Are you an ‘accidental American’? It sounds like the name of a Top 10 Billboard hit in the late 60s, but actually it is a position many people, of all ages, find themselves in.

If you have had a link to the US at birth, have or hold a US passport, then you could be affected without really knowing it.

Oftentimes, the first knowledge people will have of being an ‘accidental American’ is when they receive a letter from a financial institution asking them to clarify their citizenship.

It’s no surprise really – you have a life to live and are getting on with things. It’s only when someone flags it up that you realise you could have some obligations, and tax issues, to look at.

‘Accidental Americans’ include people who were born in the US but then came to the UK. Even if you came to the UK as a baby, have stayed here ever since and have no memory of living in the US, you are an ‘accidental American.’

Discovering that you are an ‘accidental American’, could leave you uncertain about your obligations and liabilities. We’re here to help.

How do we help?

  • We will start by helping you understand your position and your citizenship options
  • Then we’ll help you to understand your historic filing requirements obligations
  • We will then take care of the filing. That starts by obtaining a US social security number for you
  • We will then file returns and get them approved
  • If appropriate we’ll then take you through the process of renouncing your citizenship

There’s nothing wrong with being an ‘accidental American’. However, it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve helped many people in this situation and you can rely on us to be your guide and by your side throughout the process.

Click here to find out more about what we do.

Related case study

Case Study 4: Knowing your US tax filing requirements
Adviser name: Jacob Griffiths

Case Study 4: Knowing your US tax filing requirements

This case study shows how being an “Accidental American” still means you you have tax filing requirements in the US.

Read full case study

What our clients say

As an American residing in London, I have complex tax requirements having to file both in the USA along with the UK.

Satis Tax has not only undertaken this massive assignment with rigour, but more importantly, it has been the very personal engagement and insightful counselling that has shaped the relationship beyond the professional requirement. Their work undertaken has been flawless in its execution. Without hesitation I would recommend their services to all those that require a level of professionalism that goes beyond a remit.

Carol
London

Ross Badger, and now his team at Satis Tax, has been handling my US and UK tax affairs for almost 25 years. Aside from the high quality of the firm’s work and its tireless effort to ensure that tax planning in both jurisdictions is as efficient as permissible, what I have particularly liked is the unstinting personal service that Ross and his colleagues provide. But, perhaps, the best indication of my satisfaction with Satis’ work is the numerous clients I have referred to the firm all of whom have been equally happy with their experience.

Bob
London

Although tax time is no fun for most people Satis Tax makes it easy and painless. Their knowledge of both US and UK tax requirements along with their quick response to queries has enabled me to spend more time on other pressing issues.

Rita
Phoenix, AZ

One or more of the Satis Tax principals has been handling my personal taxes, both US and UK, for over 35 years. That fact speaks for itself. Several aspects of Satis' work impress me: 1) Thorough understanding of both the UK and USA tax systems; 2) Attention to detail; 3) A conservative approach combined with an appreciation that for the client "every dollar/pound matters" when it comes to limiting one's tax liabilities.

Mat
Montana

Having decided to emigrate to the U.S., I was completely unprepared for how complex the interaction between the UK and US tax systems would be. From initial tax planning advice prior to emigrating, several subsequent complex business transactions, to filing both our UK and US annual returns, I’ve always felt assured that Satis have a complete understanding of the complexities of the tax regulations. This has freed us from the worry of tax compliance in both countries. Over and above keeping us complaint, they have been an invaluable sounding board when we have found ourselves facing personal decisions that have had tax consequences through the years we have been living in the US.

Rob
Florida