How to do US taxes on world cruise

[SAC725]

Going on a HAL world cruise.  It is over April and Tax day.  How do people do their taxes while cruising?

[Sue Do-Over]

Complete them before you leave...  The IRS will accept your return as early as Jan 1st, if you have all your documents.

 

[S1drfl]

This is what we did in 2016.  Paid estimated tax when requesting an extension.  Final paperwork/payment if any was then due in October.

[Philob]

1 hour ago, Sue Do-Over said:

Complete them before you leave...  The IRS will accept your return as early as Jan 1st, if you have all your documents.

 

Actually the IRS starts accepting them late January.  Jan 27, 2020 was the first acceptance date for 2019. Depending on how much the tax code is amended in the prior year form revisions are not finalized until then. Some states are a bit later because their forms have to be revised to match.

[nolatravelgirl]

You are required to pay by April 15th not necessarily file your full return. You can file your extension and pay your estimated taxes online for free. Easy peasey.

[navybankerteacher]

14 minutes ago, nolatravelgirl said:

You are required to pay by April 15th not necessarily file your full return. You can file your extension and pay your estimated taxes online for free. Easy peasey.

Exactly — unless you maintain precise records, you will need to get 1099’s, W-2’s etc. to properly file - and you cannot count on getting them before the end of February.  Just make sure you pay in full before you sail, then file return by October.

[ldubs]

You guys are making this too complicated.  Do what Steve Martin suggested.  Don't pay your taxes.  When the IRS knocks on your door, just say "I forgot".  If they get huffy, then say "Well EXCUSE ME!".  😄

[Hlitner]

One could file early assuming they have most of the necessary documents.  A follow up 1040X (Amended Return) could then be completed after the cruise.  Another option is to simply file for an extension (Form 4868) which even has some provisions for those who are out of the country.

 

Hank