US Tax Resources to Clear Up the Confusing Stuff
Posts
Stay up to date with the latest from our blog.
US tax resources
Tax preparation checklists
Get organized before you file. Use our simple tax preparation checklist to gather the right forms, receipts, and records—whether you’re filing as an individual or running a small business—so your appointment is faster, easier, and less stressful.
tax preparation checklist
Where is my refund?
Quickly look up the status of your federal and state tax refunds in one place. Use our links to the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool and each state’s refund tracker to see when your money is on its way.
All your common tax questions, answered.
Do I need to file US income tax if I live in Germany?
Yes. All U.S. citizens and green card holders must file a U.S. federal income tax return, even if they live abroad. Certain exclusions (like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) may reduce your taxable income, but filing is still required.
What if I live in a “no income tax” state in the USA?
If your home state has no income tax (like Texas or Florida), you may not need to file a state return. I’ll check your residency rules carefully to make sure you’re not paying unnecessary state taxes.
How does US taxation work for military stationed overseas?
Military pay is generally taxable by the U.S., even while abroad. However, special rules apply for combat pay, PCS moves, and overseas housing allowances. I specialize in U.S. military tax filings in Germany and can ensure you don’t miss benefits.
Should I file MFJ or MFS?
I’ll help you decide between Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS). The choice affects credits, deductions, and sometimes state tax obligations.
What if I am stationed in another European country?
I work with service members and expats across Europe. Whether you’re in Germany, Italy, Belgium, or another NATO country, I’ll make sure your U.S. tax return is filed correctly.
At USA Tax, we handle a wide range of U.S. tax situations for Americans living in Germany and across Europe.
Here are some common filings we cover:
Included Tax Situations
- Social Security and Investment Income — Limited dividends, interest, and U.S. Social Security benefits.
- W-2 Income — U.S. or military employment income reported on Form W-2.
- Foreign Earned Income (FEIE) — Taxpayers eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or Foreign Tax Credit.
- Standard Deduction — Taxpayers who take the standard deduction instead of itemizing.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — For qualifying taxpayers, including those stationed overseas.
- Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) — For U.S. citizens and families abroad.
- Education Credits (Form 8863) — American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits.
- Retirement Income (Form 1099-R) — Pensions, annuities, or IRA distributions.
- Unemployment Income (Form 1099-G) — Reported U.S. unemployment benefits.
Excluded or Specialized Tax Situations
While we specialize in U.S. expat and military filings, certain cases may require additional review or custom pricing:
- Itemized Deductions — Complex itemizing beyond standard deductions.
- Schedule C Self-Employment Income — Freelancers or independent contractors.
- Rental Income (Schedule E) — Properties, Airbnbs, or passive rental income.
- Capital Gains — Sale of stocks, crypto, or real estate.
- Business Income and Partnerships — Corporations or LLCs requiring separate filings.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) — Contributions or withdrawals.
- Amended or Prior-Year Returns — Returns requiring corrections or back filing.
- Other Complex Situations — Including estate filings, trusts, or large investment portfolios.