turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Event: Ask the Experts about your refund > RSVP NOW!
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

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

Amend returns to revoke Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for last 3 years to begin making IRA contributions

Until last year, I hadn’t been able to make any contributions to my IRA.  I live abroad and have been using the FEIE.  I made a contribution in 2019 before realizing taking the FEIE then barred me from doing so.  I plan to make contributions every year from now on, so it appears I need to revoke the FEIE going forward.  (I’m open to suggestions if someone has another idea - my income is generally low, around 25K.) 

 

Can I amend my last 3 returns (I believe that's the maximum number of years I can go back) to revoke the FEIE?  I only made an IRA contribution for 2019, so I assume after amended it would correct the problem and I wouldn't have to pay the 6% penalty.

 

I understand that once you revoke the FEIE you must wait 5 years before you have the option to claim it again.  After amending the last 3 years, am I correct to assume that means I would then only have to wait 2 more years?  And after 5 years, am I simply able to begin using the FEIE again if I want, or is there some process I have to through?

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

Connect with an expert
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Reply

Amend returns to revoke Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for last 3 years to begin making IRA contributions

Straight from the horse's mouth... Think long and hard before you make this decision it may not be worth doing.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/revoking-your-choice-to-exclude-foreign-earn...

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
Manage cookies