pk
Level 15
Level 15

Deductions & credits

@CarlitosWay , my comments on the above response  from my colleague @rjs :

 

 1. I apologize  that my colleague @rjs'  answer seems to imply that us  volunteers , while not employees of Intuit,  have lesser  knowledge  about topics  than  tax professionals.  On the contrary , most of the volunteers  ( champs or otherwise designations ) are generally retired tax professionals  or people with great familiarity with the product.  We volunteer because  we desire to help the " do-it-yourself"  tax payer prepare  and file an accurate  tax return.

2. TurboTax  product(s) is  focused  towards the DIY  tax  preparer , implying that  if you have to run to a tax professional   for your return prep.  for each and every  uncommon situation,  then the product has failed  ( either by design or otherwise).

3. Personally,  having helped  many  TurboTax users over the years, I am convinced the  product is quite capable of handling  most complex situations.  Your particular situation of foreign pension is not that uncommon and therefore  the question becomes  (a) is the product capable  of   handling the situation  and (b)  is the taxpayer  ( with help from the community or otherwise) able to navigate and complete a correct return .   My view is that the product is quite capable  and so is the  taxpayer  i.e. the product   ( the  right version  ) is capable and so is the taxpayer ( perhaps with help from the community ).   Thus I vehemently disagree with my colleague ( @rjs )  that one must run to a tax professional  for any such situation.

4. Additionally,  just because  one is a tax professional  ( whether credentialed or not  ) does not imply/ assure  that one is conversant with international taxation ( in fact few are --- and I say this based on my experience with a number of CPAs / EAs  while  on advisory panels  for the US treasury) .

 

In summary/ conclusion , my suggestions and  statements above stand.  I recognize  that we , as volunteers helping  TurboTax users, are  not supposed to  criticize  post by a colleague -- this is an exception in my view.

 

Is there more I can do for you ?

 

 

pk