As U.S. Expat living abroad, you need to file your U.S. taxes, and in addition you'll likely need to file additional forms than you would in the United States, introducing even more due dates to keep track of to stay on schedule. Understandably, keeping track of tax deadlines and extensions isn't as easy as simply remembering the US's famous April 15th tax deadline. Therefore, to make sure you stay on schedule, it is highly suggested that you keep track of deadlines and extensions in both the U.S. and your country of residence.
To make things easier for you, in this post I will discuss and provide to you in an organized and straightforward manner, all the expat tax deadlines that you should know of and remember each year. Be sure to add these US expat tax deadlines to your calendar every year!
Certain Important Points to Keep in Mind:
State Taxes
Though not applicable to all expats, if you lived in certain states prior to your move abroad, you may need to file a state tax return in addition to your expat federal taxes. You'll want to check on the filing requirements in the state where you last lived to see if you have a filing obligation.
Some states follow the Federal filing deadline of April 15th, but many others have their own deadlines. It's important to stay on top of your state filing obligations to avoid missing a deadline.
FBAR Deadline
Thankfully, the FBAR due date falls in line with the US tax deadline, which makes this expat filing requirement easier to keep track of. The form must be filed electronically by April 15th. If you miss this deadline, you can receive an automatic extension until the final tax deadline of October 15th.
Expat Tax Filing Extensions
If you need more time to file your US tax return, you can request an extension via Form 4868, which will postpone the expat due date of July 15 until October 15.
If you recently moved from the U.S. to a foreign country, and need more time to qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, you can file for an extension using Form 2350.
If a U.S. expat living abroad has extenuating circumstances and needs an additional extension after October 15, a letter can be written to the IRS to request an extra two-month delay, until December 15. However, this extension is not guaranteed and should only be used if absolutely necessary.
Yearly Expat Tax Deadlines
Please note, if a deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the due date is moved to the next business day.
March 15: Due date for non-personal returns
- File Form 3520- A for owners of foreign trusts if foreign trust reporting period ends December 31 (also applies to owners of UK and Australian IRA-like accounts)
- Form 3520- A for owners of foreign trusts with trust reporting period ending earlier must file or request extension within 2 ½ months after the end of trust reporting period
- S Corporation Form 1120S and Partnership Form 1065 for calendar-year entities.
- Due date for Form 7004: extension for non-personal returns. Allows 6 months extension for S corporations and partnerships.
- If you need to file any of these forms, or an extension to file any of these forms, kindly request to contact Expat Tax Attorney Alexandra Sabalier, Esq. for this service. You may start the process with a consultation to make sure that all your requests are attended, and all required forms are properly filed on your behalf.
April 15: Due Date for personal tax returns
- Deadline to file U.S. Federal tax returns for the tax year.
undefined - Deadline for current year FBAR. Please note, that as of 2017, an automatic extension until Oct 15 is available.
- First estimated tax payment for the current tax year is due.
- Deadline to file extension for personal federal tax returns if you do not reside abroad.
- If you have a state tax requirement, the deadline to request an electronic extension in MA, LA, or NY.
- Deadline to file U.S. Trust Form 1041 and C corporation Form 1120 for the tax year which ended on the 31st of December.
- Due date for Form 7004, an extension for non-personal returns. Allows 6 months extension for C corporations and 5 1/2-months extensions for U.S. trust.
- If you need to file any of these forms, or an extension to file any of these forms, kindly request to contact Expat Tax Attorney Alexandra Sabalier, Esq. for this service. You may start the process with a consultation to make sure that all your requests are attended, and all required forms are properly filed on your behalf.
June 15: Tax Returns Automatic Extensions Due Date
- Deadline to file a Federal Tax return under the automatic extension granted to U.S. Expats.
- Expats' Deadline to file an extension until October 15 for a Federal Return.
- Deadline to file an extension for personal federal tax returns if you do not reside abroad.
undefined - Second estimated tax payment for the current tax year is due.
- If you need to file any of these forms, or an extension to file any of these forms, kindly request to contact Expat Tax Attorney Alexandra Sabalier, Esq. for this service. You may start the process with a consultation to make sure that all your requests are attended, and all required forms are properly filed on your behalf.
September 15: Tax and Non-Personal Returns Extensions Due Date
- Third estimated tax payment due date.
- Due date for extended non-personal returns: Partnerships and S Corporations
- If you need to file any of these forms, or an extension to file any of these forms, kindly request to contact Expat Tax Attorney Alexandra Sabalier, Esq. for this service. You may start the process with a consultation to make sure that all your requests are attended, and all required forms are properly filed on your behalf.
October 15: Tax Return and FBAR Extensions Due Date
- Final due date to file last calendar year tax returns for taxpayers who received a 6-month expat extension.
- Final due date to file FBAR.
- If you need to file any of these forms, or an extension to file any of these forms, kindly request to contact Expat Tax Attorney Alexandra Sabalier, Esq. for this service. You may start the process with a consultation to make sure that all your requests are attended, and all required forms are properly filed on your behalf.
December 15: Final Deadline for Tax Return
- Final date to timely file tax return for last calendar year for expats who requested additional 2-month extension.
- If you need to file any of these forms, or an extension to file any of these forms, kindly request to contact Expat Tax Attorney Alexandra Sabalier, Esq. for this service. You may start the process with a consultation to make sure that all your requests are attended, and all required forms are properly filed on your behalf.
