Are You Guys Filing For You Us Taxes?

[MNievas]

Those of you who have already filed for taxes in the previous years might be able to answer this one for me:

Is it possible to file the taxes at the US Embassy? By filing I mean submitting the completed forms instead of mailing them to the TX address.
Also, is it possible to pay the taxes cash in pesos at the US Embassy in Argentina?That would be good!!!!

I just learned that you can get the Social Security Number of a child born abroad through the US Embassy and that the deadline for the taxes is June 15...


Thx,
M

 

[HenryNisental]

No you can not file it there. They do not even have a tax consultant any more.
But you can do it in the Internet for free from a computer.
Google up TURBOTAX and go there, it is very easy, step by step, and the refund can be deposited at your bank in the USA (if any). If you have to pay taxes, I think you can transfer from your bank account in the USA too.
I also think that you have 6 months extra to file if you are here, BUT NOT FOR THE MONEY THAT YOU MAY OWE, only to file.
Good luck Henry

 

[MNievas]

Thank you Henry. I can't do it online until I get my son's SSN... :S
So I think I'll have to get that done at the embassy first and then I'll be able to file online.

Thank you!

M

 

[citygirl]

You have 3 months extra automatically, not 6. After June 15, you must file for an extension for another 3 months.

Yes, get your son's SSN and then file. If you are going to claim the foreign earned income and you paid any taxes, you unfortunately won't be able to file electronically (there is a glitch in their software this year) but must mail a paper copy. If not, you can use turbotax or one of those. Even if you file hard copy, I would recommend you get direct deposit of any refund or pay electronically. I also had to file my state taxes via hard (paper) copy as well.

 

[Illinoisjoe]

Turbo tax e-filing is free this year? that's news to me.

 

[MNievas]

Perfect, sounds like I have at least until June 15th then
I thought there might be an issue since I only got to Argentina last June...

M

 

[citygirl]

Turbo tax e-filing is free this year? that's news to me.

Nope, not free. I think there are free options for fed tax e-filing but you would have to check IRS website. State is a no but again, at least with NYState, you can't e-file anyway.

 

[Icabod]

You have the automatic extension for being overseas, however you do not get an extension on the taxes owed (if any). So, at the time you file the extension request, keep in mind that if you owe taxes you either pay them at that time (maybe an estimate of them) or you incur interest on the amount until you do pay. I had to take a tax class at some point in my past life...

And the Embassy does not accept tax paperwork.

 

[splaying]

A year ago I was at the US Embassy for getting additional pages for my Passport as I had run out of them due to heavy traveling. I asked about sending my US tax filings thru diplomatic pouch. It is no longer accepted at all. Hope that helps you. As others have mentioned file etax with turbo tax seems the easiest approach.. However one thing has hit me .. they said I could send estimated taxes thru them for the next four quarters but it is not happening for me yet.. that money builds up so need help to figure out how to submit such fees to the Govt. now too.. any ideas would be appreciated too

 

[NedHowey]

Hi. I´ve had great success with using Vincenzo Villamen from onlinetaxman.com.

He is really great and is a specialist in online taxes. In addition to being himself a BA expat, he knows all the ins and outs to get the best returns for expat.
Taxes for expats are particularly tricky and have special requirements.
It is well worth the small amount you pay to have someone familiar with this area of work take care of it for you.