Do You Need To File a US Tax Return Abroad? (Probably) | File US Taxes From Abroad

Most expats do not pay US expat taxes because of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit benefits. However, expats still need to file taxes annually if their gross worldwide income is over the filing threshold. So even if you do not owe any taxes to the IRS, you still may need to file.

*UPDATED FOR 2022*
🗂The Filing Thresholds in 2022 - When filing your 2021 tax return:
Single → $12,550
Married Filing Jointly → $25,100
Married Filing Separately* → $5
Head of Household → $18,800
Qualifying Widower → $25,100

Note: If another taxpayer claims your spouse as a dependent, or your spouse has filed a separate return, you will need to file as ‘’Married Filing Separately.’’ Again if you are married with a US-spouse or your spouse has an ITIN, you can file ‘’Married Filing Jointly.’’
*The Married Filing Separately status also applies if you are not living with your spouse at the end of the year (example: separated, in process of divorce.)


🇺🇸 Helpful US Expat Tax Tips 🇺🇸

Filing Taxes Abroad in 2022:

Regular US Expat Tax Content Weekly:

[SugoiTravelReviews]

Sigh…why is the US like this? I just want to leave and never come back - why do I have to pay taxes when I will never return? Didn’t we literally fight a war to stop double taxation? LMAO so dystopian

[hopeseekr]

43: "income is considered to be any amount of earnings, including money that is given to you." <-- This is patently incorrect. According to the IRS: " Nope! Cash gifts aren't considered taxable income."

[ourworldfinallyelaine]

And they call it “the land of the free.” Only the USA and Eritrea expect taxes from people that no longer live there

[wendellleytham]

I moved abroad in 1984, when I was 23 and never returned. Man am I behind the 8 ball!!!! :o :o :o

[Fuzzy.Wuzzy]

If you’re none of the above then you don't have file a dang thing.

Me a Filipino: *YEHHHEYY*

[Hankjones]

I am a US citizen retired 68 years old and my wife is a Mexican Citizen and I just move to Mexico do I have to file for 2021 taxes I'm only getting Social Security total income was about 14000

[TeaCash]

I am not a US citizen and i don't live in the US but i have an income working with an american company getting commissions from buying digital work, do i have to pay taxes? Thankd in advance

[wombrewilded]

You are so beautiful I love your hair sister. I hope you're famous in instagram because you are great on film, Thank you for your help. Bless you

[JR-vszl]

Ms. Nice looking,
If I had received a pension from California, do have to pay any taxes if I am a resident of Nevada.

[JR-vszl]

I do receive social security with my pension. Does Nevada tax pensions

[julia]

Hi id like to ask we are US citizens living abroad since 2019 and our combined income for 2020 is less than $5k. Should we still file a tax? Without w2’s? And if we dont file, are we still eligible for future stimulus check? I hope u answer thank u.

[phily]

hi, I was born in Germany and my father is American. The consulate is currently checking whether I have been a citizen since birth. If this is the case and I subsequently get citizenship from birth, do I have to file my first tax return and an FBAR for 2020 next year? Or do I still have to do it retrospectively for the past few years?

[tetsmcgee]

I am married, my wife is Polish, we were married outside America. I have not sent paper work to states that we are married because we don't live there, we live in Europe and Asia. How would I do the taxes in the states as they (America) do not know that I am married? Can I file as single. Also, if I have a 1099 that is 3500, and I made 13, 000 usd over seas, how does the 12, 400 work? Last, does your program work for state taxes. I have my mail forward to my friends place, I have never lived there, it's just where mail is being forward.

[AdamAdam-zgjl]

Is it possible to file the FBAR using an android smart phone?or only on lap or PC?

[dellrugby]

Liked and subbed. American in Qatar Ugh

[markhamlin]

Hello, I have lived in Europe for several years and would like to take part in the steamlined fopreign offshore proceedure. I therfore need to file the last three years of tax returns. Does this include 2021? Also, I would like to know if my Tax returns to the German Financial Institude should be completed or can I use the the numbers I recieve from my accountant? Should the filing of the German taxes be completed as the deadlines are much longer in Europe.

[dewarama]

Hallo everyone I have one big question, do I still can get my tax refund on 2017? Can someone help me with this ? Im outside the US right now 😢

[fffuuukkku]

If I work self employment overseas or work with someone how I file taxes from there

[mdsanjidurrahman]

Hi me and my wife both are usa citizen and we are currently living another country . My wife dont work and our income less than 24000 in a year . Should we file for tax return ?? Also can we get any child tax credit if we file for tax ? Thanks .

[MyExpatTaxes]

Do you have any US expat tax questions? Our team is ready to answer! 👇