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Returning Member
posted Mar 26, 2020 7:55:35 AM

Register with Foreign Address

Hi, 

 

I have completed my tax return & at the end t is asking me to review everything & register. How can I register with a foreign address? It is telling me that I need a US address?

0 20 4971
20 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 26, 2020 11:36:39 AM

You can file federal returns if you have a foreign address, with some restrictions. For information on how to enter a foreign address in TurboTax please click the link below.

 

How do I enter a foreign address in TurboTax? - Community

Returning Member
Mar 26, 2020 12:02:38 PM

Hi Chondel, 

 

Thanks for your prompt reply. 

 

I actually had this done already & both my returns filled out. However, what I am stuck with is at the end of the process (returns done, waiting to file) when it asks you to register, it says I need a US address. 

 

My national post office here can give you an address abroad (sort of like a PO box) so I applied for you & I just put that one in. 

 

Do you think this will work? My return still says my foreign(current) address. 

 

As I am not a resident, I cannot e-file either. 

Expert Alumni
Mar 31, 2020 11:24:55 AM

TurboTax Federal Free Edition can't be registered or e-filed with a foreign address.  

 

You can always upgrade to a paid product in order to complete your return with a foreign address.    

 

You may be eligible to switch to IRS Free File Program depending on your AGI.  I believe you can file with IRS Free File with a foreign address.  

 

How do I switch to IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax? 

 

Before switching to the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax, it’s important to make sure you’re eligible for the product.

If you answer yes to any of these question, you qualify:

  • Is your adjusted gross income (AGI) $36,000 or less? 
  • Were you active duty military in 2019 with an AGI of $69,000 or less? 
  • Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)? 

 

To switch to IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax: 

  1. Sign out of your existing TurboTax account. 

  2. Go to the IRS Free File delivered by TurboTax website and sign in to your same account from there. 

  3. Select Yes, switch to IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax when asked, and Continue. 

Related Information: 

What's the difference between IRS Free File Program and Free Edition? 

Can I delete my tax return in TurboTax Online? 

 

 

New Member
Jan 20, 2021 12:35:20 AM

Hi,

 

I am using the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax version and I have the same problem. I can't register because I don't have a US address. As per the IRS website, I am eligible to use this version and e-file free of charge. 

Level 9
Jan 25, 2021 7:56:32 AM

Yes, according to the information from the Free File Program, you should be able to file your return with a foreign address. Here is contact information if you continue not to be able to file.

 

If you are not successful, you would still be able to file your tax return by mail.

@AOIstanbul

Level 1
Feb 1, 2021 3:47:08 AM

I am also having this problem with the IRS Free File edition. I may be moving to another service because I have not been able to get any assistance for this issue. 

Expert Alumni
Feb 1, 2021 2:03:56 PM

The IRS allows you to have a foreign address on your tax return. They usually contacts you through correspondence by mail.  Just make sure to enter your foreign address under the "Mailing Address section" in the program. To see how to enter the foreign address in the program, click here: Foreign address

 

For more information, click here: E-file with foreign address

 

However, you do need to have a US phone number.  This is a requirement from the IRS.  They only accept the US phone number, unfortunately.  You might want to use one of your friends or family member's phone number.  

 

Level 1
Feb 2, 2021 3:47:20 AM

Thanks for responding but if you'll see above the question isn't about the IRS allowing it on tax forms, it's about the registration step needed by Turbo Tax before you can file or print out. Which should allow foreign addresses for IRS Free File, but isn't. 

New Member
Feb 2, 2021 8:20:49 AM

Having the exact same issue, even after changing to IRS Free File. Can't finish the tax forms as it is requiring a US address as part of registration information!

Level 9
Feb 4, 2021 11:17:18 AM

Here are the steps to bypass TurboTax asking for a US address:

 

How do I enter a foreign address in TurboTax?

 

 

  1. Sign in to TurboTax and open or continue your return.
  2. Select My Info from the left menu.
  3. On the Personal info summary page, select Edit next to Taxpayer.
  4. Go to 2. Tell us the state(s) you lived in and select Foreign or U.S Possession from the drop down list (it's all the way at the bottom).
  5. Select the Continue button at the bottom.
  6. Select Edit next to  Mailing Address and choose Foreign country from Type of mailing address drop down list.
  7. Input your address in the appropriate fields, select your country from the drop down list, and select Continue.

@awhite2

Level 1
Mar 10, 2021 7:00:35 AM

As everyone keeps saying, the problem isn't with entering the foreign address for the return - the problem is at the end when it asks you to register for Turbotax.  I entered a relative's U.S. address to get past this step and it didn't change my foreign address on the return itself.  But I'm not eligible to e-file, so I printed the return and all was fine.

New Member
Mar 10, 2021 9:12:37 PM

As I am having the same issue, can I ask how you were able to print your return?

The option to save and print only becomes available after the registration has been completed! I would gladly use a relative's US mailing address but the checkbox beside "use my info from my tax return" is greyed out and cannot be unchecked. Thus the form won't accept another address to complete registration.

Level 1
Mar 11, 2021 3:23:06 AM

That's so weird, that box saying "use my info from my tax return" wasn't greyed out on mine - so I was able to put in my relative's address and easily move onto the place that gives you an option to e-file or not.   Sorry I can't help.  It's so frustrating, good luck with it!

Expert Alumni
Mar 14, 2021 5:38:07 PM

Free products like TurboTax Free Edition and TurboTax Easy Extension require a U.S. or APO/FPO/DPO address upon registration.

 

ReferenceCan I e-file with a foreign address?

New Member
Mar 15, 2021 11:05:09 AM

Okay, but the question is about the IRS Free File program delivered by TurboTax, *not* the TurboTax Free Edition or Easy Extension.

Level 10
Mar 16, 2021 3:40:48 PM

Free products like TurboTax Free Edition and TurboTax Easy Extension require a U.S. or APO/FPO/DPO address upon registration.

Free File with foreign address

 

Here are directions for entering a foreign address in TurboTax.

New Member
Mar 18, 2021 1:52:44 PM

I wish that at the beginning of my session Turbo Tax had made it clear that unless one has a US address, s/he cannot register (and, thus, file) with IRS Free File program delivered by Turbo Tax. I do not see the point of stating it at the very end, after I've spent so much time! I am disappointed!   

New Member
Mar 28, 2021 10:41:14 AM

I'm confused by the information online. I got all the way through the process, then am told that I need to register with a US address.  I have a Capitol One account and credit card with a relative's current US address, where I last lived in the US. Should I use that? Would it affect my status filing from where I now live overseas? Would any physical mail go to that address?

Expert Alumni
Mar 29, 2021 2:01:17 PM

No, TurboTax just requires a US address for any credit/debit card provided.

New Member
May 20, 2021 12:06:45 AM

I completed the return using what I thought was freefile. At the end, I am asked to register, using a US address. At the beginning, I registered using my foreign address, because I don't have a US address.

I can'y mail the thing because I see no way to download it as a printable file.