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Your USA TAX OBLIGATIONS
COMPLY WITH THE US TAX LAWS!
Every J-1 visa holder in the US must file a tax return at the end of the tax year. It's the law!
We offer a 100% guarantee to file a compliant Tax Return with the Federal Government and with the State(s) you worked in and get you the maximum legal tax refund available to you.
Tax Filing season begins January 27, 2025. The Deadline for Filing Tax Returns is April 15, 2025 for Residents and June 16, 2025 for Non-Residents.
If you Missed the Deadline, reach out to us!
Who Must File
Aliens temporarily present in the United States as students, trainees, scholars, teachers, researchers, exchange visitors, and cultural exchange visitors are subject to special rules with respect to the taxation of their income.
With the new Tax Law changes of 2018, all non-residents will pay tax on all money earned in the USA. There is no minimum dollar amount of income that triggers a filing requirement for a non-resident alien, including a foreign student or a foreign scholar.
What happens if I owe money to the IRS and I don't file?
If you don't file your tax returns, you might lose refunds that you are entitled to and you might incur tax penalties and fines for the tax due.. Tax debt doesn't go away! It only adds up with fines and penalties with time passing. Tax debt might impact your future US Visa Application and a future immigration application.
FAQ
Am I a Resident or Non-Resident for Tax Purposes?
Answer:
Most J1-Cultural Exchange /Visitors Summer Work & Travel are considered Non-Residents. But, if you meet the "Substantial Presence Test", you could be treated like a Resident, which may result in higher Refunds).
Substantial Presence Test
IRS Link:https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/substantial-presence-test
"You will be considered a United States resident for tax purposes if you meet the substantial presence test for the calendar year. To meet this test, you must be physically present in the United States (U.S.) on at least:
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31 days during the current year, and
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183 days during the 3-year period that includes the current year and the 2 years immediately before that, counting:
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All the days you were present in the current year, and
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1/3 of the days you were present in the first year before the current year, and
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1/6 of the days you were present in the second year before the current year.
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Can I use Tax Software (Eg.Turbotax) to file the tax return myself?
Answer:
No, since you are considered a Non-Resident for Tax Purposes (unless you meet the "Substantial Presence Test"
Tax Programs (Like TURBOTAX or others) are made for US Citizens and US Residents. Using these programs might result in a higher Federal Tax Refund, but it would be considered TAX FRAUD because you would be claiming exemptions that you are not entitled to. You might receive your Refund, but once the IRS realizes the mistake, you will get a Tax Bill, with penalties, interest and even criminal charges. Don't play with Uncle Sam!
Can Tax Treaty Benefits be claimed by J1 Exchange Vistors, to Reduce Tax Liability?
Answer:
Unfortunately, J1 Cultural Exchange Visitors /Summer Work and Travel usually cannot claim Tax Treaty Benefits