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posted Sep 23, 2025 12:40:11 PM

i live in egypt and i want to know what i should do when i file taxes or open a bank acccount here, i am egyptian american

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3 Replies
Level 15
Sep 23, 2025 2:07:10 PM

You can e-file your return from anywhere in the world where you have internet access.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/payments/help/what-forms-of-payment-does-turbotax-online-accept/00/26079

 

 

  The IRS will not make a direct deposit to a foreign bank account.   If you have a U.S. based bank account your refund can be deposited to that account.   Or the IRS will mail a check to you,

Level 15
Sep 23, 2025 5:16:27 PM

@asharkawi007 , lauding my colleague @xmasbaby0  for her informative answer to your question and wanting to add :

(a) assuming that you are a US person ( citizen/GreenCard), you still file form 1040  recognizing/ reporting your world income;

(b) If you meet  the physical test ( 330 days away from the USA in a continuous 12 month test period), you can exclude your foreign earnings from US taxes ( Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) -- of course you have to file to claim the exclusion. Earned income includes wages and/or self-employment and/or sole proprietorship.

(c) Passive income and any  earned income not excluded  is eligible for foreign tax credit ( if applicable ).

(d) Note that you are still subject  to FICA/SECA taxes  and  FBAR ( form 114 at FinCen.gov ) and FATCA ( form 8938 along with your return).

If the above situations apply to you , I would suggest using a higher level of TurboTax ( premier   or Home & Business is suggested).

 

Is there more one of us can do for you ?

 

Level 15
Sep 24, 2025 1:41:31 PM

If you are required to file a US tax return (citizen or green card holder) you are generally required to file form 1040 reporting all your world-wide income.

 

However, there are some issues to be aware of.

  • Turbotax can't be purchased outside the US on a CD or as a download to install on your own computer. There are export restrictions, probably because of the encryption/password technology built in.  If you want to use the program installed on your own computer, you will need a US address and US credit card to buy a download, or have a friend buy you the CD and mail it to you overseas, or buy it on a visit to the US.
  • You can use Turbotax Online from anywhere in the world, but you need a US address and US credit card to pay the fees.
  • The IRS will only deposit your refund into a US bank account.

I generally recommend that expats keep a US bank account and US credit card active, does not need to have much money, and can be something you access over the web from anywhere in the world. Just needs to be US-based.

 

If you are not a US person for income taxes (not a citizen or green card holder) then you only file a US tax return if you have US-connected income.  You file a form 1040-NR, which is not currently offered by Turbotax, you would need to find another software company for that.  You would still need a US bank account to collect any refund, unless you want the IRS to mail you a paper check (not recommended).