HarvardHopeful

Hi All,

Is there anyone that can recommend an accountant in the Boston / Cambridge (MA) area, that has some experience with US/UK taxes?

I am a J-1 scholar - my program started in August 2022 and currently paying US taxes on this income. My salary is $5,200 a month. I worked PAYE in Scotland (UK) before coming to the US and paid UK taxes on this income. In addition, I am renting out my primary residence in Scotland.

I do not hold any ISAs or general investment accounts. However, I do have a SIPP and a defined benefit pension scheme that I am not taking (late 30's).

Are there any accountants that the community have used in the Boston/ Cambridge area? I'm keen to ensure that I get my taxes right.

It is unclear whether I will return to the UK next year. My course continues until at least May and there may be an option to extend.

Thanks for your help and recommendations.

I am a bit worried about the taxes that I may have to pay.

PetrifiedExPat

I would avoid shop front like H and R Block type accountants. Find a boutique company that has a specialist UK/US tax attorney. I use one, but is 40 miles West of Boston. They do exist (I am hesitant to offer a direct recommendation).

HarvardHopeful

Thank you. Does the firm 40m West of Boston work remotely? I don't have access to a car, but if they are happy to consult over Zoom that would be perfect. How much does one typically expect to pay for personal tax filings in the US?
Does this have to be done before this January?

Thanks again.

PetrifiedExPat

We pay ~1000 USD a year, but it is a forensic firm that is likely overkill, but meets our needs.

For privacy reasons, I wont recommend them specifically, but there are plenty in Boston

S Folinsky

Fortunately there is an institution in Cambridge which has a fair number of foreign scholars. Here is their webpage on taxation. If you scroll down you will find a list of professionals who can assist you.

HarvardHopeful

Thank you

S Folinsky

BTW, another local educational institution with foreign scholars, Boston University, is located in Back Bay opposite of Cambridge. Notably, they recommend a specific office of H&R Block which has people knowledgeable regarding the needs of foreign scholars. Another link on the website recommends against on-line sources.

(One of my daughters attended school in Cambridge over 20 years ago. Hence, I’m a tad familiar with Cambridge and environs. But she used the family CPA here in L.A. same when she did her grad work in Pasadena. CPA Nancy found that quite interesting).

PetrifiedExPat

H and R block will not have a clue. A dedicated CPA is the best route. Only ever horror stories from HRB regarding anything beyond a standard return.

MidAtlantic

You missed the specifics of S Folinsky's post: they recommend a specific office of H&R Block which has people knowledgeable regarding the needs of foreign scholars.

When I first moved to the USA I was recommended to use a specific person at a nearby H&R Block store. She worked almost entirely with international clients and was extremely knowledgeable.
Eventually she retired and by that stage I was sufficiently confident to do my own returns.

More generally I would agree that HRB is not the place to go.

PetrifiedExPat

Fair point