Can a US citizen living abroad e-file their US 1040 return or does it have to be paper filed?

[poolcleaner · Accepted solution]

I certainly hope they can e-file since I have been filing that way for the same 3 or 4 clients for over 10 years with no issues.

[May0716]

Good Afternoon, 

I was wondering if I can ask for your assistance.  I have a client who is working in Dubai, she is a US citizen and her company hasn't given her any assistance on how she should follow her taxes.  She was asking for my help but I was trying to figure out how to file taxes for her.  I do not have any experience in filing taxes for someone working abroad.  Would it be a regular 1040?  Should we report income on a Sch C and take out some expenses and then let her pay taxes on the remaining amount?  She's not receiving a w2 so that's what I'm assuming.  Or are there specific questions I should be asking her to get the information I need to file for her.  As you know, irs is closed for questions so I thought I would try to seek help here.

[PhoebeRoberts]

Refer her to someone who specializes in expat taxation. 

My suggestion would be whichever of the Big Four have offices closest to her. They'll know about both the US side and the Emirati side.