Living Abroad Tax Services

08/18/2026

For those living in Ecuador:

U.S. Social Security – Federal Benefits Services Visit to Ecuador – September 21-25, 2026

Where: Quito and Cuenca

The U.S. Embassy in Quito is pleased to announce that representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Office will visit locations in Quito and Cuenca to offer services for beneficiaries or individuals with questions about U.S. Social Security benefits.

Quito – U.S. Embassy Consular Section
Ave. Avigiras E12 – 170 y Ave. Eloy Alfaro (next to SOLCA)
Dates:
· Monday, September 21, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
· Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
· Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 8:00a.m. to 12:00pm.
Appointment is necessary: Book an appointment for Quito

Cuenca – Abraham Lincoln Cultural Center
Calle Borrero 5-18 y Honorato Vásquez, Cuenca
Dates:
Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday, September 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Walk-in Services – No appointment is necessary, BUT PLEASE BE PREPARED TO WAIT, pending number of visitors.

What to bring for social security services (please bring the originals and legible copies of all documents to be submitted):
Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ)
FBU will accept the “proof of life” forms for beneficiaries whose Social Security Number under which they receive benefits ends between 50-99 and who have a mailing address registered in Ecuador. The forms were mailed to beneficiaries on July 31st, 2025. Due to the current method of delivery for mail in Ecuador, you may have not received it.
Please bring the corresponding FEQ form correctly filled out and a copy of your valid ID.
If you receive payments in your own name, complete form SSA-7162 (PDF 1.2Mb).
If you receive payments through a representative payee or are a representative payee, complete form SSA-7161 (PDF 548Kb).
Application for Social Security Benefits
For each applicant, bring an original and a copy of the birth certificate and valid U.S. passport. If applying for auxiliary benefits or survivor’s benefits as the spouse of a deceased beneficiary, please also bring two ID’s (passport and additional ID), your birth certificate, marriage certificate and/or spouse’s death certificate and bank account information.
Application for Social Security Number Card
For all applicants, bring the following:
Local birth certificate, recently issued (original and one copy).
Valid U.S. passport (original and one copy).
Completed Application for a Social Security form SS-5FS (PDF 125KB).
We recommend using a U.S. address to receive the card, due to the significant delays with the Ecuadorian mail system.
If you are applying for a minor under 12 years old, also bring:
Parent’s valid ID (original and one copy).
If the applicant is 12 years old and older, also bring the additional documentation that is detailed under the “Required Documentation” section of our webpage: Apply for SSN in Ecuador – Over 12 years old.
To learn more about the services offered by the Regional Federal Benefits Unit, visit: https://cr.usembassy.gov/contact/ .
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Contact Us at the Mission - You can find information by location, by department/section, or by role on this page.

07/13/2026

Interesting article about a recent change for late filed FBARs: https://www.forbes.com/sites/virginialatorrejeker/2026/07/02/irs-quietly-ends-penalty-free-fbar-filing-procedure-whats-next/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTCA45leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe0Fk3mOZtHV_vnQFpGJj-EZdeGJ1vGPxBBANft_-sDd6EZVdpwEQmsZohp_A_aem_b2gOwXAqUfzAe17FMrw_Lw

Now is the time to ensure you are compliant as the world is getting very small due to technology.

IRS eliminated the Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures, that previously allowed taxpayers to file late FBARs without penalty. IRS narrows amnesty for offshore issues.

02/26/2026

Good reminder from the IRS about setting up your individual online account: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-individual-online-accounts-an-easy-tool-for-taxpayers

Once you are set up, you can set up payments, get transcripts, get your IP PIN, see any notices/letters from the IRS and usually in late March start seeing 1099s/W2s from the prior year (in case you live abroad and didn't get yours).

Tax Tip 2026-16, Feb. 26, 2026 — The IRS continues to take steps towards transforming the taxpayer experience in several ways.

02/03/2026

If you have not done so, a good idea is to set up an online account with the IRS. Here is more information on how and why:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/create-an-irs-individual-online-account-today-for-security-and-convenience

This helps when you want to make a payment, look at notices, double check estimated tax payments or even get tax transcripts (think FAFSA).

IR-2026-21, Feb. 3, 2026 — The IRS encourages all taxpayers to create an IRS Individual Online Account to access their tax account information securely online and to help protect against identity theft and fraud.

01/28/2026

There is a new form for 2025, the 1099-DA. This is for those who sold or disposed of digital assets using a broker (Coinbase, Gecko, Uphold, etc). Digital assets can include Bitcoin, ETH, other cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, NFTs.

Brokers must send out the form by Feb 17th. Many statements will NOT include basis amounts so be sure to have good records so accurate calculations can be made to determine gain or loss.

There is a question about digital assets on the tax return and the organizers I sent out. To help know how to answer the question here is a tool from the IRS:

Determine how to answer the digital asset question

01/02/2026

For those living in Ecuador, you have the opportunity to talk in person to the Federal Benefits Unit in Jan 2026 as they visit Ecuador. They can help with Social Security issues, proof of life forms, etc. Here is the info:

Message for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Social Security – Federal Benefits Services Visit to Ecuador
Where: Quito and Cuenca

The U.S. Embassy in Quito is pleased to announce that representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Office will visit locations in Quito and Cuenca to offer services for beneficiaries or individuals with questions about U.S. Social Security benefits.

Quito - U.S. Embassy Consular Section
Ave. Avigiras E12 – 170 y Ave. Eloy Alfaro (next to SOLCA)
Dates:
Monday, January 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m
Appointment is necessary: [email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled

Cuenca - Abraham Lincoln Cultural Center
Calle Borrero 5-18 y Honorato Vásquez, Cuenca
Dates:
Wednesday, January 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-in Services – No appointment is necessary, BUT PLEASE BE PREPARED TO WAIT, pending number of visitors

What to bring for social security services (please bring the originals and legible copies of all documents to be submitted):

Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ)
FBU will accept the “proof of life” forms for beneficiaries whose benefits are suspended (These were mailed in 2024 to individuals whose last two numbers of their Social Security Number under which they receive benefits ends with 00 through 49 and who have a mailing address registered in Ecuador). We will also accept the proof of life forms for beneficiaries whose last two numbers of their Social Security Number under which they receive benefits ends with 50 through 99.
If you don’t fill out this form by January 2026, your benefits will be suspended in February 2026. Please bring the corresponding FEQ form correctly filled out and a copy of your valid ID.

If you receive payments in your own name, completehttps://ec.mwp.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2024/06/SSA-7162.pdf (PDF 1.2Mb).

If you receive payments through a representative payee or are a representative payee, completehttps://ec.mwp.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2024/06/SSA-7161.pdf (PDF 548Kb).

Application for Social Security Benefits
For each applicant, bring an original and a copy of the birth certificate and valid U.S. passport. If applying for auxiliary benefits or survivor’s benefits as the spouse of a deceased beneficiary, bring the original and a copy of the marriage and death certificate.

Application for Social Security Number Card
For all applicants, bring the following:
Local birth certificate, recently issued (original and one copy).
Valid U.S. passport (original and one copy).
Completedhttps://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5fs.pdf (PDF 125KB). We recommend using a U.S. address to receive the card, due to the significant delays with the Ecuadorian mail system.

If you are applying for a minor under 12 years old, also bring:
Parent's valid ID (original and one copy).
If the applicant is 12 years old and older, also bring the additional documentation that is detailed under the "Required Documentation" section of our webpage: Apply for SSN in Ecuador - Over 12 years old

To learn more about the services offered by the Regional Federal Benefits Unit, visit: https://cr.usembassy.gov/contact/ .
ssa.gov
www.ssa.gov

09/25/2025

https://fedscoop.com/irs-paper-checks-electronic-refunds-payments/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNCh01leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjSLqZ0pbElgqSNdsIzGQ0YQ0JdEzQ4pLfGqWh-xfLb_2WPW43DmPjxldmuU_aem_o6SYOfLR9-HM1eCk88G6NA

The tax agency’s Sept. 30 deadline matches a March executive order to modernize payments across the federal government.

08/13/2025

For those in Ecuador and want to talk to SSA:

Where: Quito and Cuenca

The U.S. Embassy in Quito is pleased to announce that representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Office will visit locations in Quito and Cuenca to offer services for beneficiaries or individuals with questions about U.S. Social Security benefits.

Quito - U.S. Embassy Consular Section
Ave. Avigiras E12 – 170 y Ave. Eloy Alfaro (next to SOLCA)
Dates:
Monday, August 25, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Appointment is necessary: Book an appointment for Quito.

Cuenca - Abraham Lincoln Cultural Center
Calle Borrero 5-18 y Honorato Vásquez, Cuenca
Dates:
Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday, August 29, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Appointment is necessary: Book an appointment for Cuenca

What to bring for social security services (please bring the originals and legible copies of all documents to be submitted):

Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ)

FBU will accept the “proof of life” forms for beneficiaries whose benefits are suspended (These were mailed in 2024 to individuals whose last two numbers of their Social Security Number under which they receive benefits ends with 00 through 49 and who have a mailing address registered in Ecuador).

We will also accept the proof of life forms for beneficiaries whose last two numbers of their Social Security Number under which they receive benefits ends with 50 through 99.

If you don’t fill out this form by January 2026, your benefits will be suspended in February 2026.

Please bring the corresponding FEQ form correctly filled out and a copy of your valid ID.

If you receive payments in your own name, complete form SSA-7162 (PDF 1.2Mb).

If you receive payments through a representative payee or are a representative payee, complete form SSA-7161 (PDF 548Kb).
Application for Social Security Benefits

For each applicant, bring an original and a copy of the birth certificate and valid U.S. passport. If applying for auxiliary benefits or survivor’s benefits as the spouse of a deceased beneficiary, bring the original and copy of the marriage and death certificate.

Application for Social Security Number Card
For all applicants, bring the following:
Local birth certificate, recently issued (original and one copy).
Valid U.S. passport (original and one copy).
Completed Application for a Social Security form SS-5FS (PDF 125KB). We recommend using a U.S. address to receive the card, due to the significant delays with the Ecuadorian mail system.
If you are applying for a minor under 12 years old, also bring:
Parent's valid ID (original and one copy).
If the applicant is 12 years old and older, also bring the additional documentation that is detail under the "Required Documentation" section of our webpage: Apply for SSN in Ecuador - Over 12 years old

To learn more about the services offered by the Regional Federal Benefits Unit, visit: https://cr.usembassy.gov/contact/ #

Contact Us at the Mission - You can find information by location, by department/section, or by role on this page.

07/15/2025

Now that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is signed into law it is good to understand some of the nuances.

No tax on tips: From 2025-2028, employees AND self employed individuals may deduct qualified tips received in occupations listed by the IRS as ones that normally receive tips and that are reported on the W2 or 1099.

No tax on OT: From 2025-2028, the 1/2 portion of OT (time and a half) may be deducted up to $12,500 (or $25k for MFJ). We are awaiting more details on the reporting mechanisms come tax time.

No tax on car loan interest: For the same years as listed above, individuals may deduct interest paid on a loan to purcahse a NEW vehicle (not used) for personal use (not for business/commercial use). The VIN will be used to report on the return. The good news is you do not have to itemize to get this deduction.

Deduction for Seniors: For 2025-2028, those who are 65 and older may claim an additional deduction of $6000 (per person) on top of the normal standard deduction. This is supposed to help eliminate taxes on Social security benefits received. For a married couple, with both 65 or older, that means an additional $12,000 of income that will not be taxed.

For more details you can go here:

FS-2025-03, July 14, 2025 — Provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025.

06/13/2025

Some are getting letters from the IRS asking for payment although they did ACH debit already. The IRS released a notice explaining they are delayed in processing the payments and if paid was made, please ignore the letter.

June 12, 2025 — The IRS is aware that there is a delay in processing some electronic payments, and that some taxpayers are receiving IRS notices indicating a balance due even though payments were made timely.