Korean Job Discussion Forums

teecee · Joined: 18 Feb 2010

I've been in Korean since Jan. '09. I didn't work in the States during '09 so I thought I didn't need to pay taxes back in April. I'd thought to pay taxes here in Korea. I have to fill in the 8802 form. Would I be able to certify on there that I didn't need to file in the States for '09? Thanks.

isitts · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Location: Korea

You always need to file for the states. But if you don't owe anything to them, they don't seem to mind if you're late. File a 1040 with a 2555.

I just filed yesterday for 2009 and the IRS accepted it. TurboTax makes it easy.

You might not have to pay taxes in Korea either if you file an 8802 for a resedence certificate. But not sure if you can since you weren't in the US for 2009.

You can look at this thread for details:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=185469&highlight=8802

teecee · Joined: 18 Feb 2010

Thanks so much for the answer! Much appreciated.

isitts · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Location: Korea

No problem Smile

Just remember to put your amount earned (from the 2555) in the "other income" section of the 1040 (on line 21). As long as the amount is less than US$91,000, you're exempt from paying taxes to the US. Remember to use the physical presence test to be exempt.

If you were not present in Korea 330 days or more, remember that had you filed on time, you'd be allowed to file two extensions that tack on another two months to your time here (So, you be allowed to file until June 15th, 2010, instead of April 15th). That'll usually give you the needed 330 days of physical presence in Korea.

The amount earned that you put on the 2555 is what you made here between Jan 1, 2009 - Dec 31 2009. You know this amount by asking your school for a receipt that shows that amount. Doesn't matter whether you use the gross amount or the amount after pension/medical is taken out because either way it's way under US$91,000. And pretty sure you don't need to mail the receipt like you do your W-2. I didn't.

Also, if you e-file with TurboTax, you will need to purchase the basic version to file the 2555. Free version doesn't have it. Also you'll need to use a US address in your profile to be able to use TurboTax.

Anyway, hope that helps. If you want more info on form 8802 (application for the US residency certificate, do a search on this site for "8802". There are other threads in addition to the one I gave you.