I've consulted three tax preparers now (H&R Block Expat, and 2x from Taxes For Expats, the first being the free call and the second being the $50 consultation. The advice from the free call from Taxes for Expats was apparently reviewed by a professional; both the H&R Block Expat and TFX consultant are EAs). They've been giving me different answers.
For context, I am neither a US citizen nor green card holder, but have filed 1040 in 2024. I left the US in October 2025 for Australia (now a permanent resident here), but I pass the substantial presence test for 2025.
Tax preparers A and B said I can file dual-status or full-year 1040. Tax preparer C said I'm not eligible for dual-status, and will have to file a full-year 1040 (I disagree with tax preparer C on this one though).
Tax preparer B said my entire superannuation is taxable if I filed a 1040; tax preparer C said it's only the amount above the superannuation guarantee of 12% that's taxable. (I have no idea which is correct, but I'm hoping it's C!)
Tax preparer B said that if I file dual-status, I only have to report the accounts FBAR for the resident period. Tax preparer C said that even if I filed dual-status (which she disagreed with), I have to report the FBAR accounts for the whole period.
They did both agree though that a 3520 is unnecessary if I didn't contribute anything to my super for 2025.
I'm so confused. I'm okay with paying a professional but with how different my taxes could be depending on whom you hire, I may be better off doing the dual-status filing myself.
The only advantage of having a paid tax preparer is that they have their name on the 1040. Are they going to be responsible for any penalties?