USA Foreign Earned Income Exclusion - Form 2555

[mparacha]

My client in a US national living and working abroad. He earned from employment (w2) $3,590. He is filing jointly and has social security income of $16,425 (excluded). Therefore, the total income and AGI is $3503.90. When I add Form 2555 for foreign earned exclusion, the total income (line 9, 1040) then becomes negative (-3,590). The software does not permit e-file since there is no income. Would it make sense to leave out the Form 2555 (foreign earned income exclusion)? Should I paper file. Any suggestions please?

 

[BIG E]

What makes you believe he's entitled to take the 2555 exclusion automatically?
Does he meet either the physical presence or bona fide presence test?

 

[mparacha]

What makes you believe he's entitled to take the 2555 exclusion automatically?
Does he meet either the physical presence or bona fide presence test?

He lives abroad and maintains dual citizenship. He also has a permanent home there. He seem to meet the bona fide presence test.