USC filing from the UK for the first time -- what do I need to do?

I moved to the UK in June of last year and got married in July and am now at the point of great confusion about how to file my US taxes. Basic information would be great at this stage as I don't have any idea how this is different from filing taxes normally. Some basic info: USC married to UKC who has a SS# but had no US earnings this past year.  I had US earnings in the first half of the year and UK earnings in the second half.

a) What forms do I need to fill out?  Basic 1040?

b) Do I file as married filing separately?  Does any of my husband's info (SS# etc) go on?

c) Is my UK income calculated as the gross?

d) I only paid NI on my UK earnings, no proper tax yet, does that count as tax?

e) ....uh....help?

When did your husband come back to the UK? I assume he was in the US as he had a SS #.

Is he a dual national? Or a green card holder? That makes a difference regarding his filing requirements.

You could file 'married filing separately' but that may not be the best choice, and will depend on your husband's status. His info would go on the 1040, but if he is not a citizen, then I think he is listed as NRA - 'non-resident alien'; someone else can clarify that bit I am sure.

I don't know much at all, but I do know that this additional info will likely affect what you have to do. And don't forget state taxes......NC will want to see a 'part year resident' tax return as well.

I moved to the UK in June of last year and got married in July and am now at the point of great confusion about how to file my US taxes. Basic information would be great at this stage as I don't have any idea how this is different from filing taxes normally. Some basic info: USC married to UKC who has a SS# but had no US earnings this past year.  I had US earnings in the first half of the year and UK earnings in the second half.

a) What forms do I need to fill out?  Basic 1040?

b) Do I file as married filing separately?  Does any of my husband's info (SS# etc) go on?

c) Is my UK income calculated as the gross?

d) I only paid NI on my UK earnings, no proper tax yet, does that count as tax?

e) ....uh....help?

Hello LeFeverLover,
NI is not considered a tax for purposes of the foreign tax credit. Yes, your UK income is reported on a gross basis on your US tax return. You should review form 2555, page 2 to determine whether any of the items listed apply to your situation and need to be included in your income. If your husband is a nonresident alien for US tax purposes, he may be included on your return by election. The forms that you may need to file include 2555, 1116, TDF 90-22.1 and form 2350 requesting an extension of time for filing. I hope this helps.

Thanks, Vadio and USTAXHELP.

My husband was only in the US for a year on a work visa, so he's perfectly non-resident for tax purposes. 

So just to be clear: I need to file a 1040, 2555, 1116, TDF 90-22.1 and 2450 (the last only if I want a time extension).

Assuming I'm a fairly normal person who spent half of the tax year in the US and half in the UK and never came close to having 10k in the bank, with no tax complications at all (welfare, benefits, etc.), that should be everything, yes?

Thanks again.

"My husband was only in the US for a year on a work visa, so he's perfectly non-resident for tax purposes".
Based on the information you provided your husband may be treated as a US resident alien "for tax purposes" under the substantial presence test.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96352,00.html