If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living or traveling outside the United States, you generally are required to file income tax returns, estate tax returns, and gift tax returns, and pay estimated tax in the same way as those residing in the United States. Your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you reside, even if may not owe any tax because of income exclusion or tax credit.
You May Need to Renew Your ITIN.
Your ITIN may expire before you file a tax return in 2020. All ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years will no longer be valid for use on a tax return as of December 31, 2019. Additionally, all ITINs issued before 2013 with middle digits of 70, 71, 72 or 80 (Example: (9XX-70-XXXX) will expire at the end of the year. All expired ITINs must be renewed before being used on a U.S. tax return. No action is needed by ITIN holders who don’t need to file a tax return next year. Also, there are new documentation requirements when applying for or renewing an ITIN for certain dependents. Find more information in the ITIN Expiration Frequently Asked Questions.
Forms and Publications
Downloadable forms, publications, and answers to your federal tax questions can be found at http://www.irs.gov. The website contains a wide array of tax topics, including international and military taxpayers.
International Taxpayer Services / Where Can I Get Help?
Contact the International Taxpayer Service Call Center by phone or fax. The International call center is operational Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Tel: 267-941-1000 (not toll free); select the option for international callers
Fax: 267-941-1055 (a response should be received within 10 to 12 working days)
Individual taxpayers located outside the U.S. may also contact the IRS by mail at:
Internal Revenue Service
International Accounts
Philadelphia, PA 19255-0725
Business taxpayers located outside the U.S. may also contact the IRS by mail at:
Internal Revenue Service
International Accounts
Ogden, UT 84201-0038
Can I Mail My Return and Payment?
You can mail your tax return and payment using the postal service. If you mail a return from outside the United States, the date of filing is the postmark date. However, if you send a payment, separately or with your return, your payment is not considered received until the date of actual receipt. You may use approved private delivery services. A list of approved delivery services is available on IRS.gov
Can I Electronically File My Return?
You can prepare and e-file your income tax return, in many cases for free. Participating software companies make their products available through the IRS. Many Free File and e-file partners accept a foreign address. E-File options are listed on IRS.gov.
How Do I Pay My Taxes?
You must pay your taxes in U.S. dollars.
Direct pay option. You can pay online with a direct transfer from your U.S. bank account using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or by a U.S. debit or credit card. You also can pay by phone using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by a U.S. debit or credit card.
Foreign wire transfers. If you have a U.S. bank account, you can use: EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System), or Federal Tax Application (same-day wire transfer). If you do not have a U.S. bank account, ask if your financial institution has a U.S. affiliate that can help you make same-day wire transfers.
Foreign electronic payments. International taxpayers who do not have a U.S. bank account may transfer funds from their foreign bank account directly to the IRS for payment of their tax liabilities.
Does the IRS Provide Help in Other Languages?
The IRS provides tax information in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Go to www.irs.gov and use the drop down box under “Languages” on the upper right corner to select your language.
I Received a Notice from the IRS – What Do I Do?
If you receive a notice from the IRS and need to contact the IRS, call the number listed in the notice or the International Taxpayer Service Call Center (contact information is listed in the section above).
Where Can I Get More Information?
Please visit the https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayers-living-abroad for more information.
