Work permit in the UK...file taxes in the US?

Hi Helen! I'm currently in the UK on a 2 year work permit. I filed taxes last year because I came to the UK in Dec 2001 and had nearly a full year of working in the US. Because I worked the entire of 2002 in the UK I was under the impression that I didn't have to file in the US (My best friend's husband who is an accountant and has done my taxes for years told me I didn't need to...)

:-/Am I mistaken?

I'll be getting married this summer before my work permit runs out in Dec....will I ever need to file in the US again since we're planning on staying here in the UK?


Thanks!!! I've had trouble getting through to the IRS office in London...thank goodness for this site once again!  

Hi there

As a US citizen you will have a filing requirement each year regardless of where you work /live provided that your earnings were above your standard deductions.

Therefore you will have a filing requirement each year that you lived in the UK and had earnings here. You will however be entitled to the foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credit thereby avoiding double taxation.

When you get married you should change your name with the IRS.  In order to change your name, you must contact the Social Security Administration. They will issue a new social security card reflecting your new name and automatically send the IRS  your new name. The telephone number
for the Social Security Administration is 1-800-772-1213.

You will continue having a filing requirement when you get married. If your husband is a Brit, you can file as Married filing separately or head of household.

I hope this answers your questions.

Let me know if you have any other questions or need further expanation of the above.

Helen

Thanks so much for your reply, Helen! Would you mind advising me on the next step? I've been trying to get through to the IRS office in London but haven't had any luck. I hope I'm not too late  :-/

Next step is to file your 2002 return (under your maiden name) before 16 June 2003 and also apply to change your name and SSN once you get married.

Call me on 0208 466 9297 if you want me to help you with the preparation of your return or application to change your name.

Helen