Filing Confusion Faced By U.S. Citizens Living Abroad, June Deadline

Expats wondering about filing and health care requirements, have the opportunity of taking advantage of the expert advice and assistance offered to them by H&R Block, who estimate 1 in 3 expats haven’t filed a 2013 return. They are facing a filing deadline of June 16th this year.

To be of the greatest help to these taxpayers, H&R Block last season launched a remote filing service, and for this tax season, expanding it even more.

Roland Sabates, who is the director of the expat filing services offered by H&R Block has said “U.S. expats may miss many things, but the tax deadline should not be one of them”.

To understand their U.S. tax obligations, there are three questions that expats should be answering:

Are they required to file?
Which foreign assets must they report and how does money in foreign accounts get reported?
What is their responsibility to maintain health insurance, which is new this year?
Know the filing requirements

Regardless of wherever they may be living, for 2013, the minimum income requirements for filing are $10,000 for single filers, and $20,000 for married filers. Some taxpayers possibly can exclude all or some of the income earned abroad, which might offset taxes owed the United States.

Those working abroad unable to file by June 16th can file an extension moving their deadline to October 15th. They should know that on any balance from the filing deadline April 15th, interest will accrue.

U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
Photo by euranet_plus

Know the rules and regulations regarding the reporting of money in foreign accounts and assets

If at any time during the year an account owned or controlled by a U.S. citizen has a combined value exceeding $10,000, they must file an FBAR which is a foreign bank account reporting form. They must by June 30th submit this form to the Department of Treasury, and also include this info with the next tax return which will be due on June 16th, filing on Form 8938.

Also, by June 16th, taxpayers have to report data regarding ownership interests in foreign businesses and any securities not in any account.

Sabates has said that “it is important all the tax deductions and credits qualified for are claimed by these taxpayers”.

Understand health insurance obligations

For the most part, in 2014, the majority of U.S. citizens will be required to have health insurance. All should carefully check whether or not this applies to them.

Unless an exemption applies, the taxpayer will have to get themselves health insurance.

H&R Block stands ready with offices in over 14 US countries and territories to offer their experienced and excellent services.

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