What are my tax obligations in Thailand and the US as a remote worker with a DTV visa?

U.S. Taxes Thailand Taxes Tax Obligations DTV Visa Foreign Tax Credits Remote Work Taxes

Nov 8, 2024

5 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Question regarding taxes:

I'm a US citizen and work remotely. My work is not stable, I pick up different contracts throughout the year.

I arrived to Thailand on a DTV late October 2024. I plan to stay though Songkran and extend for an additional 6 months. That puts me at more than 180 days for calendar year 2025. What are my tax obligations? Do I need to pay Thailand & US taxes?

I traveled for over 10 months internationally 2024 but didn't stay in one place for more than 180 day so I'm assuming it's ok for this year.

TIA!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A U.S. citizen, working remotely in Thailand on a DTV visa, inquires about tax obligations given their planned stay exceeding 180 days into 2025. They express concern about paying taxes both in Thailand and the U.S. The comments suggest that typically, individuals do not need to pay taxes in two countries and that many expatriates may defer tax submissions until a clearer picture emerges. Furthermore, they highlight the process for credits on foreign taxes paid.

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Deepak *******

You never pay taxes in two countries. America encourages people to pay tax in their host country and then take a foreign tax credit from their US tax obligation. I have done it multiple times in my life. IRS Form 1116 is for foreign tax credits.

5 days ago

Michael ********

@Deepak ******

wrong advice since not all countries have DTAs to avoid that. There is a DTA between Thailand and USA but he might very well end up paying taxes in both only that the tax in one country can be deducted from the tax in the other (requires earnigs well above $100k). Very likely he will need to pay in Thailand if he wants to be legally correct and not infringe taxes. The poor Thai government probably has issues tracking everything but remissions to Thai Bank accounts, so if you just spend with your foreign CC you might be fine for a few more years, but no guarantees for how long and if they ever come after you when AI has evolved enough...

5 days ago

Greg ********

@Deepak ******

Were you US tax resident though and just working temporarily overseas? What happens if you are a US Citizen but tax resident in Singapore? I remember my boss paid Singapore taxes and then owed some to the USA as well which I am sure the company covered.

5 days ago

Deepak *******

@Greg *******

You can owe taxes in the US after paying taxes in the host country. But the US encourages that you pay tax first in the host country and take a credit from US tax obligations.

The US has a worldwide taxation policy for its citizens and residents; it does not matter where you earned your money or where you are living. You cannot escape US taxation unless you renounce your citizenship or residency.

5 days ago

Greg ********

@Deepak ******

I know how it works. I mentioned my old bossxwas doing it but primary tax residency was Singapore. USA tax after that will various allowances. I also know companies often pay tax differences as a benefit.

5 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Sefton ********

@Deepak ******

there are plenty of times when people pay taxes in both countries.

Any time you pay a lower rate in one country protected under a dta then the difference is due to the second country.

Both countries need a tax return and the tax credit from country A is used against the total due in country B

5 days ago

Deepak *******

@Sefton *******

Most countries where an American can earn money already have DTTs with the US.

5 days ago

Greg ********

@Deepak ******

They do but as I said my boss was based in Singapore - they had first dibs on his tax. He then paid tax on earnings over whatever limit it was 120k or whatever.

5 days ago

Toni *******

@Deepak ******

dta means exactly what

@Sefton *******

said

5 days ago

Reply to

Toni *******

Greg ********

To be honest I would not even worry about it for now. Wait and see what happens with the 95+% of Retirement Visa holders who have never submitted a tax return but are meant to next year. Your tax submission would be end March 2026 - plenty time to think about it later unless you are remitting 100's of 1000's USd into Thailand in 2025

5 days ago

Andy ************

@Greg *******

Smart advice. Hardly any retirees are going to submit a tax return. Are the tax inspectors going after pensioners, whilst ignoring the billionaires? There will be an amnesty at the very most

5 days ago

Reply to

Andy ************

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