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Level 3
posted Feb 13, 2023 12:56:25 AM

Filing by mail - foreign earned income

As per TurboTax, I can only file my tax return by mail as I only have foreign earned income and no US income at all. I have submitted my 1040 and 2555 by mail for the past few years. I read a forum of someone asking if they should submit proof of their foreign earned income as there is no W-2. I have never done so and always thought it was not necessary. I was wondering if proof of income need to be enclosed with my 1040 and 2555 when I send them by mail? Thank you in advance. 

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Feb 13, 2023 5:38:57 AM

The specific instructions for mailing a tax return indicate: 

"Attach a copy of Forms W-2, W-2G and 2439 to the front of Form 1040. Also attach Forms 1099-R if tax was withheld."  However, if your documents do include foreign taxes paid it may be prudent to include them.

 HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TAX RETURN FOR MAILING

1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 13, 2023 5:38:57 AM

The specific instructions for mailing a tax return indicate: 

"Attach a copy of Forms W-2, W-2G and 2439 to the front of Form 1040. Also attach Forms 1099-R if tax was withheld."  However, if your documents do include foreign taxes paid it may be prudent to include them.

 HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TAX RETURN FOR MAILING