The tax season is around the corner. American expats living and working abroad have to file US expatriate tax returns and to report their foreign financial accounts on FBARs every year if they meet the expat tax requirements. The IRS has issued a list of US tax filing deadlines. US taxpayers, small business owners living abroad, American overseas contractors and retirees must follow the guidelines to avoid stiff penalties and fees.
This is an email from one of our prospective clients, Americans working abroad. “I moved to Beijing in August 2013. My CPA usually prepared my tax return by April 15. However, he declined to take on international clients and I am not sure what I should do. I will not able to collect all expat tax documents by April 15. Can I request an extension? What are expatriate tax deadlines for Americans working abroad?”
Expat Tax Due Dates and US Expatriate Tax Returns
January 31th Tax Due Dates
The IRS has delayed the start of tax season. The IRS will start processing 2015 individual tax returns on January 20.
January 15 is also a deadline for self-employed individuals, small business owners, American overseas contractors to file and to pay the estimated tax. A failure to pay 4th quarter estimated taxes will result in a penalty.
February 15th
February 15 is the tax filing deadline employees or international assignees to file a new Form W-4 with the employer and to claim exemption from withholding.
February 15 is the deadline for US financial institutions to mail out Form 1099-B. 1099-B form issued in case of sales of stock, bonds or mutual funds through a brokerage account. American expats living abroad should allow additional time for this form to arrive by mail.
March 15th Tax Due Dates
March 15 is the tax due dates for corporate tax returns. Usually this deadline is March 15. However, if March 15th falls on Saturday, this deadline is extended to the next business day that is March 17th. Americans living abroad with S-corporations must file Forms 1120, 1120A, and 1120S. If US taxpayers need additional time to collect all information, they have to request 6-month extension of time to file. In order to apply for an extension, they have to submit Form 7004 for corporations. This date is applicable to corporations that report income and expenses on a calendar-year basis.
April 15th Deadline
This is a deadline for various tax forms.
April 15 is a tax filing deadline to file individual tax returns for a tax year 2015. If additional time is required to collect all documents, then US taxpayers can request a 6-month extension. Any tax due must be paid in full by April 15.
April 15th is the deadline to make a contribution to IRA, Roth IRA, Health Savings Accounts, solo 401k and SEP-IRA. However, if an extension is filed, then self-employed taxpayers, American overseas contractors and small business owners can fund a SEP-IRA or solo 401k until October 15.
April 15th is the tax filing deadline to file estate income tax or trust income tax returns that is form 1041. Also, estates and trusts can request a 5-month extension by filing form 7004 by April 15th.
April 15th is also a tax filing deadline to file partnership tax returns or form 1065. An additional 5-month extension can requested by filing form 7004.
April 15 is also the final deadline to file a tax return for a tax year 2010 and still claim a refund. Per the statute of limitations the tax refunds expire three years from the original filing due date.
May 15th Deadline
May 15th is the tax filing deadline for non-profit organizations to file information returns or form 990.
June 15 Deadline
June 15 is the tax filing deadline for US citizens living abroad to file expat tax returns. American expats are not required to file an expatriate tax return by April 15 and they receive an automatic extension until June 15 to file an expat tax return. Additional 4-month extension must be requested by filing form 4868. Expat Tax CPAs at Artio Partners will be pleased to help and file an extension on behalf of its clients, American expats living abroad.
June 30th Deadline
June 30th is an important tax filing deadline for Americans living abroad and US persons with foreign financial accounts. FBAR or FinCen Form 114 must be electronically filed if the aggregate value of foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000. To learn more about What is FBAR, please refer to the link. This form does not have an extension so it is important to remember this deadline.
September 15th
September 15th is the deadline to file corporate tax returns for S-corporations and C-corporations. This is also a deadline for partnership and trust tax returns.
September 15th is the final deadline to file corporate tax returns if an extension was requested. (Forms 1120, 1120A, 1120S).
September 15th is the final tax filing deadline to file trust income tax returns (Form 1041) for the prior year if an extension was requested.
September 15th is the final deadline to file partnership tax returns (Form 1065) for the prior year if an extension was requested.
October 15th
October 15th is the final tax filing deadline to file individual tax returns for all US taxpayers including American expats living abroad, American overseas contractors, retirees and other US taxpayers.
Do you have more questions about the tax due dates to file Expat Tax Returns?
If American expats living and working abroad have additional questions about expat tax deadlines and need help with filing an extension, expat tax accountants at Artio Partners will be happy to assist you. Our international tax experts are here to help you.