FAQ
U.S.A 1040 Expatriate Tax Deadlines
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April 15 - Tax payment deadline. After this date, interest will be assessed on any tax due.
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June 15 - Tax filing deadline (for the tax year 2018, the deadline is June 15, 2019). If you cannot file by then, an extension can be filed to extend the filing deadline to October 15. Penalties can be assessed after this date on any tax due.
U.S. Citizens & Green Card Holders must file a U.S. tax return and report worldwide income even if living outside the U.S. (unless you don't meet the minimum filing requirements).
The gross earned income (i.e., Foreign Wages/Business Income) can be reduced or eliminated by claiming:
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foreign earned income exclusion (for 2018, up to $104,100 per qualifying person (i.e., if you are married and both work abroad, you may be able to each exclude up to $104,100 of your earned income),
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foreign housing exclusion (i.e., if renting)
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foreign tax credit (i.e., Taxes paid to foreign country claimed as a credit on US 1040 tax return subject to maximum allowable limits)
The foreign earned income exclusion may be available if you meet either the:
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The foreign earned income exclusion may be available if you meet either the:
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Bona fide resident test-BFR (you've lived in a foreign country for over a year, made it your home, and (generally) pay taxes there. There are no specific time restrictions; for instance, it is possible to be away from your foreign residence for months and still meet the test), or
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Physical presence test-PPT (you were physically outside the U.S. for 330 days out of any 365 day period, and your tax home was abroad). See below.
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Note: You cannot claim a foreign tax credit or foreign earned income exclusion on the portion of your wages generated during business trips to the U.S. Any income earned while working in the U.S. is subject to U.S. tax. For some people, it is significantly more beneficial to claim the foreign tax credit and not claim the exclusion.
Foreign Bank and Financial Asset Reporting Requirements
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If you had, in all foreign accounts combined, over $10,000 at any time during 2018, you are required to file Form TDF 90.22-1. We can complete this form for you based on information you provide and have them electronically e-filed. Please note the filing deadline for the Foreign Bank and Financial Asset Reporting Form is 15th April 2019. If a valid extension is filed by 15th April 2019, you can get an extension until 15th October 2019.
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New starting tax year 2011: If the total value of your foreign financial assets exceeds the figures below, you are required to file Form 8938 with your tax return. There is some overlap between the foreign bank report (i.e. FBAR or Form TD F 90-22.1) and Form 8938 as they may cover the same foreign financial accounts. That includes reporting of the depository, custodial, or other financial accounts maintained by a foreign financial institution (such as a bank or brokerage company). On Form 8938, you must also include any assets not held in an account maintained by a foreign financial institution including (1) Shares of a foreign company held directly and not through a broker, (2) interests in foreign entities, (3) loans to foreign persons or entities, (4) any financial instrument or contract held for investment that has a foreign issuer or counterparty. For any income generated from your foreign financial assets, Form 8938 also requires a summary of income reported on the tax return along with Form and line numbers. See also the instructions for Form 8938.
Total Value of Foreign Financial Assets:
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Thresholds for Filing Form 8938
Living in the United States:
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Single or married filing separately
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Married filing jointly
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$50,000 + on 12/31/2018
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$100,000 + on 12/31/2018
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$75,000 + at any time during the year
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$150,000 + at any time during the year
Living outside the United States:
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Single or married filing separately
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Married filing jointly
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$200,000 + on 12/31/2018
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$400,000 + on 12/31/2018
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$300,000 + at any time during the year
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$600,000 + at any time during the year