Job Discussion Forums

[ckhl]

VS is right...why fuss with the 300-day rule if you've lived abroad for more than a year? It's much easier to qualify for the bona fide residence test than many realize. Years ago in Saudi, I phoned the IRS rep at the embassy in Riyadh, who told me to claim it. I have done this for the past ten years in the UAE. Do you have a residence visa for the country in which you reside? A driving license? If you do, you qualify.

[veiledsentiments]

The biggest problem is for newbies overseas, who normally arrive in August and September. I finally had some time to go and slog through the IRS site to find the form that is needed:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2350.pdf

It is Form 2350. You will have to calculate what the taxes are on any US income for the period that you were in the US and it would have to be paid with the extension if it had not been withheld - any refund due would be extended until you actually file your 1040. Your taxe return is then automatically extended (they always approve this) until one month after you have achieved either the 330 days or bona fide residence. I used the 330 rule the first year just to protect the status - and used the bona fide residence from then on.

VS

[misteradventure]

if you overpaid your taxes on the 1040 form, you can file a 1040X to amend your previous claim for up to the last 7 years.

I'm not a tax attorney nor advisor, so do not take this as advice. Please consult with a qualified counselor, if such a creature exists.