Filing US returns from UK x 5

Dear Helen,

This is real stupidity and I apologise right here. I am UKC and married USC in US in 1996. Lived there until mid-98 when I returned to the UK/ he followed me early 99. We did not then file any US Tax returns at all (I just wanted to come home, didn't give it another throught and we didn't realise we had to

Now we want to return and need the 'at least' 3 years back returns for the visa application. Husband contacted IRS in U.S in Feb for a visit and they said they would send necessary forms and never have.

From the IRev we have printouts of income/tax paid over here, where do we go next please- we have no idea how to file ( I think the famous HR BLock did ours when we were there, but to be honest with you had such a bad time with Immigration & Status it's mostly a blur? ( I have posted the whole sorry story in case any others come across the same

Our new DCF filing is likely to be complicated with all this, would you advise hiring a professional like yourself to sort this out so we don't mess it up?

Regards

S.

I should probably not have addressed this solely to Helen, can anyone else advise, this is open to anyone & everyone.

We are also looking at paying to hand it over to someone who does understand what they are doing- if you have any ideas on that score?

Many thanks

Sheril.

If you had any foreign earned income you'll need form 2555 too (I think thats the number). I think the income threashold is around $80,000 - so if you earned less than that you arent liable to pay US tax on top of your UK tax for UK earned income. Dont freak about having to file back taxes - I had to do it for one year and ended up calling the IRS helpline. They were really helpfull and it was really no sweat at all. If you have more complicated income like income from property, moving expenses, income from both the US and UK - you might want to seek some help professionally. Otherwise I found it easy as pie. Good luck!!

Thanks both of you

On the face of it, it sounds simple ( nothing complicated from property etc) and just income earned here, except for one split year for husband when he first came here, but that was 98 and I am hoping it's only the last 3 yrs we have to do.

Income should not be more than $80.000 once we have done the translation, but hubby called the Embassy today and whilst he said they were helpful ( v.pleasant & helpful) he lost track of everything she was saying ( should have done it myself

I feel quite reassured and will download the forms and have a look :O

Thanks both
sheril.

Youre right that its only the last 3 years. So 2003, 2002, 2001. No need to worry about 1998 *cheer*

PHEW!!! That's a relief! ;)Having a nervous breakdown before we even begin! LOL!

thanks Mars Bar!

S.

LOL. I think we all had one at one time or another! I know I did! You just wait until you walk out the gates of the Embassy knowing that you've got your visa and you'll look back and wonder what all the fuss was about *Hug*

Aw, thanks MarsBar

Jeez, second time going through all this,  need my head testing, but actually I am saying it here and now " second and LAST time"  !!! If I am on here in a couple of years, saying " need some help, going home- just ban me okay;)

Cheers for cheering me up.............right, next question is......(just kidding!)

S.

Hi New Dawn

I have been rather busy and did not visit the site for a few days. I now see your question. If you still have not sorted it our or have more questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

Helen

Dear Helen,

My husband (and I) would like to thank you so very much for the time you took to explain everything to him on the phone.  We are very grateful and impressed at you making yourself available this way.

THANK YOU!

Sheril & Scott.