Filing Taxes as an Expat
U.S. citizens, whether living in the U.S. or abroad, must file income tax returns on their worldwide income. However, expats may qualify for special tax benefits, such as exemptions that help avoid double taxation on foreign-earned income.
Most expats won’t receive a U.S. W-2 form. If you do, report it as usual using the W-2 entry screen. For income not reported on a W-2 or 1099, enter it under:
- Federal Section
- Income
- Less Common Income
- Other Compensation
- Foreign Earned Compensation (including pensions).
Filing as a Nonresident Alien (NRA)
Nonresident aliens (e.g., teachers, students, or trainees temporarily in the U.S. on F, J, M, or Q visas) must file a 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ if they earn taxable income such as wages, tips, scholarships, or dividends. Note: This program does not currently support nonresident returns.
Visit the IRS website for more information.