The Easiest Way to File Taxes for a US Expat in Germany

*FYI - this post may affiliate links, which means we earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For the full scoop on what this means, feel free to check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

Are you an American expat living and working abroad? Are you also struggling or uncertain about how to file your US taxes while doing so? Cast those worries away because we have the easiest guide to file taxes for a US Expat to get you going!

Whether you are employed, freelancing, or even just needing to catch up on the current thresholds

Together with the experts at My Expat Taxes, we have created the greatest hassle-free guide to get you up to date on all the US expat tax info and get you on your way to filling your next statement with ease!

In this post, we’ll cover…

  • US Expat tax filing basics
  • 2022 US Expat tax deadlines
  • Who is required to file US taxes abroad
  • How to file your US taxes abroad

If you are interested in trying their hassle-free tax filing software, use code BIM10 for 10% off!

Tax Filing Basics for American Expats Living Abroad

Regardless of where you live, where you work, or where you keep your income, US citizens are required to annually file a US tax return ( honestly a bit unfair in our opinion, taxation without representation, who dis?)

However, it is important to know that there Is always a yearly change in threshold requirement for tax filing, so make sure you check the updated details every year.

In this article, we will be sharing the details for correctly filing your 2021 US taxes.

US Expat Tax Filing Deadlines for 2022

The Easiest Way to File Taxes for a US Expat in Germany
Check out My Expat Taxes for more helpful graphics!

Who is required to file US taxes abroad?

If you are a single person, you will need to file a US tax return if you are:

  • Under 65 years old and have a gross income of at least $12,550
  • Over 65 years old and have a gross income of at least $14,250

As a legally married person and your spouse is a US citizen or Green cardholder, you both need to file a US tax return if you:

  • Are both under 65 years old with a combined gross income of at least  $25,100
  • One spouse is 65 or older, and the combined gross income is at least  $26,450
  • Both spouses are 65 and older, with a combined gross income of at least  $27,800

As an American citizen living abroad who is married to a non-US spouse, or someone who does not want to be included on your tax return, you will need to file a US tax return:

  • At any age, if gross income is at least $5 or more
The Easiest Way to File Taxes for a US Expat in Germany
Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

US Expat Tax Filing Requirements for Self-Employed Individuals

However, if you are a self-employed person, it is essential to be aware that you have a separate eligibility requirement.

For self-employed individuals, the threshold is typically much lower. Currently, if you are a self-employed US citizen abroad you will need to file your US taxes if your worldwide income net earnings are a minimum of $400

*Net earnings are the total amount of sales revenues after operating/business expenses, interest, tax, etc…*

Which US Expats are not required to file US taxes abroad? (Non-Filer)

If you are a person who has no income or your income falls below the annual threshold, you are not required to file for the year.

Even if that is the case, it is still good to know that even if you did not earn the eligible amount there are still some potential benefits that can be received if you file regularly ( I.e the stimulus check during covid).

@boredinmunich

#ad Thanks for keeping our ?? team members educated @myexpattaxes #workabroad #expatingermamy #munichcity #filingtaxesabroad

♬ Midnight City – M83

Our US Expat Tax Filing Recommendation

When it comes to filing your US Expat Taxes, My Expat Taxes has been our personal go-to software (one of our team members even had to file over 10 years of back taxes…so lots of experience with them!)

Not only do they have a great set of flat-rate pricing options, but their filing software makes the process lightning fast with the most amazing team behind it always ready to support.

We would recommend you go take a look at what they offer

Even if you are not yet ready to jump into filing, they offer a wide arrange of incredibly helpful blog articles and information on their website and social media accounts.

Check out My Expat Taxes here ?

Website: https://www.myexpattaxes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myexpattaxes/

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/usexpattaxsupport

Any Important Topics About Filing US Expat Taxes We Forgot To Mention?

Let us know in the comments! We hope you found this guide helpful.

Aspen
Latest posts by Aspen (see all)

    Leave a Comment