Not Working - File Taxes?

I'm useless with the search function but I did find some old information on filing taxes and wanted to see if there was any updated information (or someone could point me to a thread with recent info).

If I'm not earning any money (living in the UK), do I need to file US taxes?  I don't have loads of money in savings that needs to be declared or anything like that.  I do receive child support (from US) but if I remember correctly that is not taxable.

As far as I'm aware, you still have to file taxes being a US citizen, even if you aren't making any money.

I thought you didn't have to file (federally at least) if your income is 0.

You don't have to file if your income (married filing seperately) is less than $3,650. So a person like myself who is a stay at home parent and I have no income of any sort and no UK bank accounts I have not had to file any sort of Federal Tax Returns since I've moved to the UK beginning with Tax Year 2008.

Here's the info on who's required to file from the IRS page at the US Embassy in London: http://london.usembassy.gov/irs/irswho.html

A U.S. citizen or resident alien is annually required to report world-wide income, subject to income thresholds. The following table shows the requirements for each filing status for the last three years. If your income was below the income limit for your filing status, you are not required to file a US federal income tax return for that year.

Oh, and contrary to popular belief it didn't hurt my husbands US Visa application either  

I agree with WebyJ.  If you don't make the minimun requirements, than you don't have to file (although there are a couple of exceptions...ie. self-employment, etc.).  I also don't work, so I re-verified this with the IRS about a week ago.  Calling the number in Philadelphia seems to be much quicker.

"no requirement to file"

Good luck!
 

This is all true - but it is still complicated.  So...in counting income you have to count stuff that is tax-free in the UK such as child benefit, income held on ISAs, currency gains on repaying Sterling mortgages, tax credits, gambling winnnings etc.

If you own even the tiniest amount of a PFIC you MUST file from 2011 (due next year) because the penalty for failure to report PFIC ownership is now $10,000 a year.

AND - don't overlook the refundable child credit and the making work pay credit.  Filing might be good if you can get a refund!!

This is all true - but it is still complicated.  So...in counting income you have to count stuff that is tax-free in the UK such as child benefit, income held on ISAs, currency gains on repaying Sterling mortgages, tax credits, gambling winnnings etc.

About the currency gains: if I take out a loan for £1000 when £1=$2 and then repay it when £1=$1.60, I've made a "profit" of $2000-$1600=$400 which I must report. Is that what you are saying. And this applies to mortgages, credit cards, goods returned to the shop for a refund etc etc? Really?

This is all true - but it is still complicated.  So...in counting income you have to count stuff that is tax-free in the UK such as child benefit, income held on ISAs, currency gains on repaying Sterling mortgages, tax credits, gambling winnnings etc.

If you own even the tiniest amount of a PFIC you MUST file from 2011 (due next year) because the penalty for failure to report PFIC ownership is now $10,000 a year.

AND - don't overlook the refundable child credit and the making work pay credit.  Filing might be good if you can get a refund!!

What is PFIC?  Sorry, not up with the lingo.   

I can't receive benefits due to visa restrictions so I'll just assume none of that jargon applies to me.   

I can't receive benefits due to visa restrictions so I'll just assume none of that jargon applies to me.   

Me too...never got a bean...perhaps that was a good thing?  lol