I am living out of USA most of the year. currently, I am abroad. how can I fill my return?. where I should sign my tax return. what kind if document I need to attach

Forum|Forum|2 months ago
April 28, 2026
3 replies
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TurboTax Online

mesquitebean

Level 15

First, be sure you can use TurboTax to prepare your return. What is your citizenship status? Are you an American citizen or "resident alien for tax purposes" who just happens to be living outside the USA currently? Or are you a non-US citizen and considered a non-resident alien for tax purposes? Someone can comment further when we know what your status is.

PatriciaV

Level 15

You can file your US tax return using TurboTax Online. Be sure to indicate your foreign address under My Info. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step interview to complete and e-file your return (no signature required).

If you need to attach any documents, the software will provide instructions.

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Opus 17

Level 15

I am not convinced you can use Turbotax online. In the past, it was limited to US residents. You could buy Turbotax as a CD or download, but that is not allowed for export, so you would have to buy it using a US address on your account and a credit card with a US address. If you can use the online program, that is a good place to start.

Then, you are late if you did not already request an extension. Overseas filers are allowed an automatic two month extension to June 15, but to claim this extension you must file by mail and attach a written explanation. If you e-file, and did not request a regular extension before April 15, it will be considered late.

You can also request a 6 month extension to October 15. But to do that, you must file form 4868 by mail, and attach a written explanation that because you are overseas, you are claiming the 6 month extension within the automatic 2 month extension. It is too late to e-file a normal extension request because it is after April 15.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-extensions-of-time-to-file

Opus 17

Level 15

@Opus 17 wrote:

I am not convinced you can use Turbotax online. In the past, it was limited to US residents. You could buy Turbotax as a CD or download, but that is not allowed for export, so you would have to buy it using a US address on your account and a credit card with a US address. If you can use the online program, that is a good place to start.

Then, you are late if you did not already request an extension. Overseas filers are allowed an automatic two month extension to June 15, but to claim this extension you must file by mail and attach a written explanation. If you e-file, and did not request a regular extension before April 15, it will be considered late.

You can also request a 6 month extension to October 15. But to do that, you must file form 4868 by mail, and attach a written explanation that because you are overseas, you are claiming the 6 month extension within the automatic 2 month extension. It is too late to e-file a normal extension request because it is after April 15.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-extensions-of-time-to-file

Following up:

I have been informed that if you use the Desktop version of Turbotax (installed on your own computer from a CD or download), you can e-file before June 15 and claim the automatic extension without needing to file by mail. The desktop program will allow you to include the explanation you need. (The online version will not allow you to include the explanation, so e-filing from turbotax online without an approved extension will be counted as late.)

This still leaves the problem of how to purchase the desktop version from overseas. You could use Amazon to buy the download, but you would need a US address and a US credit card.