Searching for Tax Answers

Top 10 Most Searched Tax Questions: Answered

As tax season approaches, many Americans find themselves with a multitude of tax-related questions. In this section, we find and answer the most commonly searched questions within the United States.

When is tax day?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 22K

Tax Day in the United States is usually April 15. When April 15 falls within a weekend or on a holiday, Tax Day is the next business day. Expats get an automatic 2-month extension to June 15th and can request an extension till October 15th by submitting the request to the IRS.

What is FICA tax?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 20K

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax is a United States federal payroll tax imposed on employees and employers. It funds Social Security and Medicare (federal programs providing benefits to retirees, disabled people, and children of deceased workers).

How to file tax extension?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 17K

To file a tax extension in the US, you need to submit Form 4868 to the IRS before the annual filing deadline (usually April 15). This grants you up to an extra six months to file your tax return.

How long does it take to get tax refund?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 15K

The IRS typically issues refunds in less than 21 calendar days after they receive your tax return. E-filing and opting for direct deposit can expedite this process.

Where is my tax refund?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 14K

You may check your tax refund status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app. You’ll need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact amount of your refund.

How long does it take for tax refund to show in bank account after approved?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 14K

Once your tax refund is processed and approved, it usually takes about 5 days to be deposited into your bank account. However, this can vary based on your bank’s processing times.

What is capital gains tax?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 13K

The capital gains tax pertains to a tax imposed on the profit earned from selling a non-inventory asset at a price higher than the initial purchase amount. This tax typically applies to gains obtained through the sale of various assets such as stocks, bonds, precious metals, real estate, and property.

What is a tax ID number?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 12K

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a number used by the IRS in the administration of tax laws. It can be issued either by the Social Security Administration as an SSN or by the IRS as an ITIN or EIN (Employer Identification Number).

When is tax season?

Estimated Average Monthly Searches Over Last 12 Months: 11K

Tax season in the US typically starts in late January (IRS opens on Jan 29th in 2024)  and ends on April 15, which is the deadline for individuals to file their annual income tax returns unless an extension is filed.

What is OASDI tax?

OASDI stands for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. It’s the formal name for Social Security taxes in the United States and is part of the FICA tax.

Also Notable

In the US, Americans search for “When is tax day?” an estimated 22,000 times monthly, on average.

The states searching for “When is tax day?” the most over the last 5 years are:

1. Oklahoma
2. Tennessee
3. Utah
4. Texas
5. Kansas

Most Searched Expat Tax Questions: Answered

As for expatriate taxation, questions abound regarding how it works and its implications. In this section, we provide concise answers to the most pressing queries on expat tax matters, shedding light on the essentials of taxation for Americans living abroad.

Rank	Question	Answer
1	What is expat tax?	Expat tax refers to the tax obligations of expatriates — individuals living and working outside their home country. For US citizens who have renounced their citizenship status and long-term residents who have ended their permanent US residency, this includes continuing to file US taxes on global income, regardless of where they live or earn that income. Tax rules vary depending on the date of the taxpayer’s expatriation.
2	How does expat tax work?	US expats must file US tax returns annually if they meet the minimum income thresholds, which are the same as for stateside residents. This includes reporting all worldwide income. However, they may qualify for certain exclusions (like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) and credits (like the Foreign Tax Credit) in order to prevent double taxation.
3	How to file expat tax return?	Filing an expat tax return generally involves the same process as filing a domestic return but with additional forms. Expats must report their worldwide income on Form 1040. They may also need to file Form 2555 (for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) or Form 1116 (for the Foreign Tax Credit).
4	How does expat tax affect couples?	Expat tax can affect couples depending on their residency status and income sources. Married couples where both partners are US citizens, or one is a US citizen and the other a resident alien generally file jointly, including their global income. Tax implications can vary if one partner is a non-resident alien or if they reside in a country with different tax treaties or rules.
5	What tax form does an expat file?	Expats typically file Form 1040, the standard US individual income tax return. Additional forms may include Form 2555 for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Form 1116 for the Foreign Tax Credit. There may be other required forms based on individual circumstances, such as FBAR or FATCA reporting. Expatriated US citizens or long-term residents must also file Form 8845 annually.
6	Where to send expat tax returns?	US expats can file their tax returns electronically, which is the most efficient method. If mailing, the address varies based on whether a payment is included or not. The IRS provides specific addresses for international filers on their website.
7	How much is US expat tax?	The amount of US expat tax depends on various factors, including total global income, tax filing status, and eligibility for exclusions and credits. Expats may owe no US tax if their foreign-earned income is below a certain threshold and also qualifies for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, or if they can claim a credit for taxes paid to a foreign government.

Key Takeaways

• “What is expat tax?” is the most searched expat tax question.
• The international cities searching for “expat tax” the most over the last five years are:

1. Amsterdam
2. Dubai
3. Copenhagen
4. Cape Town
5. Singapore
6. London

Navigating the Complex World of Taxation

We’ve shed light on important tax questions that many people have, especially those living abroad. We’ve covered key information from expat tax basics to filing procedures to help you navigate the tax landscape. Remember, taxes can be complex and change, so it’s a good idea to consult experts for personalized advice. Staying informed and seeking professional guidance can make a big difference in managing your taxes effectively and with confidence.

Methodology

Greenback Tax used AHREFs to collect the most searched questions relating to “tax” and “expat tax.” Glimpse Search Trends data was also collected for regional data. All data was collected on January 23, 2024.

About Greenback Tax Services

Greenback Expat Tax Services is a leading tax consultancy firm specializing in expat taxation. With a commitment to simplifying the complexities of tax compliance for individuals living abroad, they offer expert guidance and services to help expats navigate the US tax system seamlessly. 

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