment abroad, multiple foreign entities, or back-tax / streamlined filings.
Side-by-side
Model
- Atamatax
- Self-serve software you complete yourself.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services
- Done-for-you: a CPA/EA prepares the return.
Pricing
- Atamatax Winner
- $299 / $499 / $799 flat per return, published.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services
- Flat per-service fees, billed per form/service.
Free on-screen summary before paying
- Atamatax Winner
- On-screen draft free; pay to generate the PDF package.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services
- No free draft — engagement is paid up front.
Form 8621 (PFIC)
- Atamatax Winner
- Core specialty; built-in, up to 25 per return.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services
- Handled by preparers, typically a paid add-on.
FBAR (FinCEN 114) & FATCA (Form 8938)
- Atamatax
- Generated in the same flow.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services
- Prepared as part of the service.
Treaty positions (Form 8833)
- Atamatax
- Dedicated FR / UK / DE / CA / AU desks.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services
- Handled by the assigned CPA/EA.
Turnaround
- Atamatax Winner
- Self-paced draft; package generation remains user-triggered.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services
- Depends on preparer scheduling and back-and-forth.
Arbitrarily complex / unusual cases
- Atamatax
- Refers complex cases to independent CPAs.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services Winner
- Real CPAs/EAs handle complexity end-to-end.
Integrated e-file & state returns
- Atamatax
- Draft federal package; no integrated e-file or state return.
- Greenback Expat Tax Services Winner
- Preparer files federal and state for you.
The marked column indicates which product handles the feature more completely as of July 2026. We update this page when their offering changes — tell us if it's out of date.
Bottom line
Atamatax provides a free on-screen PFIC summary and generates supported Form 8621 drafts after payment; it does not include human preparation, review, or e-file. Verify Greenback's current credentials, scope, and fees directly before comparing.
Try it free
The on-screen draft is free. You pay when you generate the PDF package.
Start the wizard, see your real numbers, and decide from there.