A Summary of US Expat Filing Deadlines

Author: Thomas Sneed
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Thomas Sneed, CPA, CFA has over 30 years experience in financial services, including 10 helping expats file their US tax returns. An expat himself, Thomas is an expert in US taxes for expats.
Summary of US Expat Filing Deadlines

We can help extend the deadline to October 15th.

Most People Abroad Need to File

A US tax filing requirement for expats generally applies even if a taxpayer qualifies for tax benefits, such as the foreign earned income exclusion or the foreign tax credit, that substantially reduce or eliminate their U.S. tax liability. These tax benefits are not automatic and are only available if an eligible taxpayer files a U.S. income tax return.

The filing deadline is June 15 for U.S. citizens and resident aliens whose tax home and abode are outside the United States and Puerto Rico, and for those serving in the military outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico. A further extension to October 15th is available upon request.

Special Reporting for Foreign Accounts and Assets

Federal law requires U.S. citizens and resident aliens to report any worldwide income, including income from foreign trusts and foreign bank and securities accounts. In most cases, affected taxpayers need to complete and attach Schedule B to their tax return. Part III of Schedule B asks about the existence of foreign accounts, such as bank and securities accounts, and usually requires U.S. citizens to report the country in which each account is located.

Taxpayers with an interest in, or signature or other authority over, foreign financial accounts whose aggregate value exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2015 must file with the Treasury Department a Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). It is due to the Treasury Department on April 18, must be filed electronically and is only available online through the BSA E-Filing System website. The FBAR filing date is April 15th, with an extension available until October 15th. This change in effect serves to synchronize FBAR filing with federal tax return filing. The extension to October 15th is automatic, thus, filers are not required to make a specific request for an extension of time, essentially making the FBAR deadline for expats October 15th.

In addition, under the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), certain taxpayers may also have to complete and attach to their return Form 8938, Statement of Foreign Financial Assets. Generally, U.S. citizens, resident aliens and certain nonresident aliens must report specified foreign financial assets on this form if the aggregate value of those assets exceeds certain thresholds. Form 8938 should be filed with your individual tax return.

If you require assistance with your US expat taxes, get in touch today.

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