Taxes for foreign residents

[Caribbean Pirate 9]

I'm getting ready to file my 2011 taxes but am wondering if anyone has been able to get turbotax or another software to understand that foreign income doesn't get a W2. I hadn't filed for the last couple of years, not knowing I was supposed to. Then I found an expat tax company to file the last 3 years for me so I am current. They were very nice and helpful but also expensive! What are other foreign residents using to fill out tax forms? Any advice?

Thanks!

Talia

[nickbits 43]

In TurboTax, if you search for "Foreign earned income," there are prompts to enter it.

[hjones 1]

My Dad has been taking care of filing my taxes while I have been living in the UK over the past 5 years, but he said that he hasn't included my foreign income and foreign taxes over that time. My parents have agreed to be co-sponsors when we get to the AOS stage, but do you think this oversight on my taxes will matter when they look at my tax returns?

[Caribbean Pirate 9]

My Dad has been taking care of filing my taxes while I have been living in the UK over the past 5 years, but he said that he hasn't included my foreign income and foreign taxes over that time. My parents have agreed to be co-sponsors when we get to the AOS stage, but do you think this oversight on my taxes will matter when they look at my tax returns?

From what I understand, we have to declare our foreign income to the IRS but a certain amount each year is tax exempt. I've never made enough to be taxed. You may need to redo your past taxes. Please check IRS web site and do not take my word for it alone.

T

[wee carrington 33]

My Dad has been taking care of filing my taxes while I have been living in the UK over the past 5 years, but he said that he hasn't included my foreign income and foreign taxes over that time. My parents have agreed to be co-sponsors when we get to the AOS stage, but do you think this oversight on my taxes will matter when they look at my tax returns?

Hi there,

Are you a USC currently living in the United Kingdom married to a UKC looking to file DCF? If so, then you will probably need your parents to cosponsor your husband for his IR-1/CR-1 visa anyway as you will have to prove your intent to reestablish residency. There will be no Adjustment of Status (AOS) for him if it is IR-1/CR-1.

I also lived in Glasgow for just shy of 4 years, I filed all my foreign earnings using the Foreign Earned Income Exemption. They were mostly interested in my Dad's taxes as he was my joint sponsor. If you need anymore help message me

Edited February 26, 2012 by Mrs GH

[foofurrah 4]

Turbotax allows you to report foreign earned income without a W2, you can input it under the "Less Common Income" section where it says "Foreign Earned Income and Exclusion" (in the 2011 version). It will then guide you through whether or not you can apply an exclusion.