Yet another "I forgot to file my returns" question...

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Hey all --

Like a lot of other Americans on this board, I didn't know I had to file my US tax returns while I've lived in the UK -- I figured that as long as my income was below whatever the minimum was for double taxation exemption I was fine. WRONG!!! I've been over here 11 years and just figured this out... I also appear to be getting out just in time as it looks like 2007 will be the year when I finally top the minimum!

Anyway, I now know I need to file as part of my husband's application for his CR1 (we filed using DCF at the London Embassy on 15 January). However, I have a particular issue that is confusing me a bit. My husband and I were married on 29 December 2006 so I realise I will need to file as married (probably filing solely). This, however, was not my first marriage -- I was married for 10 years to another UK citizen and only got my decree absolute 11 days before Wedding No. 2. (Very classy!) So I figure this means that for 2004 and 2005 I will also need to file as a married person, but obviously I do not have access to any of my ex-husband's financial details for these years. Does anyone know whether I will need to supply any financial info for him on these post-dated returns? It is not completely impossible for me to get some rudimentary info out of him, but frankly knowing him it would take a team of oxen to pull it out...

Thanks!!!

[jlivings99 0]

I do not know the answers to your specific questions. But I do know if you are married then you need to file either married - joint or married - separate. To file as married (even separate), you need a taxpayer ID# for your spouse. Getting a taxpayer ID# for current spouse should not be too difficult. However, I do not know if you can even apply for an ID# for a former spouse so I do not know what you would do for 2004 & 2005. The London Embassy has an IRS section and you might want to start by asking them what you need to do:

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/irs/index.htm

[meauxna 15]

I don't know the answer to your Q, but I will tell you that the IRS website, and the IRS workers (at home & in the Embassy office) are actually very helpful and will steer you right (unlike one of our other favorite Federal agencies!).

The staff in London are also very familiar with USCs in your situation.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Thanks so much for getting back to me on this -- I'm relieved to hear the IRS are actually helpful! I'll have a perusal of the website and definitely give them a ring.

[Kimberley+Dave 0]

Although I don't know the answer to your specific question, I found the IRS office at the embassy extremely helpful and friendly. For figuring out stuff like taxes, it's important to have nice, friendly people to talk to! I believe I spoke with a guy named Roger recently and he was very helpful.

[zyggy 9]

You can always file as married filing separate for the years with your ex-husband. However, you'll have to get a ITIN for him.. and for your new husband too as well..

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

You can always file as married filing separate for the years with your ex-husband. However, you'll have to get a ITIN for him.. and for your new husband too as well..

How do I get an ITIN for someone I'm not married to anymore -- surely I would need to get him to sign off on this and I have a feeling that he will NOT be cooperative to release his personal details (including, I assume, a copy of his passport) either to me or to the IRS.

I can foresee a visit to the IRS office next week with these burning questions!