Amendment for living abroad

[tientien]

I moved abroad in September 2024 and will return to the USA in September 2025. My understanding is that I can file an amendment to my 2024 tax return to account for the fact that I spent 4 months of the calendar year abroad. What is the procedure for filing such an amendment? Will I have to also file an amendment for the 2025 tax year, or can I already declare that I was away for 8 months when I file? Thanks. 

[Vanessa A]

Are you living and working in the foreign country?  What is your income source for the 4 months in 2024?

If your income was from US sources, there is no reason to amend your return as the income will all be taxed the same.  There is not a tax break for US Citizens who live outside the US on their US income.

You would not meet the Bona Fide Residence test if you left in 2024 and are moving back in 2025 because you did not stay in the other country for a full calendar year.