U.S Expats- File Your 2021 Tax Returns By June 15 To Claim Expanded Tax Benefits

Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers living and working outside the United States that they must file their 2021 federal income tax return by Wednesday, June 15. This deadline applies to both U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad, including those with dual citizenship. Just as most taxpayers in the U.S. must timely file their returns with the IRS, those living and working in another country are also required to file.

File to claim benefits
A taxpayer must file, even if they qualify for tax benefits, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or the Foreign Tax Credit. These benefits are not automatic and are only available if a U.S. return is filed. This is true, even if these or other tax benefits substantially reduce or eliminate U.S. tax liability. In addition, the IRS urges families to check out expanded tax benefits, such as the Child Tax Credit, Credit for Other Dependents, and Child and Dependent Care Expenses and claim them if they qualify. Though taxpayers abroad often qualify, the calculation of these credits differs, depending upon whether they lived in the U.S. for more than half of 2021. For more information, see the instructions to Schedule 8812 and the instructions to Form 2441.

Qualifying for the June 15 extension
A taxpayer qualifies for the special June 15 filing deadline if:

• Both their tax home and abode are outside the United States or Puerto Rico, or

• They are serving in the military outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico on the regular due date of their tax return.Be sure to attach a statement to the return indicating which of these two situations applies.

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