Final answer:
Helen can use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion to exclude up to the maximum allowed (approximately $108,700 as of 2022) from her U.S. taxable income. She must file a U.S. tax return and claim the exclusion with the appropriate forms. Any income above the exclusion limit is subject to U.S. taxes, and she may be eligible for a foreign tax credit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Helen, a U.S. citizen and CPA working in London, will need to contend with the rules of U.S. taxation for citizens living abroad. Under the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), U.S. citizens may exclude a certain amount of foreign-earned income from their U.S. taxable income if they meet the physical presence test or the bona fide residence test. As of 2022, the maximum exclusion amount is approximately $108,700. However, since tax laws can change and this figure is adjusted annually for inflation, Helen should verify the current year's exclusion limit with the IRS or a tax professional.
To claim the FEIE, Helen would need to file a U.S. tax return and report all her income worldwide, then specifically claim the exclusion by filing Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ. Assuming Helen's financial matters are more complex due to living abroad, she would likely need to file a more comprehensive tax form rather than the 1040EZ.
Any salary amount above the FEIE limit would remain part of Helen's gross income and be subject to U.S. income tax according to the prevailing rates. Moreover, she may also be subject to tax in the UK, and may be eligible for a foreign tax credit to avoid double taxation. It is highly recommended that Helen consult with a tax professional who is knowledgeable in expatriate tax issues to ensure compliance with both U.S. and UK tax laws.