Job Discussion Forums

alellis · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 28

Hello everyone!

I have not written on this forum in over a year. I lived in Xalapa for 1 year (2007-2008) and have missed Mexico ever since. I have worked in the US after completing college, but have been having a VERY hard time finding decent employment that pays me enough to live (I live in a city, too!).

Anyways, long story short, I have been invited back to Xalapa to assist my friend in her ESL program because she desperately needs aid. I figure that since I am struggling here in the US to find a job, than I might as well make good use of my time in Mexico. Even though she is going to provide me some training, are there any reasonably priced programs to certify me to be an ESL teacher (not an online program please)?

Also, can someone let me know how they go about handling their American taxes from abroad in Mexico? I know as Americans we ALWAYS have to pay taxes. I usually use Turbotax, but I am not sure if living abroad makes any difference.

Also, do any of you have mexican bank accounts? Thanks! So many random questions, I know.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

For a Mexican bank account, you'll need an FM3 visa...this you should be able to get with help from your employer or at the very least, independently through immigration in Veracruz. If you're unsure as to the requirements or what the FM3 is, ask here or check back on some of the older threads.

Better an American answers, but as far as I understand it, you claim your earnings in Mexico as World Income on your tax return, for which you have a deductible up to 90,000 dollars or thereabouts. Since you'll not come anywhere near that from a EFL job, there shouldn't be anything extra to pay.

amaranto · Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Posts: 133 Location: M�xico, D.F.

I've filed taxes in the US since I've been here, and Guy is right.

You will need to claim your income by filling out and attaching an F2555 to your F1040. Send your return in via fax or mail to the number/address provided at the IRS website for claiming taxes abroad--unless something has changed. I was told that e-filing wasn't an option when I called last year.

Detailed instructions for calculating your income can be found at the IRS website.

I have several Mexican bank accounts, and an FM3 is the first thing I've always been asked to provide when opening an account.

Hope this helps, and let us know if you run into any changes. I still haven't filed yet.

brian1972 · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 73 Location: Pachuca Mexico

Just filed mine on Turbo tax. No need to PAY unless you make over 90,000 or so per year. Not likely you will make that much Wink

Turbo Tax did everything. Easy!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 1:11 am Post subject:

In order to not pay taxes you have to reside a minimum of so many days in a calander year outside the US, as it's 330 days outside the US, I don't qualify but I do pay into my pension plan, 401K, Social Security etc

Nothing beats making over $60,000 a year for part-time work and getting a pension on top!

johnhearst · Joined: 26 Jan 2011 Posts: 16

This site would be helpful. IRS.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=97324,00.html

ckhl · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 214 Location: SE Asia

In order to not pay taxes you have to reside a minimum of so many days in a calander year outside the US, as it's 330 days outside the US, I don't qualify but I do pay into my pension plan, 401K, Social Security etc

If you qualify for the bona fide residence test, this 330-day limit does not apply.

Proving bona fide residence in a foreign country is not as difficult as many believe. Documents such as a driving license, national ID card, residence visa, or a full-time job are often enough

Adela · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 40

I lived and worked in Mexico for approx 3 mos in 2010, so does anyone know which form I need to use to file my income ?