Back to basics-standard tax return

Don't forget in your first year abroad - only - you can't file the 2555 until you have qualified for the foreign earned income exclusion.  In most cases this happens when you get to your 330th day overseas. File any earlier and the claim will be bounced...

So I can still be taxed for my foreign income since I have to file before the 330th day? Or do I just skip that part on my 1040? Now I'm confused... 

Yes - if you choose to file before you qualify - but of course you could still claim foreign tax credits.  Almost everyone files an extension the first year abroad.

How long of an extension can you get? I will have been here 330 days around June 10th, I think (I arrived July 14th). Is it possible to file after that date?

How long of an extension can you get? I will have been here 330 days around June 10th, I think (I arrived July 14th). Is it possible to file after that date?

I'm pretty sure you're entitled to the Oct 15th extension, as any taxpayer is.

Hey Hey, that sounds easy enough! The tips I earned were from my American job, which my employer claimed them for me (they usually put in whatever tips are on your credit card totals) but the tiny paychecks you get (half minimum wage) usually don't cover the amount of taxes you must pay. But I will just fill it in like you said and figure it out from there. It shouldn't be too hard since I have only had two jobs. Thanks for the advice!

AMerican wages of any sort, don't go into the 2555, because they will be shown on the W2

I'm pretty sure you're entitled to the Oct 15th extension, as any taxpayer is.AMerican wages of any sort, don't go into the 2555, because they will be shown on the W2

So you would put the American wages on a 1040 as usual and then put your FEI on the 2555? I miss my accountant! 

So you would put the American wages on a 1040 as usual and then put your FEI on the 2555? I miss my accountant! 

You put the following on your 1040 line 7:

W2 statement + line 17 of 2555 (or 2555EZ)

Although you then take the FINAL number in 2555 and put that in brackets on line 21 of 1040 (this will be your foreign exclusion).

It's tough I know, it took me 4 years to get it right, and I still make mistakes each year.

OK, guess I will look into filing that extension. There must be some info on that somewhere. Thanks a lot for your help Cliff! 

How do I file an extension? I went to the London embassy site and it says you can get an extension for 2 months. Basically, if what is posted on this thread is correct, I don't want to file my tax return until I have lived here nearly a year, which would be in June. Has anyone filed an extension for their tax return? I believe it says you have to send a letter explaining why you need an extension, and I'm not sure what to say. Thanks for any advice!

You automatically get an extension until June 15th when you file from abroad. When I went to the embassy to turn in my taxes last year, they advised me to just write 'tax payer abroad' on the top of my return.

You can get a further extension until October, but you have to file for that.

Is it ok as long as it's postmarked by June 15th, or do they have to actually receive it before then? What's the deal with having to be here for 333 days before being considered a resident? Does that mean they would be able to tax my foreign earned income if I haven't been living here for that amount of time? June 15th is pretty close to that amount of time for me, but if it is a few days late, is it a huge deal? I just don't know if I need to file for the extension in order to avoid getting screwed. Thanks!

You put the following on your 1040 line 7:

W2 statement + line 17 of 2555 (or 2555EZ)

Although you then take the FINAL number in 2555 and put that in brackets on line 21 of 1040 (this will be your foreign exclusion).

It's tough I know, it took me 4 years to get it right, and I still make mistakes each year.

If you include employers contributions to a foreign pension plan in Line 7 it does not qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion so the maths might not be correct for everyone.

I am not sure what you mean by Line 17 of the 2008 Form 2555?

Is it ok as long as it's postmarked by June 15th, or do they have to actually receive it before then? What's the deal with having to be here for 333 days before being considered a resident? Does that mean they would be able to tax my foreign earned income if I haven't been living here for that amount of time? June 15th is pretty close to that amount of time for me, but if it is a few days late, is it a huge deal? I just don't know if I need to file for the extension in order to avoid getting screwed. Thanks!

The return has to be postmarked by the due date, including valid extensions.

The TD F 90-22.1 (if applicable) has to be received by June 30th, no extensions are possible.