Establish Tax Abode/home 2024

[SkymanCR]

I'm a US Citizen who moved my family to Costa Rica at the end of 2023.  For years I've used Turbotax and I'm accustomed to the system.  For 2024 I meet the requirements for FEIE, and I'm getting ready to file my return this week (June 16, using the automatic 2-month extension).  I submitted any tax due by April 15th, so there should be no problem there.  Now I want to electronically file my return, my only question is HOW?  I want to finish my return and submit it like I always did, but this time I want to declare to the IRS that henceforth I am living overseas with a Tax Abode overseas.  I also want to take advantage of the automatic 2-month extension which should apply to me.  What forms, or statements do I upload with my Turbotax return? How do I use the software to identify this information to the IRS?  I'd really like to avoid scrapping my whole return and hiring a foreign accountant, but I don't see any clear way to do it in the software and the help files have informed me of little.   

[pk]

@SkymanCR  My answers in Italics.

(a)   I'm a US Citizen who moved my family to Costa Rica at the end of 2023.  For years I've used TurboTax and I'm accustomed to the system.  For 2024 I meet the requirements for FEIE, and I'm getting ready to file my return this week (June 16, using the automatic 2-month extension). 

Yes , because  the taxpayer is abroad, the filing date ( without extension ) is June 15th.  However the pay-in date is still April 15th.

(b)  I submitted any tax due by April 15th, so there should be no problem there.

That is great -- I am assuming that you paid -in federal with an estimated payment or that you filed a request for extension and  paid in any taxes you owed/likely to owe.

 (c) Now I want to electronically file my return, my only question is HOW? 

Since from your post it appears that you already have the 2024  Windows TurboTax --Home & Business,  you just prepare as per  usual  and file  electronically.  Just note that  it is easier if you have  an US mailing address ( where IRS can send notices/mail etc.) and definitely having an US bank account helps direct deposit/ withdrawal.

(d)  I want to finish my return and submit it like I always did, but this time I want to declare to the IRS that henceforth I am living overseas with a Tax Abode overseas.  I also want to take advantage of the automatic 2-month extension which should apply to me.  What forms, or statements do I upload with my Turbotax return? How do I use the software to identify this information to the IRS?  I'd really like to avoid scrapping my whole return and hiring a foreign accountant, but I don't see any clear way to do it in the software and the help files have informed me of little. 

When you tell TurboTax that you  want FEIE and as part of filling out form 2555, you will be declaring your  foreign tax home address, your employer / self-employment details etc.  This is how IRS knows that your tax-home is abroad.  There is no special form/ documentation that you need to provide to the IRS to show that you are abroad -- only form 2555 shows your foreign tax home.

You continue using TurboTax  just like all the  prior years.  The only issue  is often how to pay & acquire the software  since your foreign credit cards are no acceptable to TurboTax/Intuit.    So if  your credit card  works  for  Intuit, you can download the software year after year and proceed as before.

I hope this has answered all your  queries.  If I have missed something feel welcome to add to this thread and/or PM me

 Is there more I can do for you ?

[rjs]

Here's how to enter an overseas extension statement in the desktop TurboTax software. The statement will be printed with your tax return, or it will be included with your tax return if you e-file.

• Click the Federal Taxes tab. (In TurboTax Home & Business click the Personal tab.)
• Click Other Tax Situations.
• On the Other Tax Situations screen, scroll down to the "Other Tax Forms" section.
• Click the Start button for "File an extension."
• The first screen asks "Do you want to apply for an extension?" Select Yes and click Continue.
• On the next screen, select Yes under the second question, "Do you want to prepare an out of country automatic extension statement?" Click Continue.
• Proceed through the screens to enter your explanation and have the statement included in your tax return.

[SkymanCR]

THANKS!  I'll give it a try.  

Paul S.