I moved abroad in Nov 2017. I'm trying to e-file but it says I have to submit my taxes after I meet the physical presence test. Do I submit an extension? What do I do?

[bine22]

If you paid foreign taxes,  you might be better off usng the foreign paid tax credit instead.

[KarenJ]

Hi.  Yes, you will need to file an extension.  As you will not meet the requirements for either the Physical Presence Test (PPT) or the Bonafide Residence Test (BFR)  until at the earliest Nov, 2018, you cannot file your return until one of the tests is met.  

You will need to file Extension Form 2350 which is not supported by TurboTax.  You can download it from the IRS site and complete it and mail it in.  I would keep a copy of it.  Please click on the following link.  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2350.pdf .  Even if you think you will use PPT I would request an extension until January 30, 2019 (in case you end up being in the US more than 35 days in a 12 month period).

I would also suggest you complete the regular extension Form 4868 in case something comes up and you need to return to the US from abroad before either test is met.

Please see attached for additional informaton.  Tax Guide for US Citizens Abroad

[an2xh]

Hello, thank you for answering! I already filed with TurboTax though, and they already charged my credit card, but it's saying that I can't file until I meet the PPT. What can I do in this case?

[KarenJ]

If you already filed your return,, did you use foreign tax credits for your foreign income?

[an2xh]

Sorry, I'm not sure... maybe I misunderstood. I finished filling everything out on the system and I'm basically at the last screen right before they submit my taxes. I've done Step 1 (paid with credit card) and Step 2 (refund info), but I'm stuck on Step 3 ("Get ready to save and file your taxes"). I go to e-file and submit my driver's license info and it stops me from finishing (submitting? Filing?) because I have a Physical Presence End Date of 11/6/2018. I paid taxes in my foreign country but I haven't filed for taxes in the foreign country because I thought I would simply do it in the USA. Does this make sense?

[KarenJ]

If you haven't filed your return yet, then you can print the return and pay any balance due to the IRS with the 4868 extension before April 15th.  Also, file the Form 2350 extension so that you can extend your return until November 2018.  When you view your forms, on form 1040 page one, line 21 does it have a negative amount excluding foreign earned income?  You will not be able to efile your return as efile ends October 15, 2018.  You will need to mail your return this November.  You need to print it and wait until November to file. Just to make sure, you are still living and working overseas??? If not, you cannot claim the foreign earned income exclusion.

[an2xh]

I do have a negative amount on line 21 on form 1040 page one. So if I'm understanding this correctly, I should just print and file forms 4868 and 2350 and mail ONLY those in and not my tax return files? And yes, I am still living and working overseas. I also don't believe I owe any taxes and I'm supposed to get some money refunded according to TurboTax. However, I also have a question -- on form 2350 line 4d, it asks for a date I'm planning on returning to the US, but I'm not sure when I will return. What should I put in this line? Thank you so much for all your help.