How Long Can I Live in the US Without Paying Taxes?

Understanding Tax Residency in the US

So, you're wondering how long you can live in the US without paying taxes? It's a question many non-citizens and even citizens ask, especially those considering long-term stays or relocating. Well, here's the deal—it’s not as simple as just setting up camp in the States and forgetting about taxes. The IRS has clear rules about who pays taxes and when.

The Basics of Tax Residency

First off, you need to understand what "tax residency" means. In the US, taxes are typically determined by your residency status. If you’re considered a tax resident, you must pay taxes on worldwide income, not just what you earn within the US.

• US Citizens and Green Card Holders: If you're a US citizen or a permanent resident (Green Card holder), the answer is clear: you must pay taxes no matter where you live.

• Non-Residents: If you’re a non-resident, you may not be required to pay taxes unless you have earned income from US sources. That’s where things start to get tricky.

The Substantial Presence Test: A Key Factor

What is the Substantial Presence Test?

This is one of the primary methods the IRS uses to determine whether someone is a tax resident. Basically, it looks at how long you’ve been in the US over the past 3 years.

Here’s how it works:

• 31 days in the current year, and

• 183 days over the last 3 years, with a weighted formula (all days in the current year count as one day, but only 1/3 of the days from the previous year and 1/6 of the days from two years ago).

If you meet these conditions, you’re considered a tax resident and required to file and pay taxes.

Exceptions to the Rule

But hold on a second! There are exceptions to this rule. You could still be considered a non-resident alien if:

• You have a visa (like a tourist visa or business visa) that doesn’t allow for long-term stays, and

• You can prove that you don’t meet the substantial presence test, even after spending time in the US.

Phew, so if you're planning a short stay, this may be good news. But it’s crucial to keep track of the number of days you’re in the US, especially if your trip might span multiple years.

What About Income?

Income Earned in the US

Let’s say you’re in the US for a year and you’re not a tax resident. If you earn money while you’re there, you might still owe taxes on that income. This includes wages, rents, or income from business activities conducted within the US.

• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: One potential way to avoid paying taxes on income is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, where you can exclude up to a certain amount of your income from US taxes (around $108,700 in 2021).

No US Income, No Taxes?

If you’re not earning any income from US sources, and you're in the country as a tourist or for a temporary stay, then you may not have to pay taxes. Just make sure that your stay doesn’t push you into tax residency.

The Importance of Keeping Track of Your Days

This part is super important! Honestly, it’s easy to lose track of how long you've been in the country, especially if you travel frequently. It’s always a good idea to keep records of your arrivals and departures, and stay updated on the rules around tax residency.

I remember chatting with a friend a while back who got caught off guard by this. He thought he could stay for six months without filing taxes, only to find out later that he had exceeded the 183-day threshold. The IRS doesn’t take lightly to people who try to game the system, so always double-check your days.

Conclusion: How Long Can You Stay in the US Without Paying Taxes?

To sum it all up, you can live in the US for a period of time without paying taxes, but only if you’re careful about your residency status and income. The Substantial Presence Test is the key factor, and you need to keep track of how long you’ve stayed. If you’re not earning US-based income and your stay doesn’t qualify you as a resident, you could avoid taxes—at least for a while.

But honestly, tax rules are complex, and it’s always better to consult a tax professional if you’re unsure. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of hassle down the road.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.