"How do I determine if I owe taxes on money I earned outside of the US?"
If you earned money outside of the US, you may still be required to pay taxes on that income. The determination of whether you owe taxes on foreign income will depend on several factors, including the amount of income earned, the source of the income, and the tax laws of both the foreign country and the US.
The US generally taxes its citizens and residents on their worldwide income, regardless of where the income was earned. So, if you are a US citizen or resident, you will typically be required to report any foreign income on your US tax return.
To determine if you owe taxes on foreign income, you should gather all relevant documentation related to your income earned abroad, including pay stubs, bank statements, and tax forms from the foreign country where you earned the income. You can then use this information to determine your taxable income and any applicable deductions or credits.
It is important to note that the US does have tax treaties with many foreign countries that may prevent double taxation of income. These treaties can impact how much tax you owe and where you owe it. If you are unsure about whether a tax treaty applies to your situation or what the terms of a treaty may be, you should consult with a tax professional or attorney.
In addition to federal tax laws, there may be state and local tax laws that apply to foreign income. You should research the tax laws of your state and locality to determine if and how they tax foreign income.
Finally, it is important to keep detailed records of all your foreign income, expenses, and tax payments to ensure compliance with US tax laws. If you have concerns about your tax obligations for foreign income, you should consult with a tax professional or attorney for guidance.