Filing an Extension in the US with IRS

I need to file my US taxes by April 15th however, my company doesn't issue the proper forms which show how much I made until the end of April.  Should I get an extension so that I can have this form?  I will go to the IRS website, but may have some questions on how to file since this is my first time claiming international income.

For your Federal return, if you're abroad, then it's not due until June 15th.  Use Form 4828, on http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf.

For your Federal return, as it's your first year abroad, you might be better off using this extension in your first year instead:  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2350.pdf.  You're allowed to extend up to January of 2007 if you moved during 2005.  If you moved in 2006, use the 4868 like normal, and use the 2350 in 2006 instead.

For your State return, many states also recognize the extra two months.  Each states rules are different.  To be safe, visit your state site and file by 15 April 2006, just in case.

Thanks so much Lizzit!  That was extremely helpful and now I am feeling much better.  I moved in October 2005, and don't think I need to extend beyond the 15th of June, so I should just use the 4868 then?  Thanks again for your help.

No, you need to file the 2350 and you should wait until October to file.  This is so that you can exempt your Foreign Earned Income on Form 2555. 

Check up on the State filing requirements.  For the State I file in, Virginia, their normal filing deadline is not until May 1 and I believe the standard overseas extension is 2 months so we automatically get to file for July 1.  I can't recall if there is a specific State extension form or if filing the Federal extension is good enough?

When you file in October you will have been physically present in the US for 1 continuous year so for the Foreign Income Exclusion you'll use the Physical Presence Test.  If you living in the UK for all of 2006, you will file next year using the Bonafide Residence Test - this one can only be used if you are living abroad from Jan 1 to Dec 31 of the tax year.

Hey Lizzit!

I just sent off to the IRS my form 2350 for an extension until October so I can be eligible for the physical presence test.  If they approve this extension, does this mean I can file my Form 2555 in October?  Thanks.

L

Londonite,

Sorry it's been so long, but I toddled off to the good ol' US of A for a couple of weeks. 

It's an automatic approval, so you needn't wait for a reply from the IRS.  Just include a copy of the extension with your return when you file in October.  If you return home for more than 35 days between Oct 05 and Oct 06, you'll have to wait until January 07 to file.

Cheers,