Living in the UK as an American brings
its unique financial responsibilities, especially in paying your US taxes for
Americans in the UK. Understanding how to navigate your US tax return while
living abroad is very crucial to keeping within the compliance threshold and
avoiding the possibility of penalties.
Why
do Americans in the UK need to file US taxes?
Most countries do not enforce
citizenship-based taxation. As an American, you are therefore obligated to
submit a US tax return every year, regardless of where you stay. You can be
earning in the UK, paying UK taxes, and all that, yet you are compelled to
report to the IRS global income.
Key
Considerations When Filing US Tax Returns from the UK
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE):
The primary tax advantage available to Americans living abroad is FEIE. Under
this provision, you are eligible to exclude up to a specific amount of income
earned in another country from your US tax return. For the year 2023, it is up
to $120,000. For you to be eligible, you must meet the bona fide residence test
or the physical presence test.
FTC: You get a credit for foreign taxes
paid by you to the UK, which will prevent double taxation. As long as the UK
rate exceeds the US tax rate, the credit doesn't help much, but if the UK rate
is higher, then you are fully protected.
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US Tax Returns |
Filing Requirements and Deadlines:
Americans while abroad are automatically granted a two-month extension in
filing their US returns, so their filing date is now up to June 15th, instead
of April 15th. Taxes however, which fall due have to be paid on April 15th, as
interest will apply.
Reporting Foreign Bank Accounts (FBAR):
If an aggregate value of $10,000 or more exists in one or more foreign bank
accounts(s) at any time during the calendar year. Huge penalties running into
millions apply in case of not reporting.
Seek
professional help
If you live in the UK, it is not an
easy thing to understand the complexity of US
taxes for Americans in UK. You should be working with a tax
professional that can specialize in expat taxes and ensure that you are up to
code while taking advantage of all the possible exclusions and credits. Such
companies as US Global Tax make it possible for Americans living in the UK to
be compliant with the US tax regulations.
It is very important to keep abreast of
your US tax obligations while in the UK. Knowing the key elements of US
tax returns and being assisted by professionals will make everything
easy for you to navigate so that you may focus on having a good time abroad.