Taxpayers Outside U.S. Who Qualify For Two-Month Extension Must File 2010 Returns By June 15

Taxpayers outside the U.S. who qualify for an automatic two-month extension must file their 2010 federal income tax returns by June 15, IRS said in a reminder. (IR 2011-66) This deadline applies to U.S. citizens and resident aliens who both live and work outside the country, and to members of the military serving outside the U.S. Taxpayers utilizing this extension must attach a statement to their return specifying which of these conditions applies, IRS stressed. Most taxpayers abroad now qualify to use IRS Free File to prepare and electronically file their returns, IRS said. According to the agency, higher-income taxpayers should explore this option due to the foreign earned income exclusion. The $58,000 income limit applies after the exclusion of up to $91,500 is subtracted. Consequently, this makes Free File available to many higher-income taxpayers. Taxpayers who cannot meet the June 15 deadline can receive an automatic extension until Oct. 17. This is an extension of time to file, not an extension of time to pay, IRS noted.