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US citizen TAX question!

Hello, 


 


My name is Mira, I'm a US citizen, and I  moved to Lausanne with my husband about a year ago. I'm currently not working, but I share a bank account with my husband (whom is not a US citizen).My husband recently noticed in his bank account that I have to file for tax returns, and fill a paper out  I understand that already. So If I'm not working, will I be taxed based on my husbands income because we share an account. If there is anyone out there whom went through this, I just want to hear about your personal experience. I know I have to pay US taxes although I'm living here and as of now I need to fill out I-9 form and I think I just need to put down 0... I think! 

The text you are quoting:

Hello, 


 


My name is Mira, I'm a US citizen, and I  moved to Lausanne with my husband about a year ago. I'm currently not working, but I share a bank account with my husband (whom is not a US citizen).My husband recently noticed in his bank account that I have to file for tax returns, and fill a paper out  I understand that already. So If I'm not working, will I be taxed based on my husbands income because we share an account. If there is anyone out there whom went through this, I just want to hear about your personal experience. I know I have to pay US taxes although I'm living here and as of now I need to fill out I-9 form and I think I just need to put down 0... I think! 


mira fNov 19, 2015 @ 14:31
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Re: US citizen TAX question!
Post 1

The inclusion or exclusion of your husband's income is dependent on your filing status not a joint bank account. If your husband is not liable to file a US tax return then I suggest you file "Married filing Separate". Hope the helps and let me know if you have further questions.

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The inclusion or exclusion of your husband's income is dependent on your filing status not a joint bank account. If your husband is not liable to file a US tax return then I suggest you file "Married filing Separate". Hope the helps and let me know if you have further questions.


Kris Holliday, Nov 19, 2015 @ 15:00
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Re: US citizen TAX question!
Post 2

Eek! I wouldn't have created a joint account if I were you, it might lead to some pretty complicated issues in the future so I would consult a tax specialist if I were you. But yes, you will now have to file a FATCA form.


For peace of mind I'd contact a tax specialist. 


We know of a couple whom were in a similar situation as you (both shared an account- husband wasn't a US citizen). US Government stated that since they couldn't prove whose income was whose they would be taxed on the whole amount. 


Crazy.

The text you are quoting:

Eek! I wouldn't have created a joint account if I were you, it might lead to some pretty complicated issues in the future so I would consult a tax specialist if I were you. But yes, you will now have to file a FATCA form.


For peace of mind I'd contact a tax specialist. 


We know of a couple whom were in a similar situation as you (both shared an account- husband wasn't a US citizen). US Government stated that since they couldn't prove whose income was whose they would be taxed on the whole amount. 


Crazy.


CH K, Nov 19, 2015 @ 17:58
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Re: US citizen TAX question!
Post 3

For peace of mind, contacting a US tax specialist for ex-pats is a good idea, however they are very expensive so one option would be to first file "married filing separate" and see what happens, knowing that the IRS will track you down if necessary so you can make any adjustments and that you did the right thing by filing and they will recongize that.


Every once in awhile the organization "Americans Abroad" holds an event where a panel of US tax specialists present the latest on the US tax situation for ex-pats and the public can ask questions. If I remember correctly, at the last event they said non-US spouses can be taxed and that the best option is to get a pre-nup before marriage so your finances remain separate. 

That doesn't help you now, but see link below, and following excerpts:


"You may have US tax filing obligations even if you aren't earning any money but are married to someone who did have income."


There is also the possibility of submitting the foreign earned income exclusion, if your/his income was less than $99, 200 (for 2014); so then you would submit a 1040-EZ form, and a 2555-EZ form and put down 0 on both and not be obliged to pay any taxes, only to file the paperwork. Otherwise, that amount can be subtracted from his total income: 

"The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, using IRS Form 2555) allows you to exclude a certain amount of your EARNED income from US tax. For tax year 2014 this exclusion was $99,200."


https://americansabroad.org/issues/taxation/us-taxes-abroad-dummies/

The text you are quoting:

For peace of mind, contacting a US tax specialist for ex-pats is a good idea, however they are very expensive so one option would be to first file "married filing separate" and see what happens, knowing that the IRS will track you down if necessary so you can make any adjustments and that you did the right thing by filing and they will recongize that.


Every once in awhile the organization "Americans Abroad" holds an event where a panel of US tax specialists present the latest on the US tax situation for ex-pats and the public can ask questions. If I remember correctly, at the last event they said non-US spouses can be taxed and that the best option is to get a pre-nup before marriage so your finances remain separate. 

That doesn't help you now, but see link below, and following excerpts:


"You may have US tax filing obligations even if you aren't earning any money but are married to someone who did have income."


There is also the possibility of submitting the foreign earned income exclusion, if your/his income was less than $99, 200 (for 2014); so then you would submit a 1040-EZ form, and a 2555-EZ form and put down 0 on both and not be obliged to pay any taxes, only to file the paperwork. Otherwise, that amount can be subtracted from his total income: 

"The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, using IRS Form 2555) allows you to exclude a certain amount of your EARNED income from US tax. For tax year 2014 this exclusion was $99,200."


https://americansabroad.org/issues/taxation/us-taxes-abroad-dummies/


H E, Nov 19, 2015 @ 19:13
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