Why "Bilingual" Matters More Than You Think
Filing an Israeli דוח שנתי (Doch Shenati) (annual tax return) in a language you do not yet read fluently, in a system with rules that are different from what you have known, is a recipe for expensive mistakes. A bilingual accountant — one who can discuss your situation in English and navigate the Hebrew-language Israeli tax system with full competency — is not a luxury for most new olim. It is practical risk management.
"Bilingual" in this context means more than just language. You want an accountant who understands both the Israeli tax system and the country you came from — whether that is the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, or elsewhere. Israeli tax law is complex enough on its own; the cross-border dimensions (foreign income, tax treaties, home-country obligations) require real expertise in both systems simultaneously.
Where to Find a Bilingual Accountant
The olim community is the best starting point:
- Nefesh B'Nefesh referral network: Nefesh B'Nefesh maintains lists of professionals in Israel who work with English-speaking olim, including accountants. Their website (nbn.org.il) and social media groups are a good first stop.
- Olim Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities: Groups such as "Anglo Olim" and country-specific groups (Americans in Israel, British Olim, etc.) regularly share accountant recommendations. Real-world experience from olim in similar situations is highly valuable.
- Your employer's HR department: Many Israeli employers with international staff have relationships with accountants who handle US or UK olim tax situations. Ask HR if they can make a referral.
- Aliyah agencies and absorption centres: The Jewish Agency and local absorption centres often know which professionals in your area work with olim.
- Google and professional directories: Search for "ro'eh cheshbon English Israel" plus your city. The Israeli Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAS) maintains a searchable directory.
What to Expect on Cost
Cost depends significantly on the complexity of your situation:
- Simple salaried employee with Israeli income only, no foreign assets: 500–1,500 NIS per year for a basic Doch Shenati. Some accountants charge less for straightforward cases, especially if the return is primarily being filed to claim a refund.
- Employed oleh with foreign income (dividends, rental income, foreign pension): 1,500–3,500 NIS per year, depending on the number of income sources and whether treaty positions need to be filed.
- Self-employed or company director: 3,000–8,000 NIS per year or more, depending on turnover, bookkeeping complexity, and whether VAT filings are included.
- US dual-filers (Israeli return plus US federal return): Expect to pay for both the Israeli and US filings separately. A US expat CPA in Israel or the US typically charges $800–$2,500 for the US federal return, on top of the Israeli return fee. Total annual cost for a US oleh with moderate complexity: 5,000–12,000 NIS equivalent.
These are rough 2026 market ranges. Fees vary by city (Tel Aviv is generally more expensive than peripheral areas), by accountant seniority, and by the specific services included. Always ask upfront what is included in the quoted fee — some accountants include correspondence with the tax authority; others charge extra.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
When meeting a potential accountant, these questions will help you assess their fit:
- How many English-speaking olim clients do you currently serve? What countries do they come from?
- Are you familiar with the Israeli 10-year foreign income exemption and the 2026 reporting changes for post-2026 olim?
- For US dual-filers: do you handle US federal returns yourself, or do you refer to a US CPA? If you refer, who do you work with?
- What is your process for Form 101 and תיאום מס (Teum Mas) (tax coordination) if I have multiple income sources?
- What is your fee for my specific situation, what does it include, and what would be extra?
- How quickly do you typically respond to client queries during tax season?
A good accountant will answer these questions confidently and clearly. Be cautious of accountants who are vague about fees, dismissive of your home-country obligations, or who claim expertise in US/UK cross-border tax without being able to articulate specifics.
When DIY Is Fine
Not everyone needs a professional. You can likely file your own מס הכנסה (Mas Hachnasa) (income tax) return through the shaam.taxes.gov.il portal without an accountant if:
- You are employed by a single Israeli employer
- You have no foreign income or assets of any kind
- You are not self-employed and have no capital gains from selling property or securities
- You are filing primarily to claim a straightforward refund for over-withheld tax
- You are comfortable navigating a Hebrew-language tax portal
In this scenario, the tax authority portal pre-populates your employer-reported income and withheld tax, and the calculation is relatively mechanical.
When You Definitely Need a Professional
Do not attempt DIY filing if any of the following apply:
- You are a US citizen (US cross-border tax is too complex for DIY)
- You have foreign income of any type, especially during or after the 10-year exemption
- You are self-employed or a company director
- You had capital gains from selling Israeli or foreign securities or real estate
- You have received Bituach Leumi benefits and are unsure how they interact with tax
- You received any communication from the Israel Tax Authority requesting clarification
In these situations, the potential tax exposure from filing incorrectly significantly outweighs the cost of professional help. The first year's accountant fee often pays for itself many times over through correct credit point application, exemption planning, and treaty positioning.