Korean Job Discussion Forums

[alljokingaside]

Hey all,


So as a preface and flaming prophylactic, I just checked the FAQ section on taxes, but was directed to a dead link.

Ok- filing US taxes for the ESL gig, what form do you use? Also, if you had a job a the beginning of the tax year (in the States), do you file income earned there the same ol way you would if you were in the States (ie 1040)? And can this be done electronically?

Thanks~!

[Radius]

I haven't filed taxes in two years. You don't have to here because you dont make enough, I believe.

[debinoxford]

You still need to file, but you won't have to pay taxes on foreign earned income here. I've done it all 3 years I've been working here-

use 1040 (can't do the EZ version)- yes you can file online through a program/company.

for foreign-earned income, fill out Form 2555. There is a tax exemption on income earned abroad up to $80,000..although I think it went up last year. In any case, you won't need to pay taxes on the money earned over here. You don't have to send any paperwork in when you file (like a W-2). Just use your bank book to figure out your income for the year.

You can choose to not file at all but it doesn't take much work to do. If you end up back in the states soon, then you save yourself problems if you get audited or have to apply for financial aid for graduate school soon after leaving here.