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posted Jun 4, 2019 8:32:41 PM

If I chose foreign earned income exclusion as self employed (and wages) can I still claim all the business expenses on schedule C?

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1 Best answer
Level 3
Jun 4, 2019 8:32:42 PM

Yes, you can take your business deductions against the income.

Per the IRS site:

 If you are a self-employed U.S. citizen or resident, the rules for paying self-employment tax are generally the same whether you are living in the United States or abroad.

You must take all of your self-employment income into account in figuring your net earnings from self-employment, even income that is exempt from income tax because of the foreign earned income exclusion.

Example: 

You are in business abroad as a consultant and qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion.  Your foreign earned income is $95,000, your business deductions total $27,000, and your net profit is $68,000.  You must pay self-employment tax on all of your net profit, including the amount you can exclude from income.

1 Replies
Level 3
Jun 4, 2019 8:32:42 PM

Yes, you can take your business deductions against the income.

Per the IRS site:

 If you are a self-employed U.S. citizen or resident, the rules for paying self-employment tax are generally the same whether you are living in the United States or abroad.

You must take all of your self-employment income into account in figuring your net earnings from self-employment, even income that is exempt from income tax because of the foreign earned income exclusion.

Example: 

You are in business abroad as a consultant and qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion.  Your foreign earned income is $95,000, your business deductions total $27,000, and your net profit is $68,000.  You must pay self-employment tax on all of your net profit, including the amount you can exclude from income.