Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ramen209]

Help!
I've heard all kinds of conflicting information. If anyone knows the answer, or has done this before, please share your advice.

So if we are working in Korea for 1 year, have filed the 8802 for tax exemption in Korea, and make under 80 grand a year, do we still need to file taxes in the USA?

thanks

[warmachinenkorea]

They want you to file. They always want you to file.

[Alaskaman]

Need to pay taxes? No Need to file taxes? Yes!
This is something that you always need to do so it doesn't look like you
are attempting not to pay any taxes.

File on Turbo Tax via internet! 30 min later at most and you are all done!

PM me if you have any questions!

[suzhou2010]

Yes you are supposed to file. You will not end up paying anything or getting anything, but you are still supposed to file.

Also, in the future you might need to show tax returns for all kinds of things (getting an apartment, a loan, etc.), so despite the annoyance its really in your favor to file, and according to the IRS, you have to!

[hellofaniceguy]

File, yes. Required. Under 70K or so and no taxes.
If you don't file and spend a few years in korea or elsewhere out of the U.S., and when you do return to the U.S. and perhaps apply for a loan, buy a house, etc...you'll be asked for your tax returns...and if you are missing some years....it does not look good.
I know some folks who file that they made 40K or so and include the paid housing and insurance as income to arrive at that figure. Looks good on paper. But without a paper trail....you'll only hurt yourself. The IRS could care less about how much you made...they already know what most teachers are being paid..and the figure is not enough to raise a red flag.
Now, if one owes back child support, has arrest warrants, etc...your SS number WILL be crossed checked against the national registry. It is done automatically for child support. I know a few who were teaching in korea...filed a return....flag popped up for child support because any refund is sent to the state one owes money to....both were deported from korea because they were wanted in their home state for failure to pay child support!
In fact, in the U.S. all new hires/employees..any business hiring someone must submit their new employees name and social to the registry for cross checking! FedLaw.
But you don't have to worry! You're child free! Or a responsible parent!

[ramen209]

So... if I was a student for the first part of 2009 and had no income... and then worked in Korea from August to December... do I still need to file US taxes?

I received no W2 form from my Korean and don't know how to file taxes otherwise... HELP!!

[jugbandjames]

A lot of people are saying that you need to file even though you don't owe anything, and that's not true. In fact, the IRS website specifically encourages people not to file if they don't owe anything.

Here's a checklist that will help you determine if you need to file: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96623,00.html

[oskinny1]