Help with I-864 Form

[Jten 2]

I haven’t filed my taxes for 2017. I wasn’t able to file because I’m with my wife in another country. I was wondering if I could just get a tax extension and use that? I also have my 1099 forms from 2017 could I just take that? Will they accept that I wasn’t able to file my taxes because I was out of the country. My case also got expedited at NVC so my case was sent directly to the U.S consulate before I paid any fees or submitted any documents/forms. 

[JFH 12,191]

Being overseas does not absolve you of the requirement to file a federal tax return every year. USCs must file every year, no matter where in the world they are. It's highly likely you won't have to pay any tax to the IRS on your overseas income, but you must still file. Unless you earned nothing or next to nothing at all. 

[geowrian 22,338]

You can (and must) file US federal taxes even if you live abroad. There's no valid reason not to do so, unless you are not required to file (i.e. income below a certain threshold).

 

You can file your back taxes now...unless you earn a significant amount of money that was not already taxed locally, you likely won't owe any taxes. Look at the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit forms. Seek a CPA or international tax attorney if necessary (i.e. if your situation is more complex than you can handle on your own).

 

Having actually filed the taxes is a requirement for the I-864. Just showing your income documentation will not qualify.

Edited May 28, 2018 by geowrian

[mich923 23]

You can but I think the deadline was April 17 to file for an extension using IRS form 4868, and it will give you until October 2018. You might be able to find more information regarding this on irs.gov

[jan22 3,072]

Do you live and work in abroad or are you just on an extended visit?  If the former (living and working),  you get an automatic 2 month extension (which is almost up).  You file and include a statement explaining why you qualified for the extension.  Doesnt help you with immigration documentation, though.

[Jten 2]

Thank you guys. I’m just here on an extended visit. I will just file my taxes then. I was going to file it when I was going to return to the U.S but due to some certain circumstances I couldn’t go back. 

[Yazzy_Spazzy 0]

Yes I agree you do have an automatic two months extension when living overseas. So you can still do it!

[pushbrk 13,260]

On 5/28/2018 at 2:33 PM, Jten said:

Thank you guys. I’m just here on an extended visit. I will just file my taxes then. I was going to file it when I was going to return to the U.S but due to some certain circumstances I couldn’t go back. 

"Can't" is a word with specific meaning.  You "CAN" and are well advised to file your tax return.  Geterdun.