As an ex-patriot, must I pay taxes United States taxes on Social Security Benefits? My income is simple: Soc Sec $15,288, Pension $7,644. According to the Notice 703 I get every year from Soc Sec, I then take one half of the Soc Sec, $7,644 add that to my pension of $3,785.76 and the total is $11,429.76. This is far below the base of $25,000 beyond which I would have to pay taxes. I have no income from the Philippines, no business, no job, and nothing from the gov't here.
I have read Pub 54 and Pub 915 but do not see how they apply to me.
Is this not right?
What forms in addition to 1040 do I send in with my return?
Thanks.
And if you calculate all your income, it is a determinant of whether your adjusted gross income rises to the threshold of taxation.
I don't know, however, what you mean by ex-patriot, nor am I sure that term has any legal or tax implication, unless you're referring to yourself as an Ex-Pat, something like the creative writers of Hemingway's and Fitzgerald's era and others who lived abroad. This is not a criticism of your spelling, but that word would be expatriate, which makes more sense. And that may or may not have tax implications, including whether or not you've renounced American citizenship, what your status is in the Phillipines, and similar issues.
Because of your expatriate situation, I agree with FF; you really need to consult with a tax pro as this could be a complicated issue. If you can't find one in the Phillippines, e-mail the IRS, fully explaining the situation and enumerating your questions. IRS will answer, but not always quickly, and you'll then have written advice on which you can rely.
I wouldn't call with a question like this; you need to have something in writing if the issue arises again.