Relocation expenses = tax return
 

Hi all

I am an American citizen due to my father being from Pennsylvania.

In October 2017, I decided to move to NYC after being hired from abroad. My firm did not have to pay for my visa, as I am an American citizen.

My question here relates to taxable deductions, as I am currently filing taxes and seeing what deductions apply to my case.

I wondered if it was possible I could file for relocation expenses? Given that I satisfy the below criteria



Distance: Your new job location is at least 50 miles further away from your old home than your old workplace was from your old home.

Example: Brandon’s old job was 5 miles away from where he used to live. His new job is 55 miles away from where he used to live, so he qualifies for this deduction.

•Work time: As a general rule, you will work or you expect to work at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months after you arrive at your new job location.

I'm questioning whether I can use this deduction since I moved internationally, however I have been a US citizen since I was issued a US passport in 2014.

Many thanks in advance.

Re: Relocation expenses = tax return
 

Why were you not a US citizen at birth? Presumably/ hopefully you used streamlined procedures to catch up with 2014, 2015 & 2016. Moving expenses are indeed deductible - and treated as US source which is helpful.

Re: Relocation expenses = tax return
 

I hadn't filed taxes as I wasn't living in the USA nor was I earning US wages?

Re: Relocation expenses = tax return
 

Non-Resident USC Obligations : British Expat Wiki

HTH.

Re: Relocation expenses = tax return
 

My daughter’s partner was in a similar situation. Born in the USA to a US father and Australian mother. They moved to Australia when he was a toddler where he grew up, got his university degree and worked for several years before moving to the USA where he has been working since 2012. Once on the IRS radar he had to catch up with his delinquent filings. He worked with a suitably qualified tax accountant and caught up with his tax returns. I don’t believe he had any taxes to pay from his work in Australia but it did cost him a bunch of money in fees.

Re: Relocation expenses = tax return
 

That doesn't matter. USCs have to file annual tax returns no matter where they live in the world, and no matter where they get their income from.

There is a very low de minimis exemption - if you earn less than, I think, $4,000 you don't have to file an annual return for that year.

Re: Relocation expenses = tax return
 

Also don't forget to register for Selective Service if you are still below the cutoff age.

https://www.sss.gov/Registration-Info/Who-Registration