U.S. expats in France should always remember that they are taxed by the U.S. government regardless of whether or not they live in the United States.

U.S. Citizens and resident aliens abroad are given a two month extension (June 15) to file their return, but still must pay all taxes by April 15th to avoid any interest charges. While you can still file an extension until October 15th for personal returns, taxes owed are still due on April 15th.

Americans abroad in France, as elsewhere, benefit from the foreign earned income exclusion and a housing exclusion, which are the following amounts based upon tax year:

2009 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Housing Expense Exclusion

Foreign earned income exclusion amount: For 2009, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion has increased to $91,400.

Housing expense exclusion amount: For 2009, the base housing amount has increased to $40.07 per day, or $14,624 for the entire calendar year.

2010 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Housing Expense Exclusion

Foreign earned income exclusion amount: The maximum foreign earned income exclusion will increase to $91,500.

Housing expenses-base amount. For 2010, the base housing amount has increased to $40.11 per day, or $14,640 for an entire calendar year.

These exclusions do not give one the right not to file a U.S. tax return! U.S. citizens still have to file a return by June 15, and pay all taxes by April 15 to avoid interest payments and penalities. While you can still file an extension until October 15th for personal returns, taxes owed are still due on April 15th.

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