Yacht Crew Taxes —
Planning, Advisory & Filing
File correctly the first time. We optimise FEIE vs Foreign Tax Credit, handle 1040 / 1040-NR, and document travel days & port calls so your return is audit-aware and lender/immigration ready. Fort Lauderdale based. Global crew.
At-a-glance
- Missed deductions? Crew-specific review — travel days, PPE, training, agency fees.
- Behind years? Catch-ups with transcripts and a calm step-by-step plan.
- Complex year? Dual-status, FEIE/FTC, treaty and state ties.
- Need it now? Express filing for bank/immigration timelines.
Need speed? Start Fast Filing →
We handle every crew tax situation.
Switching from a generic preparer
We re-map deductions and fix missed crew-specific items going back where it matters.
Behind on years
Transcripts pulled, records rebuilt, years filed in sequence. Calm and systematic.
International complexity
FEIE/FTC modelling + day counts + dual-status + treaty awareness — all in one return.
Mortgage / visa urgency
2-Day Express option. Return and lender letter delivered within 2 business days.
Pick a path — filing, quarterly support,
or premium "Golden"
Choose what fits right now. You can start simple and upgrade later if your situation changes.
Annual Crew Filing
For crew receiving W-2 income. We file correctly, capture every eligible deduction, and optimise FEIE vs the Foreign Tax Credit for your specific situation.
- 1040 prepared and e-filed
- FEIE vs FTC analysis (Form 2555 / Form 1116)
- Crew-specific deduction mapping
- Travel day review and port cost documentation
- Audit-aware substantiation file
- State return included where applicable
Self-Employed Crew Filing
For independent crew and contractors. Includes Schedule C, SE tax analysis, and a full deduction review — so you're not paying more than you owe.
- 1040 + Schedule C prepared and e-filed
- Self-employment tax analysis and planning
- FEIE / Foreign Tax Credit optimisation
- Expense and deduction mapping for contractors
- Estimated tax guidance for the following year
- FBAR / FATCA guidance if foreign accounts held
Quarterly Crew Support
Year-round support that removes April surprises. Estimated payments calculated and submitted each quarter, with your annual return included.
- Quarterly estimated tax calculations and submissions
- Quarterly review calls — income, itinerary, changes
- Proactive FEIE / FTC planning throughout the year
- Annual 1040 prepared and e-filed
- Adjustments for salary changes, tips, or currency shifts
- Priority response during filing season
Golden — Premium Advisory
Full-service for senior crew, officers, and those with complex situations — dual-status years, foreign accounts, multiple income sources, or lender/immigration needs.
- Everything in Quarterly Support
- Dual-status and 1040-NR analysis
- FBAR e-filing + FATCA review
- Audit-support documentation package
- Lender and immigration tax letters
- Unlimited advisory calls throughout the year
- Wise multi-currency planning and reporting
FEIE vs Foreign Tax Credit — the most important choice on your return.
The FEIE (Form 2555) can exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income from US federal tax — but it isn't automatic, and it isn't always the right answer. The Foreign Tax Credit offsets US tax dollar-for-dollar with foreign taxes paid.
The correct choice depends on your pay level, days offshore, whether foreign taxes were withheld, and your state exposure. MFS models both before filing — every time.
You cannot exclude income under FEIE and then claim the FTC on that same income. The two work together strategically — not interchangeably. Ask us which applies →
What to bring. What happens next.
Bring your last year's return and a basic travel log. MFS runs a crew planning scan and outlines your options — savings, outstanding years, or complexity flags — before any engagement begins.
Upload Documents
Last return, travel log, W-2 or 1099, and foreign bank statements via the secure portal.
Planning Scan
We review your situation, model FEIE vs FTC, and flag missed deductions or back years.
Review & Approve
Draft return sent for your review. We walk through every line — no surprises before you sign.
File & Confirm
Return e-filed and IRS acceptance confirmed. Lender or immigration letters issued if needed.
Need it fast? 2-Day Express Filing available for bank, visa, and mortgage deadlines. Start here →
What MFS captures that generic preparers miss.
Crew returns have deduction categories most accountants don't know to look for. Every item requires proper documentation — MFS builds the substantiation file as part of preparing the return.
Uniforms & PPE
Crew uniforms, safety equipment, and work-specific clothing not suitable for everyday wear — documented and deducted correctly.
Training & Certifications
STCW, MCA, US Coast Guard, and professional training required to maintain your ticket or advance your certificate.
Agency & Placement Fees
Crew agency commissions, placement fees, and registration costs paid to secure employment on qualifying vessels.
Travel Days & Port Calls
Documented port-call days and crew travel directly tied to employment — critical for FEIE Physical Presence Test compliance.
Tips & Gratuity Reporting
Charter tips and pooled gratuities reported correctly. The structure of the tip pool determines classification — reviewed before filing.
Foreign Port & Work Costs
Work-related costs incurred in foreign ports — tools, supplies, and expenses directly connected to duties on board.
Questions yacht crew ask before they file.
Straightforward answers to the questions that come up most often.
Yes. Tax obligations follow residency — not the vessel's flag. US citizens and green card holders must report worldwide income regardless of what currency they are paid in, which ports they visit, or where the yacht is registered. Offshore deposits do not go undetected — banks share data with the IRS.
The FEIE (Form 2555) excludes up to $130,000 of foreign earned income from federal tax if you meet the Physical Presence or Bona Fide Residence test — but you must elect it each year. The Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) offsets US tax dollar-for-dollar with taxes paid abroad. The right choice depends on your pay, days offshore, and state ties. MFS models both before filing.
Yes. Cash charter tips, owner envelopes, and pooled gratuities are all taxable income and must be reported. All forms of compensation are taxable — including crypto payments and per diems. Whether any portion is deductible depends on how the tip pool is structured and reported.
Documented and compliant deductions include uniforms and PPE, STCW and professional training, agency and placement fees, certain travel days and port costs, and work-related equipment. Each requires proper substantiation — MFS builds the documentation file as part of the return.
MFS handles catch-up filing without judgment. We pull IRS transcripts, rebuild records where needed, and file years in sequence using the correct FEIE and deduction positions for each year. Clients who come in behind leave with a calm, systematic plan — and a complete filing record.
Yes — everything is handled securely online via the MFS upload portal. Document submissions, FEIE analysis, review calls, and return delivery are all available remotely. MFS is also local to Fort Lauderdale for crew who prefer an in-person meeting.
Yacht crew taxes handled correctly, by people who know the industry.
Bring your last return and a basic travel log. We'll take it from there.