US Citizen in the UK Trying to File Taxes

I am trying to file my taxes from 2013. I moved to the UK in October with my Brit Husband. We got married in August 2013, so I know I have to file as married, but I'm still confused with how I file my US W2's and if I have to get a SSN number for my husband so I can file as married. Also, do I have to add my earnings from the UK in 2013 to it? This is all so confusing, I tried doing this on Turbo tax, but I don't think it will let me with Foreign money earned. Any help would be appreciated!

Hi!

With regards to your questions, you will have to report your worldwide income to the US every year. As such, make sure to list both your foreign and domestic earned income (don't worry though there are a number of credits and exclusions you can use to make sure you are not double taxed).

With regards to your spouse, there is no need to get a SSN for him, just file as  Married Filing Separately, and put NRA on the spouse information line.

Hope this helps 

So, that means I'm going to have to file on paper? I don't think turbo tax allows you to put NRA. Also, what do I use as my UK income? They don't get w2 and I just started working in December, so I'm not sure where I would get that information from.

If you wish to elect to claim the foreign earned income exclusion you cannot file claiming the exclusion until your 330th day abroad; so you are way too early to file an income tax return; but you could still file your FBAR now.

I assume you received a payslip for December so will know how much income to report in the US?

FBAR? I am very clueless here. I've only ever filed the simple single, turbo tax return. I do have a pay slip, but obviously there won't be SSN taken out and such, so I guess just put down what I've earned in the income slot? I'm still confused with what to do with my husband, filling as married requires me to put in a SSN, unless I send in actual paper forms?

You are many months too early to file except for your FBAR. You may want to do some reading first both of previous discussions in this forum and on the IRS website.

If you wish to elect to claim the foreign earned income exclusion you cannot file claiming the exclusion until your 330th day abroad; so you are way too early to file an income tax return; but you could still file your FBAR now.

This is good advice. As guya says you'll need to wait until you've spent 330 full days abroad - meaning you'll need an extension of time to file your tax return. Assuming you'll meet this requirement in September, an extension until October 15th should suit your needs. The extension is automatically granted, but must be requested, and this can be done electronically, either through TurboTax or any other tax prep software, or through the Treasury's own EFTPS service (I use this last option myself).

However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay, so I'd advise you to prepare your return now and figure out whether you are likely to owe any US tax, and if so pay it with your extension. Otherwise you'll be charged interest from April 15th until the day the tax payment is received. I usually make a slight overpayment if I'm uncertain of my exact tax liability. Of course any overpayment is refunded when you file.

If you need an extension past October 15th in order to meet the 330 day requirement you can get one by filing Form 2350 (in hardcopy only, unfortunately).

Yes, unfortunately most online tax software programs were not set up for an expat return, and for many of them you will have to send the forms in manually (should be able to complete them online, just won't be able to e-file).

As this is your first year filing an expat return, I would strongly suggest going to an expat accountant to get it sorted for you. They can file an extension, fill out your forms properly, and give you a better understanding of how everything will work as an expat. After that, if you wish to file on your own the next year, you can use the accountant prepared return as a guide.

Yes, unfortunately most online tax software programs were not set up for an expat return, and for many of them you will have to send the forms in manually (should be able to complete them online, just won't be able to e-file).

Not true. Expat tax returns could not be e-filed for many years, but now it's definitely possible, and I have e-filed since 2011.