First Time Filing US Taxes from UK

Hi All,

I think this might be answered before but I just could not find something specific. So I would really appreciate it if you guys could help me in this.

I moved to the UK on spouse visa in July 2017. I did not work for the whole year of 2017 either in the US or in the UK and I did not have more than 10000 gbp in my bank accounts cumulatively. Therefore, I did not file a tax return for the year 2017. However, I started working since May 2018 in the UK, and I know that I have to file taxes now.

I tried going to a few preparers here in the UK, but they said that my tax is simple and I should file it myself as I do not have any other income other than the income from my job and also that I do not have an accumulative amount of 10000 gbp in my bank accounts.

Therefore, I have decided to file my own taxes, but I am lost as where to start from. Do I use Turbo Tax? Also, unlike the US we do not get W2 form here. So what should the income amount be? And which forms do I have to fill out?

Please help. This US tax issue is giving me a headache and I just want to get it done.

Thanks,
Nazzy

The filing deadline can easily be extended until 15 December, so there is no rush. Hopefully you have your payslips and can get records of any pension contributions so you can calculate your reportable income.

I did not have more than 10000 gbp in my bank accounts cumulatively.

The threshold for FBAR is $10,000 not £10,000. 

The filing deadline can easily be extended until 15 December, so there is no rush. Hopefully you have your payslips and can get records of any pension contributions so you can calculate your reportable income.

To clarify, I think guya means pension contributions made by your employer into your pension plan. Add the two together for the calendar year to get your gross income for IRS reporting.  I also understand that if you also make contributions to your company pension plan then do not put in more than the company does otherwise you end up with a Foreign Grantor Trust and complicate the IRS tax filing.