Just FYI your dad is probably from the generation that doesn't trust digital stuff with taxes. My mom freaked out when I told her I file electronically every year and don't mail paper forms. She still insists on printing everything and keeping paper copies "just in case." Some people just prefer the old way of doing things.

Don't forget to check if your W-2 has any special entries in boxes 12-14! Those can have codes that affect your tax situation, and sometimes they don't scan properly in photos. I missed a student loan repayment benefit code one year and ended up having to file an amendment.

ugh the IRS is such a mess this year. my return has been stuck since january smh

I've been dealing with IRS transcripts for years and these codes are actually pretty routine. The 570 just means they're taking a closer look at something on your return - could be as simple as verifying your identity or checking if your withholdings match what employers reported. The 971 notice will tell you exactly what they need. In most cases, you don't need to do anything unless the notice specifically asks for documentation. Try not to stress too much, the majority of these holds get released automatically once their systems finish cross-checking everything.

Let me clarify a few things about audits and refunds that might help you understand what's happening: 1. First, the IRS cannot take your 2024 refund until the audit is complete and they've determined you actually owe money. 2. Once the audit is complete, they'll send you a Notice of Deficiency (CP3219A or 90-day letter). 3. You'll have 90 days to either pay the amount, appeal through Tax Court, or request an audit reconsideration. 4. Only after this process is complete and if you have a confirmed debt will they potentially offset your refund. 5. Even then, you can request a payment plan that might prevent them from taking your entire refund. This step-by-step process takes time, so your 2024 refund is likely safe for now unless you already have confirmed debts from previous years.

I'm going through something similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add that if you're a gig worker like Uber/DoorDash, make sure you have ALL your documentation organized before they ask for it. I learned the hard way that they want detailed mileage logs, not just estimates. Also, don't panic about the audit itself - mine has been going on for 3 months and my 2024 refund came through just fine last month. The IRS agent I spoke with explained that audits and current year refunds are handled by completely different departments, so one doesn't automatically affect the other. One tip that helped me: I created a simple spreadsheet with dates, starting/ending locations, miles driven, and purpose for each trip. It made responding to their requests much easier than digging through months of scattered receipts.

Welcome to the expat tax world! I've been living in the UAE for 3 years now and went through the exact same confusion when I first moved. The advice here is spot-on - you'll definitely need to file US returns annually regardless of your dual citizenship status. One additional thing to consider: since you're moving to a zero-tax jurisdiction like Saudi Arabia, you won't have any foreign taxes to credit against your US liability. This makes the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion even more valuable for you compared to expats in high-tax countries who might benefit more from the Foreign Tax Credit. Also, start thinking about your banking situation now. Many US banks will close accounts for expats due to compliance issues, so you might want to research expat-friendly banks or credit unions before you move. And definitely keep a US address (family/friend) for banking and IRS correspondence - a lot of financial institutions require it. The learning curve is steep but manageable once you get the hang of the annual filing requirements. Good luck with the move!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone who's been considering a similar move to the Middle East for work, I'm realizing there are so many tax implications I hadn't considered. @Daniel Price - one thing I'd add to all the great advice here is to consider getting professional help for at least your first filing as an expat. The learning curve is steep and the penalties for missing required forms (like FBAR or Form 8938 for foreign financial assets) can be severe. Even if you use one of the AI tools mentioned, having a tax professional review everything the first year can give you peace of mind. Also, since you're moving so soon, make sure to notify the IRS of your address change using Form 8822 once you're settled in Saudi Arabia. This ensures you receive any important correspondence at your new address abroad. The dual citizenship aspect really doesn't change your US tax obligations at all - the US taxes based on citizenship, not residency. But the silver lining is that with Saudi's zero income tax and your salary being under the FEIE threshold, you'll likely owe no US taxes while still maintaining compliance. Just don't forget about the filing requirements!

Quick question - does the effective tax rate calculation include state taxes too? My marginal federal rate is 22% but my state adds another 6%. Should I be looking at combined effective rate or keep them separate?

Great question! I think you're getting hung up on the mechanics when the real value of effective tax rate is in decision-making. Your calculation is absolutely correct - you'll owe about $3,424.50 in federal taxes. But here's why effective rate matters: it tells you that you're only paying 7.9% of your total income in taxes, not the 12% that your tax bracket suggests. This distinction becomes crucial when you're making financial decisions. For instance, if someone offers you a $2,000 bonus, you might think "oh no, that's taxed at 12%" and worry about owing $240. But in reality, that bonus only increases your effective rate slightly (from 7.9% to about 8.2%), and your overall tax burden remains much lower than that 12% bracket would suggest. Understanding your effective rate helps you see the bigger picture of your tax situation and avoid the common mistake of thinking all your income gets taxed at your highest bracket rate.