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New Member
posted Mar 31, 2025 9:41:23 AM

Foreign tax credit?

Hello! 
I am ready to do my taxes but I am confused. I am a US citizen living in Italy for the past 2 years. Last year I did my US taxes, paid my federal and state taxes through my employer (W2) and after I did my Italian taxes and paid the balance of what I owed to Italy (their tax bracket is higher)

now in 2024 I am ready to file my US taxes. My federal and state taxes have been withheld through my W2 but I came across this Foreign tax credit… can I take it?
I am unclear

any help is appreciated! Thank you 

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3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 31, 2025 9:52:42 AM

The foreign tax credit keeps you from paying tax to two countries on the same income- if the country is on good terms, on a list, with the US (no terrorists). Italy is one of them. There is a treaty between US -Italy that can exempt some income or change how it is treated. See United States Income Tax Treaties for other countries.

 

You can amend a tax return for up to 3 years.

New Member
Mar 31, 2025 10:16:27 AM

Thank you so much! If Italy already gave me a credit for my us taxes (they tax more) do I still apply the foreign tax credit? This is where I get confused

Expert Alumni
Mar 31, 2025 10:38:09 AM

Yes, the US will give you a credit for taxes paid to Italy on the same income because you are a US citizen. The credit will be the lesser of:

  • Tax paid to Italy, or
  • Tax the US would have charged on this income. 

The Foreign Tax Credit will be calculated based on the numbers you enter. For Italy, you should enter what they actually charged after the US tax credit.

 

@flovazquez78