Tax software, where to ask questions and generally help!

Hi

This is my first post! Historically I have always paid a US accountant to do my taxes, but I made less than $40K last year and it just seems crazy to pay several hundred dollars so to be compliant – which I have always been – to a government I haven’t had any interaction with for 25 years (sorry,  I know I am preaching to the converted).

Anyway, for the last two Sundays I have spent hours trying to do my US taxes.  To make this ‘easier’ I tried two of the free file software – HR Block and OnLine Taxes – but the former’s 1116 does seem to account for my UK taxes so I ‘owe’ $2,000.  The latter says the US government owes me $400 ... so also wrong.

So some quick questions
1)   Can anyone recommend any of the free file systems from an expat perspective
2)   What is the best way to get answers for tax questions from the IRS if one doesn’t really understand what questions to ask (I know the Embassy has an IRS office,  but I am eight months pregnant and am not keen to go in and stand in line and such if they generally don’t help with such queries)
3)   Is it easier just to revert to paper forms

Anyway, any insights would be welcome!

The biggest thank you!

DD

They may well owe you $400 from the Making Work Pay Credit Schedule M if you are using Foreign Tax Credits rather than the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. 

The IRS office in London can be reached by phone. Their phone lines are only open during morning hours though, so you may have better luck calling their office in Philadelphia that is specialised for international tax questions. The number is +1 (267) 941-1000. Just give them a call and explain your situation and they will literally walk you through the forms. I guarantee they have dealt with people more clueless than you before.

Best of luck!