I am a Canadian (I do carry a citizenship) and also a US green card holder (since 2005). I am currently living and working in Canada. My green card is going to expire in 2015. I started work in Canada since Dec. 2007, however, I never file any tax in US, but I file tax in Canada since I start working in Canada.

Before 2007, I was studying in Canada, therefore, I had no income before 2007.

I just noticed that all of the green card holder need to be file for oversea income in US no matter where you live.

My questions are:
1) How should I file my previous tax in US?
2) Will I get any penalty for filing previous year's tax in US?

Basically, I would need some suggestions on what action should I take at this point, and how should I approach it.

Thanks anyone for providing me the suggestions!

You DO need to file U.S. tax returns from 2007 forward, but you likely owe NO taxes due to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or the Foreign Tax Credit.

You WANT to file your 2008 return FIRST, because you are probably eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, which you FORFEIT if you do not file by 15 April 2012.

Once the 2008 return is filed (it MUST be mailed), you can then mail 2007, 2099, and 2010 at your leisure, then file the 2011 return electronically.

If you want my professional help, double-click on my title above and scroll down to my profile/signature. You will find my email address and websites there.

Thanks, AtlantaTaxExpert.

One more question, the name appear on my green card is one letter different with my name on Canada legal document. Will this cause any problem when I file my US tax returns?



You DO need to file U.S. tax returns from 2007 forward, but you likely owe NO taxes due to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or the Foreign Tax Credit.

You WANT to file your 2008 return FIRST, because you are probably eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, which you FORFEIT if you do not file by 15 April 2012.

Once the 2008 return is filed (it MUST be mailed), you can then mail 2007, 2099, and 2010 at your leisure, then file the 2011 return electronically.

If you want my professional help, double-click on my title above and scroll down to my profile/signature. You will find my email address and websites there.

Use the name on the green card (under the assumption that is also the name on your U.S. Social Security card), as that is the name on the IRS database.

Other than that, there should be no problems.

In my case, I think I will need to fill in Form1040 and FBAR. Is there any other form that I need to fill in for US tax returns?

Thanks, AtlantaTaxExper.

If you are claiming the Foreign Tax Credit, Form 1116.

If you are claiming the Foreign earned Income Exclusion, Form 2555.