FTARU v2.6 · Fisher Tax Audit Risk Updater · Active

Your tax software
checks the math.
FTARU checks
the risk.

A proprietary analytical framework applying Bayesian evidence updating and Monte Carlo simulation to your self-prepared US expat return — before you file. Two ways to get help.

Path A FTARU Audit Risk Review You keep filing DIY — Monte checks your exposure first. Flat fee. 48-hr report. Path B Full Prep Referral Need full prep? We'll connect you with our licensed US CPA partner.
7M+US expat filers
~60%Self-file with apps
≈ 0Forensic review options
ftaru_output_sample.json
// FTARU Report — illustrative sample
software: "TurboTax"
forms: ["2555","FBAR","1040"]
prior_audit_prob: 0.0041
posterior: 0.0312
uplift_factor: 7.6×
HIGH FBAR_threshold_proximity
MED  FEIE_bona_fide_gaps
LOW  form_2555_line_entry
recommendation: "AMEND_BEFORE_SUBMIT"
route: "PATH_B_REFERRAL"
overall_risk_scoreHIGH · 84/100
feie_documentationMED · 57/100
form_2555_accuracyLOW · 21/100
Illustrative sample only. Scores specific to each client's return.
Two paths

Choose the level of help
that fits your situation.

Not every expat return needs full CPA preparation. Some need a forensic second opinion. Some need the works. Monte screens your intake and routes you to the right level.

Path A — FTARU Review

Audit risk check before you file

You've prepared your return in TurboTax, H&R Block, or any software. Before you hit submit, Monte runs FTARU and delivers a written report with your audit risk score, red flags, and fixes.

  • Works with any self-prep software
  • Bayesian posterior audit probability
  • Monte Carlo risk range modeling
  • FBAR / FEIE / Form 2555 review
  • Written report with fix recommendations
  • 48-hour turnaround
Flat fee — message for rates Get FTARU Review →
Path B — Full Prep Referral

Need full prep? We'll connect you with our licensed US CPA partner.

Complex returns, prior IRS correspondence, foreign corporations, or simply wanting a licensed CPA to prepare, sign, and file. Monte screens your situation and makes a warm intro to our US CPA partner firm.

  • Licensed US CPA prepares and signs
  • Full FEIE, FBAR, PFIC handling
  • IRS e-file with formal sign-off
  • Monte screens and refers — you deal direct
  • Referral fee disclosed to all clients
Partner pricing — quoted on complexity Request Referral →

Not sure which path fits? Fill out the intake form — Monte will tell you.

Methodology

Two analytical frameworks.
One audit risk number.

Standard tax software uses rule-based validation. FTARU applies two additional layers that software is structurally incapable of running.

BAYESIAN

Bayesian evidence updating

Each risk factor updates a prior audit probability. FBAR proximity, FEIE claim type, income composition, prior IRS contact — each shifts the posterior. A calibrated probability, not a checkbox score.

MONTE CARLO

Monte Carlo simulation

Thousands of scenario iterations across uncertain variables — exchange rates, qualifying day counts, documentation strength — produce a risk distribution. You see the range, not just the midpoint.

CFE REVIEW

Certified fraud examiner overlay

The same forensic awareness used to detect fraud in financial statements, applied to IRS trigger patterns in expat returns. Many high-risk positions look clean to software and to untrained eyes.

Coverage

Audit triggers your
software won't flag.

Risk areaTypical riskWhy apps miss it
FBAR threshold proximity (<$2K above $10K)HIGHSoftware doesn't cross-reference bank data or flag proximity risk
FEIE bona fide residence vs physical presence misclassificationHIGHInterview questions don't validate supporting documentation strength
Form 2555 qualifying day count errorsMEDDay count is self-reported with no cross-validation
Foreign corporation / PFIC undisclosed interestsHIGHSoftware only knows what you enter; omissions are invisible
Inconsistent income reporting across 1040 and foreign filingsMEDSoftware validates one return, not cross-border consistency
Housing exclusion calculation errorsMEDCountry-specific housing limits frequently misapplied
Self-employment tax on foreign-sourced earned incomeLOWTotalization agreement applicability often not surfaced
State tax filing obligations post-foreign moveMEDDomicile determination is nuanced; software defaults to last known state
Process

From intake to report
in four steps.

STEP 01
Fill the intake form

Tell Monte your situation — software used, country, complexity, which path you're interested in. Takes 3 minutes.

STEP 02
Monte routes your lead

Path A: Monte confirms and you share your return PDF. Path B: Monte makes a warm intro to the licensed CPA partner.

STEP 03
FTARU runs / prep begins

Path A: Bayesian + Monte Carlo analysis within 48 hrs. Path B: Partner CPA handles full preparation and filing.

STEP 04
File with confidence

Path A: Written risk report with fixes — you file. Path B: CPA files on your behalf with formal sign-off.

Get started

Request your review
or referral.

Fill out the form. Monte reviews every submission and responds within one business day.

ftaru_intake · Secure · HIPAA-standard handling
Path A FTARU Review Forensic check, I file DIY
Path B Full Prep Referral Licensed CPA prep & filing

// intake_received: true

Monte will respond within one business day. Check your email and spam folder.

or reach out directly
Flat fee (Path A) · Partner rates (Path B) · HIPAA-standard data handling
Monte earns a referral fee on Path B referrals — disclosed to all clients before any introduction is made.
The analyst

Monte Fisher,
CPA (Ret.) · CFE

Monte Fisher — Retired CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner
Monte Fisher
CPA · Texas (Retired)CFE · ACFE20+ Yrs AnalyticsHIPAA CompliantVeteran Advocate

Monte developed FTARU after recognizing a structural gap in the self-filing ecosystem: the tools that 7 million Americans abroad use to prepare their returns are validation engines, not risk engines. His background in forensic accounting, Bayesian modeling, and fraud examination is precisely the profile needed to see what tax software structurally cannot.

He screens every intake personally, runs every FTARU analysis himself, and makes every referral based on what's right for the client. He also operates VCAnalytics.ai serving US veterans with C-File analysis and VA claims analytics.

One analyst. No associates. No hand-offs. Referral fees always disclosed.

FAQ

Common questions.

How do I know if I need Path A or Path B?
Fill out the intake form and Monte will advise. Generally: Path A suits a DIY filer with a reasonably standard expat return who wants forensic peace of mind before submitting. Path B suits anyone with a complex return, prior IRS correspondence, foreign corporate interests, or who simply wants a licensed CPA to formally prepare and sign.
What is the referral arrangement with the CPA partner?
Monte has a referral partnership with a licensed US CPA firm. When he refers clients under Path B, he receives a referral fee. This is disclosed to every client before any introduction is made. The CPA partner handles all tax preparation, signing, and filing independently — Monte does not participate in or supervise that work.
Can I use this if I filed with TurboTax, H&R Block, or FreeTaxUSA?
Yes — FTARU is software-agnostic. You share a PDF export or summary of your completed return. The review works on any self-prepared US expat return including those with Form 2555, Schedule C, foreign corporation interests, or FBAR-triggering foreign accounts.
How is my data protected?
VCAnalytics.ai operates under HIPAA-standard PII protocols. Documents are transmitted via encrypted channels, are not retained beyond the engagement, and are never shared with third parties except the licensed CPA partner under Path B referrals (with your consent).
I'm a US veteran expat — can you help with VA claims too?
Yes. Monte built VCAnalytics.ai specifically to serve veterans. C-File analysis and VA claims strategy are available alongside or independently of the tax review. Veterans with service-connected compensation plus foreign earned income have both complex tax and VA claims situations that benefit from someone who understands both systems.

Important disclosures & disclaimers

Not tax advice or preparation. The FTARU pre-submission forensic review (Path A) is an independent analytical risk assessment, not tax advice, tax preparation, or IRS representation. Monte Fisher's CPA license is retired and inactive. No CPA-client relationship is formed.

Referral disclosure. Under Path B, Monte Fisher refers clients to a licensed US CPA partner and receives a referral fee. This is disclosed to every client before any referral is made. Monte does not prepare, review, sign, or supervise the tax work performed by the partner firm.

Not a guarantee. Audit risk scores are analytical outputs based on available information and historical IRS enforcement data. They do not guarantee any outcome.

Consult licensed professionals. For tax preparation, IRS representation, or formal legal tax opinions, always consult a licensed CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney in your jurisdiction.