Preparing to file your tax from oversea but don’t know where to start? These resources can help you get started.

What’s covered on this page

  1. Intro to tax filing in US

  2. What’s Federal vs. State tax?

  3. Documents for company employee

  4. Documents for self-employment and non-payroll workers

  5. Tools

  6. Resources 

1. Intro to tax filing in US

Usually you file tax return once a year for the income from previous year. Here’s the high level step of what the process may look like.

Process (Example of if you’re a W-2 employee)

  1. You receive your W-2 in January

  2. You collect required documents (e.g., tax documents from your bank etc)

  3. You use software such as turbotax or work with accountant to file your return

  4. You receive a check if you have refunds available

  5. If you owe some amount, you’d need to make a payment to IRS and/or State

Things to keep in mind

  • Required document may change depends on your employment status

  • Deadline for business and individual are different

  • Tax filing requirements are different based on the states

2. What’s Federal vs. State tax?

When filing tax in US, there’s typically two types of filing you’d need to prepare. Here’s high level difference between the Federal and State taxes.

Federal tax

  • Collected by the United States government

  • Filed with the IRS

State tax

  • Collected by individual state governments (e.g., state of California)

  • Filed with the state tax authority (e.g., California Franchise Tax Board).

Additional note

  • Different tax laws and rates apply for federal and state taxes

  • Income, deductions, and credits may vary between federal and state tax returns

  • Both taxes can typically be filed within the same process

3. Documents for company employee

Please note this is just an example and required documents may vary depending the complexity and personal circumstances.

Tax forms

  • W-2 forms

  • 1099 forms (e.g., 1099-INT, 1099-DIV) if relevant

  • California-specific tax forms

Forms to download from the banks and financial institution

  • Income statements from freelance work or other sources

  • Investment income statements

  • Retirement account contribution documents

Receipts and records (may not be relevant for everyone)

  • Records of deductible expenses (e.g., mortgage interest, property taxes)

  • Health insurance information (if purchased through Covered California)

  • Educational expense documentation

  • Social Security statements

  • Alimony or child support payment records

  • Previous tax returns

  • Form 1095-A (if applicable)

4. Documents for self-employment and non-payroll workers

Please note this is just an example and required documents may vary depending the complexity and personal circumstances.

Tax forms

  • 1099-MISC Forms

  • Self-Employment Tax Forms

Receipts and records (may not be relevant for everyone)

  • Profit and Loss Statement

  • Business Expense Receipts

  • Business Mileage Log

  • Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments

  • Home Office Deduction Documentation

  • Health Insurance Premiums

  • Retirement Contributions

  • Business Asset Purchase Records

5. Tools

Here’s some tools you can use to file taxes and/or find a financial professional to file your taxes.

Free tools (free and paid service available)

Where to find accountants

6. Resources