Foreign tax

[teed off for 2020]

When will you be able to complete foreign tax computation. This appears to be an IRS problem. Any futher information on this problem . I am using your deluxe program and have had no problem doing this in the past.

j dugle

[SusanY1]

We are still working to incorporate the brand new schedules that accompany Form 1116, which the IRS only completed in December.  The current target date for 1116, Schedule B, is March 31.  You can check on any changes to that target date here: Federal Forms Availability in TurboTax.  

While some customers will not need Schedule B (for carryover reconciliation), the form will not calculate properly without it.  Note that for taxpayers using Form 1116 Schedule B, this year's tax return will not be eligible for e-filing.  Unfortunately, the form was not released in time to be incorporated into the e-file system for this year.

[teed off for 2020]

If we can't e-file does that mean I have to paper file. That takes a major advantage of turbo tax away.  If I with hold filing to after march 31 will I still be able to e-file? Also if I don't take my foreign taxes as a credit would I then be able to e-file?

[DawnC]

Form 1116 without the Schedule B is tentatively scheduled to be finalized on 03/03.    Form 1116 with Schedule B is tentatively scheduled for 03/31.   If your return does not contain the Schedule B Form 1116, which is used to reconcile your prior-year foreign tax carryover with your current year foreign tax credit carryover, you should be able to e-file after 03/03 (2 more days).   

You will have to file by mail (after 03/31) only if your return includes Schedule B Form 1116.   If your tax return does not need to include the form, you should be able to e-file after 03/03.   

And yes, if you are not taking the Foreign Tax Credit, your return won't have Form 1116, so the 'file by mail' requirement would not apply.   But if you don't have the Schedule B, you will be able to e-file the Form 1116 to take the credit.

Check back on the credit after 03/03 before you decide not to take the credit.   If you don't need the Schedule B, you can e-file for the usually larger credit on Form 1116.   If you do have the Schedule B, see below for some other foreign income options.  

How do U.S. taxpayers living and working abroad report their income?  FTC (foreign tax credit) OR FEIE (foreign earned income exclusion)

Options for avoiding double taxation

To avoid double taxation on Americans living abroad, the IRS gives them a choice:

• Deduct their foreign taxes on Schedule A, like other common deductions.
• Use Form 1116 to claim the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) and subtract the taxes they paid to another country from whatever they owe the IRS.
• Use Form 2555 to claim the Foreign Earned-Income Exclusion (FEIE), which allows those who qualify to exclude some or all of their foreign-earned income from their U.S. taxes.