I totally agree with PM. I am an American and have lived outside the US for 10+ years & have had to pay taxes every year. The 85,000 and 87,500 mentioned in the other emails is true, but are applicable for various years. The amount increases each year and you need to double check with your tax person. In regards to the individual states, each state is different due to various personal factors. There's no way around it. The IRS will find out somehow. I've been audited once before, due to my taxes varying wildly from year to year. If you end up being flag'd for an audit, they can tear your life apart for the previous 7 years. Also, there is no automatic extension from April 15. You have to apply for it. I use this option every year so that when I go home during my midyear break I can sign my tax return in person. A few times, my tax person has had to FEDEX it over here. They need your original signature. Good luck!