June 15th US Tax Filing Deadline for Expats
October 4, 2023 | Expat Tax Deadlines | 3 minute read
Expat Tax Blog. Tax Tips for US Americans abroad.
All blogs are verified by IRS Enrolled Agents and CPAs
All blogs are verified by IRS Enrolled Agents and CPAs
For 2024, the US tax filing deadline for expats to file is June 15th typically. However, in 2024, the tax deadline is moved to June 17th, 2024. This deadline results from the IRS’s automatic two-month extension to Americans Abroad.
Taxes are something that none of us want to deal with, but we all have to take care of them, especially if you’re a US citizen who doesn’t live in the US. Unfortunately, you are still legally responsible for filing your taxes with the IRS.
Although filing US expat taxes sounds like a hassle, it doesn’t have to be! Here’s everything you’ll need to know!
Who Needs to File US Expat Taxes?
Essentially, every American and Green Card Holder, whether living in the United States or abroad, must file US taxes as long as their income is over the tax filing threshold.
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There is a special group of citizens known as “Accidental Americans” who also have to file taxes. This group might include those who were born abroad to a US citizen parent who claimed US citizenship for them or those who have obtained a US birth certificate or citizenship around the time of their birth, even if they’ve been living abroad for more time than they’ve lived in the US.
If you’re a US citizen and meet the income filing threshold, you must file US expat taxes. Below is a breakdown of the various filing categories and the minimum gross income you must meet to file US expat taxes:
- Single: $13,850
- Married filing jointly: $27,700
- Married filing separately: $5 (yep, just $5!)
- Head of household: $20,800
- Qualifying Widower: $27,700
- Self-employed: $400
2024 US Tax Filing Deadline for Expats
Officially, the US tax filing deadline for American expats is June 15th, but it falls on a weekend, June 17th, 2024. The IRS grants expats an automatic two-month extension to file US taxes. Having that additional two months, makes a difference from the typical April 15th tax deadline for Americans living in the US.
However, if you know you’re not going to be able to meet this summer deadline, don’t panic! You can request an extension, which would allow you to hold off with filing until October 15th.
Luckily, MyExpatTaxes can help you file for an extension quickly and for free! Simply set up your account and select the “File Your Extension” option. Then, you’ll be led to fill out some basic information. Afterwards you’ll give us your consent to file your extension for you, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Consequences for Not Filing
You’ve probably wondered, “Why do I, an American expat, even have to file my US expat taxes in the first place?” “What would happen if I didn’t file?”. You might think that the US government would forget about you since you don’t live in the US, but that’s not the case. Failure to file your taxes can result in sizable penalties and fines. Also, the longer you go without paying, the more interest your amount accrues.
Penalties for not filing your taxes can range based on a variety of factors. Your potential fine could be anywhere from 5% of your unpaid tax amount all the way up to $25,000 or even, in some extreme cases, jail time. Not paying your taxes abroad can lead to some serious legal issues, so it’s best just to bite the bullet and get it done!
Makeup Years of Not Filing Penalty-Free
If you’re already behind on your taxes as a US citizen abroad and are worrying about catching up, we understand the stress of the situation. It can be overwhelming to try to get back on track after years of not filing.
Still, filing your US expat taxes late is so much better than not filing them at all! As we discussed above, filing for an extension or paying a portion of your taxes (even if you can’t pay the full amount) and working out a payment plan with the IRS are two great ways to start to get back on track.
Beyond that, MyExpatTaxes can help you make up for your missed years of filing US expat taxes without any penalties. The IRS has created a Streamlined Procedure to help expats get back on track with taxes from previous years.
MyExpatTaxes expat tax software can help you catch up on up to 4 years of tax returns in just a couple of hours! You might be eligible for this program if you’ve been living outside of the United States for at least 330 days in one (or more) of the last three years.
Use the Best-Selling US Tax Software for Expats
Now you know the filing deadline for Americans abroad is June 15th. Secondly, whether you’re behind on your US expat taxes, need help with this year’s taxes, or want clarification on the potential benefits you could receive to reduce the taxes you owe, MyExpatTaxes can help.
We’re committed to assisting U.S. expats, providing a more tailored and informed service than what tax companies can offer. Plus, we’re proud to be recognized for having the Leading Software for US Expats by Bold Awards!
For more information about our services and to start getting on track with your US expat taxes as an American living abroad, contact us! Otherwise, file expat taxes today!
