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| You definitely have to file. As a US citizen living abroad, it doesn't matter if it is $1 or one million earned from a foreign source, the IRS wants to know about it. period. | |
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Interesting. The IRS doesn't seem to quite agree:
Filing Requirements
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, the rules for filing income, estate, and gift tax returns and for paying estimated tax are
generally the same whether you are in the United States or abroad.
Your income, filing status, and age generally determine whether you must file an income tax return. Generally, you
must file a return for 2010 if your
gross income from
worldwide sources is at least the amount shown for your filing status in the following table.
Filing Status* Amount
Single $9,350
65 or older $10,750
Head of household $12,050
65 or older $13,450
Qualifying widow(er) $15,050
65 or older $16,150
Married filing jointly $18,700
Not living with spouse at end of year $3,650
One spouse 65 or older $19,800
Both spouses 65 or older $20,900
Married filing separately $3,650
*If you are the dependent of another taxpayer, see the instructions for Form 1040 for more information on whether you must file a return.
This is from: Publication 54, Tax Guide for US Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad.
This is why I recommended reading up for yourself. Good intentions do not equal good or correct advice for your specific situation. So, if you were single and had only earned $7000, you would not have to file. As you are married and filing separately, you meet the minimum amount and have to file.