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Post by JJ on Mar 16, 2017 11:42:21 GMT 9
Hi Everyone,
It`s my first time filing taxes this year and I had a few questions.
I`m from the U.S, and I understand our taxes are a bit different compared to ALTs.
I know CIRs pay taxes in Japan and depending on where you are from, you also pay taxes in your home country.
For those paying taxes in their home country, do you guys pay just Federal tax return? Or both Federal and State Tax Return?
Also are we considered as our countries/state resident (ex. california resident)? or a Japanese resident?
Thank you!
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Post by CaptainSeery on Mar 16, 2017 11:48:00 GMT 9
You are most likely considered a Japanese resident for tax purposes. However, you do have to pay (or at least file) state taxes if you earned money in the US for the first half of 2016. The PAs in Bear Origin and Akita have prepared very useful tax guides for American JETs. There's actually not really anything different about filing your US tax return as an ALT or CIR (it's all on the Japanese side that it's different.) State taxes (obviously) differ by state, however, so to my knowledge there's no useful guides fo that. You'll have to look up that info on your own. |
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Post by marudate on Mar 21, 2017 10:20:31 GMT 9
The state question is the more difficult one and it ranges from you owe nothing and don't have to file to you are still considered a resident of your state and need to pay taxes on your Japanese income! This may be a useful starting point- I would closely read the law for your state regarding residency. Where you are registered to vote, have a driver's licence etc. tells a state you are intending to return there and may subject you to tax liability for that state while abroad. Contact a CPA or other expert if you are not sure what your status is or how to file: www.usexpattaxhelp.com/Expat-State-Tax-Return.php |
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Post by Dee on Feb 19, 2018 15:45:17 GMT 9
As a first year CIR from the US, filing taxes is pretty confusing.
I've already read through the Bear Origin and Akita tax guides for American JETs.
I earned income in the US the first half of 2017. My home state of TX does not have a state tax. Hubby and I decided to file separately to try and make things easier.
Any tips or suggestions?
Any one recommend an online tax service?
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Nurkiras
Dead Stargod 
Nawty Bard
ycdn
Posts: 8,401 
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Post by Nurkiras on Mar 12, 2018 13:19:44 GMT 9
As a first year CIR from the US, filing taxes is pretty confusing. I've already read through the Bear Origin and Akita tax guides for American JETs. I earned income in the US the first half of 2017. My home state of TX does not have a state tax. Hubby and I decided to file separately to try and make things easier. Any tips or suggestions? Any one recommend an online tax service? Hi yes it is a nightmare, as a California 1st year CIR last year I was in a very similar position (minus the spouse hue). The Bear Origin guide is really good, though. One thing that's tricky and messed me up - use the official Federal Reserve rates for dollars to yen to convert your foreign currency. Don't go with rates on the IRS website. Then type up a short statement saying exactly what rate you used and where you found it just for clarity and attach it to your return. Sorry if this is something you know already. I personally hand wrote/ mailed in my forms so not sure about efiling. This will probably then result in you having to verify it was really you who submitted them (not too tricky - just have all your photocopies of forms mailed in on hand when you call the number they will give you in the official mail asking you to verify your return.) As for state taxes, I don't know about TX but if it's like CA I think you will have to pay them the first year but the second year you should have been out of the country long enough to maybe not have to pay them. I am still checking on this myself, though, so I will post more when I know more. Sorry I don't know more! |
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Post by Dee on Mar 19, 2018 14:02:57 GMT 9
Thanks Nurkiras! Those are some helpful tips. Luckily TX doesn't have a state tax, so at least we don't have to worry about that. |
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Nurkiras
Dead Stargod
Nawty Bard
ycdn
Posts: 8,401
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Post by Nurkiras on Mar 19, 2018 14:14:22 GMT 9
wow I reread your initial post and you definitely said that, sorry! I don't think my brain has been working well recently.
You still have a while to submit your taxes (assuming you submitted the extension of filing time form) so good luck!
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Mumblesnore
Dead Stargod
’Tis the season (for Eggnog)
Posts: 16,154
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Tokyo
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Post by Mumblesnore on Mar 19, 2018 14:20:27 GMT 9
I just e-filed with Turbo Tax and it was kind of expensive but worth it for how much time and stress it saved me imo. (And I justified it because I was getting a tax refund that was way more than the cost of e-filing.
This year I'm not going to get a refund because I had no US income so I don't know if it's worth it to e-file again...
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Nurkiras
Dead Stargod
Nawty Bard
ycdn
Posts: 8,401
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Post by Nurkiras on Mar 19, 2018 14:37:30 GMT 9
2nd-year taxes are pretty straightforward, especially compared to the first year, but the peace of mind might be worth it haha
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bezgranic
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 5
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Wakayama
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Post by bezgranic on Aug 27, 2018 10:37:01 GMT 9
I was told some contradictory information concerning Form 6166. According to JET Program sources, we as CIRs are not eligible for the same tax break that ALTs are due to our different visa classification. As such, I did not apply for Form 8802. However, my contracting organization tells me that, according to the town hall, they believe that if I provide Form 6166 to them (or in their words: certification that I am an American resident), I am eligible to not pay Japanese taxes. Any ideas on what would be the appropriate way to proceed/correct party to contact in this regard?
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Post by marudate on Aug 27, 2018 10:53:38 GMT 9
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bezgranic
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 5
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Wakayama
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Post by bezgranic on Aug 27, 2018 12:52:53 GMT 9
I see. Thank you for clarifying!
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