IRS video presentations for taxpayers abroad

With the June 15, 2015, filing deadline for Americans abroad fast approaching, the Internal Revenue Service has launched five new online videos and expanded other online resources designed to help taxpayers, especially those living abroad, meet their US tax obligations.

By law, Americans living abroad, as well as many non-US citizens, must file a US income tax return. In addition, key tax benefits, such as the foreign earned income exclusion, are only available to those who file a US return. These online resources are designed to help affected taxpayers understand how these rules apply to them.

Five new videos are now available on the IRS YouTube page. Now available are:

• International Taxpayers -- Filing Requirements. Learn about the requirements for filing an individual income tax return including income limits while living abroad.
• International Taxpayers -- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Find out who is eligible, what income qualifies and how to claim the exclusion.
• International Taxpayers -- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This video helps non- U.S. citizens determine if they need an IRS-issued tax reporting number, known as an ITIN, and how to apply for one.
• International Taxpayers -- Filing status for a U.S. taxpayer married to a foreign spouse.
• International Taxpayers -- Introduction to the IRS web site for international taxpayers.

An upcoming video will deal with the foreign tax credit.

The IRS has also added two new international tax topics to Tax Trails the agency's interactive online tool that helps taxpayers get answers to their general tax questions.

The new topics are:

• Am I Required to File a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (for U.S. Citizens/Resident Aliens Living Abroad and Nonresident Aliens)?
• Filing Status of a U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien Married to a Nonresident Alien.The International Taxpayers page on IRS.gov is packed with information designed to help taxpayers living abroad, resident aliens, nonresident aliens, residents of U.S. territories and foreign students. Among other things, the web site features a directory of overseas tax preparers.