I often receive questions related to tax issues for American citizens and residents living abroad. I will be posting common questions and responses. I hope this will be helpful to some of you.
Question: I am a U.S. citizen living abroad. Do I have to file a US tax return even though I don't live or work in the US?
Answer: United States citizens living abroad
Are required to file annual U.S. income tax returns.
Must report their worldwide income if they meet the minimum income filing requirements for their filing status and age.
Must contact the government of the country you are living in to determine whether you must file and pay taxes there.
May be able to elect to exclude some or all of their foreign earned income, if certain requirements are met, or to claim a foreign tax credit if taxes are paid to that country..
Question: Under my visa as a temporary nonresident alien, I'm not subject to social security and Medicare withholding. My employer withheld the taxes from my pay. What should I do to get a refund of my social security and Medicare?
Answer: If social security tax and Medicare were withheld in error from pay received that was not subject to the taxes, you must first contact the employer for reimbursement. If you are unable to get a refund from the employer, file a claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service