Job Discussion Forums

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Ugh, soon it will be tax season. This being the first time that I will be filing taxes, can someone tell me what forms I need? I haven't worked in the US for the entire tax year.
Am I correct in thinking that all I need is the 2555 and the 1040? Can I file online, or do I have to request them from the embassy?
Thanks!

Sherri · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2003 9:38 am Post subject:

Have you checked the US embassy website for China? I get my info from the Japan-based US embassy.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

I called the IRS the last time I was back in the States. They said there was no need to file if my income was less then $7,000 (I think that was the figure) but that if I wanted to file anyway ( Iguess technically I could get some earned income credit) any form would do.

If you really want to be precise, if you do not live on the campus itself, you must include a reasonable cost for what the rent should be as part of your taxes. And other subsidies.

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Go to www.irs.gov

I think that is the website.

If you have any federal student loans I strongly recommend you file even if you don't make money. I missed a year and it gave me a lot of headaches.

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

You can file online or mail in the paper forms. Forms can be sent to you directly from the IRS, or you can get them at US embassies, or you can download them from the IRS site.

http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/cover.html

The embassy will even give you an annual exchange rate if you want it. Some people do that as an average, instead of keeping track of the exchange rate on each payday (like I do).

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Guest of japan,

What happened with your student loans? I called the IRS, he said I could work in Chiona for a lifetime, and not make enough to need to pay taxes, and that there was no requirement or need to file. But i am sure he was only talking from a government/IRS perspective

johnslat · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2003 6:51 pm Post subject: File this away

Even if you're not making enough, even if an IRS agent tells you it's not necessary, even if ANYTHING - always file. I saw too many people in Saudi who didn't (they weren't making enough;they were told they didn't have to) who got into BIG hassles later on.
Regards,
John

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Arioch36,

The people in charge of my federal student loans demanded to see official documentation of my annual earnings so as to make accurate repayment forcasts. Because they didn't get any tax information one year they started sending me letters demanding specific financial information. I sent the information the requested on several occasions, but I still kept getting the letters. The final letter I got basically gave me 3 weeks to comply or the entire amount of my student loan was to be paid in full. This got me scared since I didn't have $20,000 laying around anywhere. I phoned the office and asked them exactly what the problem was and what they needed. After talking to them I was finally able to comply to their wishes, but it was quite frustrating and nerve racking to end the ordeal. I will always file my taxes in the future.

Dave Kessel · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 49

You can download the forms here:

http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/lists/0,,id=97817,00.html