Official COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and extension thread

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

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@Bruce79 wrote:

Are there any changes to when Roth IRA contributions must be made? Usually by April 15th - has this been extended?

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IRS website - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-and-payment-deadlines-questions-and-answers

A17. Yes. Contributions can be made to your IRA, for a particular year, at any time during the year or by the due date for filing your return for that year. Because the due date for filing Federal income tax returns has been postponed to July 15, the deadline for making contributions to your IRA for 2019 is also extended to July 15, 2020. For more details on IRA contributions, see Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs).

[mikewinnick1]

I understand that I do not have to take my 2020 RMD (based on 12/31/19 balance). But, I already did take it on January 2nd. How do I undo it and put the money back?

[Critter]

Talk to your IRA custodian. 

[lesterjaygolden]

I'm a 65 year old US citizen resident in Latvia.  If I file only an extension to my 2018 tax return with form 4868 can I still get the $1200 Covid stimulus payment?

[DoninGA]

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@lesterjaygolden wrote:

I'm a 65 year old US citizen resident in Latvia.  If I file only an extension to my 2018 tax return with form 4868 can I still get the $1200 Covid stimulus payment?

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You cannot file an extension for tax year 2018.  That had to be filed on or before June 15, 2019 for US citizens who reside outside the US.

If you are a US citizen receiving Social Security, Railroad retirement benefits or VA disability benefits the stimulus funds will be deposited into the US bank account where you receive the benefits.  Otherwise, a check will be mailed to the address on file with the IRS.

IRS website for change of addresses - https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes

[lesterjaygolden]

Thanks for replying.  If I file form 4868 for 2019 can I get the stimulus payment of $1200?

I do not receive Social Security income, only dividends and interest income of less than the $38k threshhold to be taxable.  I have Latvian, not US residence, though I can use my brother's NJ address or a US bank account to receive the check by mail or direct deposit.  Thanks again.

[DoninGA]

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@lesterjaygolden wrote:

Thanks for replying.  If I file form 4868 for 2019 can I get the stimulus payment of $1200?

I do not receive Social Security income, only dividends and interest income of less than the $38k threshhold to be taxable.  I have Latvian, not US residence, though I can use my brother's NJ address or a US bank account to receive the check by mail or direct deposit.  Thanks again.

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Yes you can file an extension request, Form 4868, for the 2019 tax return.  Go to this TurboTax website and you can e-file the extension request - https://turbotax.intuit.com/irs-tax-extensions/

You mentioned that you have income of less than $38k.  As a US citizen you are required to report your income, US and Foreign, each tax year if your income is above the minimum requirements to file.

IRS Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf

IRS Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad  - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p54.pdf

[lesterjaygolden]

If I file the form 4868 extension request, but not the full return for 2019, can I still get the $1200 COVID stimulus payment?  Many thanks.

[DoninGA]

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@lesterjaygolden wrote:

If I file the form 4868 extension request, but not the full return for 2019, can I still get the $1200 COVID stimulus payment?  Many thanks.

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I cannot answer that question as no one yet knows the full details behind the stimulus.

Details will be provided on the IRS website and the US Treasury website when available.

[Opus 17]

An extension is not an official tax return and, I suspect, will not be considered reliable enough.  If you have not filed for 2019 yet, the Treasury department will base the relief on your 2018 tax return.

[lesterjaygolden]

Do you know why TT won't let me upload 2018 tax info?

Do you know how to get their site to accept 2018 info.  When I click on 2019 on the left of the page I can't change the year.  

Thanks.

Lester

[DoninGA]

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@lesterjaygolden wrote:

Do you know why TT won't let me upload 2018 tax info?

Do you know how to get their site to accept 2018 info.  When I click on 2019 on the left of the page I can't change the year.  

Thanks.

Lester

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The TurboTax online editions are Only for tax year 2019

To complete and file a 2018 tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the 2018 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

A 2018 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

[Spearsofbritt]

I am replying to this because i need serious help from someone about my taxes. i am being treated completely unfair by the government by not getting my tax return due to covid-19 preventing me from verifying my identity. I cant speak to anyone because of this emergency. They should be available to speak on the phone with people if not face to face. I am so lost. Am i supposed to just wait in hopes this virus will just pass before i am able to receive my tax return. Please help me.

[lesterjaygolden]

Many thanks for this info.  

Another question: I'm married to a Latvian citizen who has no SS no.  Can I file jointly or should I file separately or as a single person just to simplify things?

[Critter]

If you are legally married you CANNOT file as Single ... your only choices are Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately. 

If you are a US citizen and your spouse does not have a Social Security number or an ITIN and you are not applying for an ITIN with the tax return then you can only file your tax return as Married Filing Separately.  Where asked to enter the spouse's Social Security number enter 999-88-9999.  You can only print and mail your tax return; it cannot be e-filed.  When you print the tax return erase the Social Security number for your spouse and manually enter NRA for non-resident alien.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for the procedure to print and mail a tax return using the online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1944348-how-do-i-print-and-mail-my-return-in-turbotax-online

If you are filing your tax return as Married Filing Jointly you must apply for an ITIN with the tax return and you would need to be providing a statement with your tax return that you want your Nonresident Alien Spouse Treated as a Resident.  See IRS Publication 54 Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad pages 6 and 7 - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p54.pdf

Go to this IRS website for ITIN information - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/general-itin-information