I came to the UK in November 2004 to start a 3-year PhD course. I filed for my earned income in the US for 2004, but have not done so since then. Until 2008 I never had more than the equivalent of $10k in my UK bank account. In Feb 2008 I took up employment in the UK and my account balance exceeded $10k. I have not earned in excess of $80k p/a at any time since I moved to the UK.
So as far as I have learned both from here and government websites, I need to file:
A) for 2005, a 1040 and a 2555EZ,
B) for 2006, a 1040 and a 2555EZ,
C) for 2007, a 1040 and a 2555EZ, and
D) for 2008, a 1040, a 2555EZ, and a TD F 90-22.1.
Given my continuing residence in the UK from Nov 2004 I believe that I qualify as a bona fide resident of the UK for each of these years, hence the EZ version of the 2555.
The tax forms (1040 and 2555) should be filed separately for each year, and the TD F 90-22.1 should be filed with the Department of the Treasury. All of these should include a letter of explanation for the late filing.
I've read that I can submit all of these via post to the IRS office at the US embassy in London and they will forward to the appropriate offices. Is this correct?
Does this all make sense? I've read through all of the relevant guidelines that I can find, and I think this covers everything, I'd just like to be sure. I can't get through to the IRS office here in the UK to check with them, although I'll keep trying.
Many thanks for any advice.