Filing my US taxes from Thailand and receiving a gift

I’m so lost. I’ve filed taxes every year I’ve lived abroad (this is year 6.) I’ve always filed FEIE. But I’m reading that the foreign tax credit is better as I have children that can be claimed. But when I open the form on the tax act website it gives me the spill about the simplified version and not being able to change that once I choose it. I have no idea what any of that means and I just find this so overwhelming.

If I knew I would definitely get a refund I would probably just pay one of the pros to help me, but if it’s only a maybe I don’t have that kind of splash cash.

I make a small amount of money-way under the threshold and am not self employed. Any advice? I’m so stressed .

Secondly Receiving one-time cash gifts while abroad – what are my reporting requirements as the recipient? In this case, a retired parent in the US is interested in gifting a small cash amount from the sale of their house to me in Thailand (via transferwise). Before I accept their generosity, I really want to know which forms I need to be aware of for next year’s filings and any thresholds? What about for the donor?

I know about FBAR thresholds and needing to report on Form 114 if I exceed this year. Thank you for any caution and advice.

“What is your point of difference”? is a question often asked by Joe Samaga, co-creator of PURE. The ability to set yourself apart from the rest is what Joe prides himself on. The creation of PURE is a balance of ideas, ethics and responsibility.

Stephen Buchanan, co-creator of PURE says “What we wanted was a product that minimises carbon footprint, utilising only natural ingredients, without the use of synthetics and industrial manufacturing”.

With combined experience’s from around the globe, the partnership has brought to Shanghai a new wave of skin and hair care. PURE not only offers you a safety conscious product buy sustainability and peace of mind.

Stephen Buchanan, a native of the United Kingdom started his training as a hairstylist and colourist in London in 1992. Seizing the opportunity to travel whilst gaining international hairdressing experience he left London in 1995. Having styled hair in Europe, Australia, and Asia, he now resides here in Shanghai running a boutique hair studio in the french concession.

Almost 20 years in the industry has given Stephen says, “In the hair and skin products industry, the use of chemicals is common proactive but we need to start looking at the natural alternatives in this environment, PURE is innovation in Shanghai.”

Joe Samaga, co-creator of PURE, has extensive experience in retail and design. Ten years with Nordstorm, running his own visual merchandising and events business in Seattle, building on his own visual experience in Shanghai have all lead to the creation of PURE.

What inspires Joe are the connections made between people. A cause for those in need, sustaining strong friendships and aiding individuals in their endeavours are a few ways he connects. Sometimes this can be done simply by conveying the passion behind the product. Producing, promoting and selling PURE is as natural to Joe as the range itself.

PURE SOAPS are made entirely by hand with natural and organic ingredients. Blended with olive oil, coconut oil and vitamin E oil, natural essential oils and exfoliants.

Pure Soaps can be found at:

NUZI

Shop 30, 248 Tai Kang Road

Shanghai

+86 21 54653245

nuzi.com.cn

PURE STUDIO

House 11

133 Mao Ming South Road

Luwan District

Shanghai

+86 21 64735306

mypure.com.hk