Job Discussion Forums

ranmawoman · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 64 Location: San Francisco, CA

Hey all Americans out there.

How are you guys handling paying for American and Japanese taxes out there? Who handles paying Japanese taxes for you out there and do you and are you still having to pay American taxes for working out in Japan?

buffy · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 57

My employer handles paying my taxes on the Japanese end. As for US taxes, you still need to file, but don't have to pay any taxes unless you earn over US$80,000. You also get an automatic extension of 2 months to file. Last Tuesday was the deadline.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

If you have a FT job, your employer usually does your Japanese taxes. This happened to me in an eikaiwa and high school.

Buffy explained the situation on US taxes. Just as a nitpickey clarification, that $80,000 is money earned abroad. Of course, if you made anything from employers, stocks, interest, etc. back in the USA, you are liable for taxes on it.

TexasFish · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 4:03 pm Post subject: Taxes

The exemption only applys if you have been overseas 11 months out of the year. If you left in May to go to Japan you are still liable. But Japan and the US do have a reciprical Social Security Program.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

TexasFish,
That exemption can be applied proportionally. I originally came in September, and filed for it, but never had to pay for the little I made from September to December.

joncharles · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Beijing

All you need to do is use a form 2555 along with your 1040, 1040a, 0r 1040ez. The instructions with the 2555 explains things... Of course you can download all IRS forms from the net. So don't worry.