Open TurboTax

Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
or and start working on your taxes
Announcements
Still need to file? Our experts can get your taxes done right. Get started >
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
tig2555
New Member

Form 2555, question about calculating number of days in my qualifying period

Hello experts.

I am qualified under Bona Fide residence. I entered that information.

Regarding question 14(a), in 2017 I was in the USA for 42 days total. I entered that data into the software. 

I don't claim the Housing Exclusion, so I didn't complete part VI.


Question:

Then I am asked to provide "Qualified Days" ( line 38 in part VII). "Others, enter number of days in your qualifying period in 2017."  Is it 323 or 365 days in my case? Can it be something else? Note, I lived abroad in 2017 with the exception of the 42 days I was back to the USA on business.

thank you,

Tig

6 Replies
CarolC
Level 6

Form 2555, question about calculating number of days in my qualifying period

You need to enter the number of days you were actually abroad.  So if you were in the US for 42 days, your total days abroad will be 323.  This is the number of Qualified Days you will enter for Form 2555.

Read this TurboTax article Filing Taxes While Overseas for more information.

tig2555
New Member

Form 2555, question about calculating number of days in my qualifying period

Your explanation makes sense to me. Is there an IRS page specifying the exact rules for calculating that number? I couldn't find one.

The article that you linked is a good intro to Foreign Earned Income for a beginner, but it doesn't have information about completing form 2555.

thank you
CarolC
Level 6

Form 2555, question about calculating number of days in my qualifying period

@tig2555 See if this helps.  Read "Who Qualifies" on page 1.  <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i2555.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i2555.pdf</a>
tig2555
New Member

Form 2555, question about calculating number of days in my qualifying period

The following guide was very helpful to me <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p54.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p54.pdf</a>
tig2555
New Member

Form 2555, question about calculating number of days in my qualifying period

@TurboTaxCaro, I found the link to Put. 54 in the instructions for the form 2555 that you attached :). Thanks!
frisoulette
New Member

Form 2555, question about calculating number of days in my qualifying period

It sounds like under the bona fide residence category, if we have that status for the full year, we don't have to deduct physical presence in the US from our time abroad, thus diminishing the amount of deduction allowed. I believe, after reading pub 54, that it is only in the case of acquiring bona fide status during the year, or losing it. I think this may be a common misconception, but would love to have an expert opinion!!
message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
message box icon

Ready to start your taxes?

Hand off your taxes, get expert help, or do it yourself.

See Pricing
Manage cookies
v
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789-_~