TURBO TAX QUESTION I have lived in the US for at least 6 months last year

[bpan]

I have been traveling outside of the US for the past year for work opportunities and family. As a result I haven't physically been staying in the US last year. I am not in the military. However I do intend to return to the US. Do I need to choose the option "Yes" to the question "I lived in the US for at least 6 months?" or should I put "No"?

In the past I would put "Yes" in such a scenario as I do travel extensively, but now since the IRS has included that question for everyone, I need to know if it's any different this year?

[pk]

@bpan , this question is really effective only for  Earned Income Credit.  So it probably does not matter.

Are you a US person ( citizen/GreenCard ) ?  If yes , then whether you are  in the USA or away , unless you establish a foreign  tax-home , your  home remains in the USA.   You still generally have to file a return and or world income.

Is there more one of us can do for you ?

[bpan]

Thank you for the reply. According to TT,  IRS is now asking about this to determine if more tax credits are applicable; hence there is a change in the tax forms, wherein the question of having lived in the US for at least 6 months pertains to more than just Earned Income credit, and hence this question is being asked to all who use TT.  Is this true?

[Vanessa A]

Which tax credits are you referring to?  Primarily this is only for the EITC.

[bpan]

Not sure. TT software itself mentions that on page 1 of the new 1040 form, there is a new checkbox; the question of having lived in the US for at least 6 months is now asked for everyone, for the IRS to determine if "certain tax credits" can be applied.