Paying US taxes in Japan

Hello,

Does anyone have any recommendations for individuals/companies that can help Americans file US tax returns from Japan. I moved here in October and need to pay my US taxes. For the first year or so, I would like some help if possible. Who would anyone recommend?

Thanks in advance!

First of all, you do not say whether you own a company or just work for one. Do you work for a Japanese company or a US one? If you are just an English teacher I wouldn't sweat it.

As of 2006 you are exempt from paying US taxes if you made under the equivelant of US$82,400, but there are rules for housing allowances, etc. that will lower you base for paying taxes. Just check out this link from the Tax Almanac concerning ex-patriates. There is no need wasting your time and energy on a lawyer or accountant or anything like that if you made under that. All the info you may need should be there.

In all the years I lived and worked in Japan, I never once filed a return and was not questioned by the IRS when I returned to the US and started working again even though I had my own business teaching English. My yearly Social Security information bulletin just shows those years as having $0.00 income. Also, I netted less than the $80,000 required to file a return. My accountant made sure of that.

If you fit that criteria, I wouldn't sweat it. If you don't, you only have a week left and I would get going if I were you.