[norcal]

Here’s the situation, created by equal parts fear, confusion and ignorance.

In 1999 got married to a Norwegian citizen and moved to Norway. I didn’t file taxes for that year (I just forgot. I am not even sure about the year before, since I have this weird “form phobia” that it takes me forever to fill out forms, There have been time when I have even not done my taxes in years where I was owed money because of my “form thing”, only to have to do them later.) anyway, I didn’t know that I would have to file US income tax forms while living in Norway until last year. It just didn’t occur to me I would have to do that. So since I found out I have been dragging my feet. I went to the IRS site and figure out what forms to fill out, but they are too complicated, and I can’t seem to find the right forms for my situation. I just get confused and frustrated and give up and bury my head in the sand. I don’t have a lot of money, and don’t personally earn more that $20,000 a year (except one year it was closer to $30,000, but usually between 10-20 thou). Here are the facts.

I am American citizen. I live in Norway and have for the past 7 years
I am self-employed in Norway
My husband is Norwegian and has never lived or worked in the U.S.(nor does he want to)
I pay taxes to the Norwegian Govt.

Can you please help point me in the right direction?

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Unless you have renounced your U.S. citizenship, you probably do owe tax returns to U.S. government.

It is likely that you do not owe any taxes, however, because of the Foreign Income Exclusion. The exclusion was $70,000 in 1999 and is $80,000 now, which more than covers what you earned.

Now you may owe self-employment taxes.

You need to get professional help from someone who is familiar with the tax treaty between the U.S. and Norway.