which turbo tax option should i use? (i live outside the USA)

Whether you are a resident alien eligible to file a Form 1040 depends on whether you meet the substantial presence test in IRS Publication 54.  To be a resident alien you must have been physically present in the U.S. for 31 days in 2019 and a total of 183 days counted this way:

• all the days of physical presence in 2019; plus,
• 1/3 of the days of physical presence in 2018; plus,
• 1/6 of the days of physical presence in 2017.

If that math adds to at least 183 days, you are eligible to file a Form 1040 as a resident alien.  If so, you will need the TurboTax version that matches your income and deductions.  For the TurboTax online products click here, and for the TurboTax CD/download products click here.

If you do not meet the substantial presence test and don’t have a green card, you are not eligible to file Form 1040, and instead must file a Form 1040-NR.  TurboTax does not support Form 1040-NR.  You can find the form at the IRS website and complete it manually, or hire a tax pro to prepare the tax return for you.