Well, if we weren’t considered residents, basically no one abroad would be. Geez. We have a house, voting registration, driver’s license and storage locker filled with our stuff in Maryland; husband is long-time overseas but a W2 employee of a DC-based INGO, paying taxes in Maryland; son is also getting his diploma from a Maryland school as an independent dual-enrolled learner, specifically meeting all Maryland graduation requirements. Literally the only box he couldn’t tick would be physical presence. I’d hate to have him need to take his gap year in the US and support himself 50 percent just for that reason. I mean, he theoretically could, but geez!
Will definitely look into that. And here I thought it was pretty standard – given that in-state systems are supposed to benefit the taxpayers of those states, and most Americans abroad are taxpayers of their states, too. If it’s not the case, it would be a shame and a disgrace.
But yet another reason I’m glad I check the threads on this board!!!
US Citizens living abroad are required to file US taxes…every year. And if you have certain income to also pay US taxes (one of the only countries with this requirement). So we do in fact pay federal taxes.
@CValle It is very likely that you will be considered in state in MD, check the school’s website for requirements for being considered in state for tuition purposes. Except for the state you consider your residence it won’t matter in other states. I think residency can become rather “grey” for people who have lived overseas for a long time. For example, I have a friend who is from Texas originally while her husband is from Florida. Their oldest son went to school in Florida as an in state student. Now their younger son is a junior wants to go to school in Texas now the parents are trying to show they are residents there. I think it will be hard for them to get in state in Texas given this scenario.These schools have become savvy about recognizing these types of situations, and residency rules have become stricter.