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Non-citizens and tax filing

Everyone living and working in the United States owes taxes, but your specific obligations will vary depending on your residency status and occupation. Yes, it sounds complicated, but there are several ways to ensure you are not overpaying on your taxes, and with the right accountant by your side the whole process can become far less stressful.

Resident

There are two ways to determine whether or not you are a resident. A green card accords you the privilege of permanent residency in the United States as an immigrant. Those who do not possess a green card can qualify for residency if they can prove a physical presence in the country for the requisite time period through the Substantial Presence Test.

As a resident non-US citizen you follow the same rules and procedures as a US citizen; however you will pay taxes on your worldwide income rather than just US income. The terms of your visa may also require you to file income taxes, and in the future it may be necessary to show proof to change the status of the visa, obtain permanent residency, or re-enter the US once you have left. Failure to comply with US tax laws could easily have a dramatic impact on your future.

Non-Resident Alien

Non-US citizens who do not qualify under either of the Resident Alien test are still required to pay taxes on assets or income earned in the US. However there are special tax forms, rates, and treaty exemptions that non-residents may qualify for.

Additionally, some studies have shown that the majority of non-residents either do not file, or do so incorrectly, which eventually results in a massive overpayment of US taxes by these residents.

Dual-Status Alien

The US government may consider you a resident responsible for paying taxes from the first day you are present in the US as a permanent resident. For those who were nonresidents who obtained resident status during the first year of residency, you may be classified as a dual-status alien for tax purposes. As such, you may have to file under a separate return and cannot claim the standard deduction or dependency exemptions.

Keep in mind that these categorizations are merely a basic overview of the residency classifications, and there are numerous additional things to consider when filing your taxes. It is highly recommended that you contact an accountant with the expertise to understand your unique situation so that you fill out all the correct and necessary forms so that you get all the money that is owed to you and your residency status remains secure. in mind that these categorizations are merely a basic overview of the residency classifications, and there are numerous additional things to consider when filing your taxes.

Pembroke Pines Tax Preparation Services for Non-Citizens

At My CPA, PA, we pride ourselves on our ability to understand your unique situation so that together we can fill out all the correct and necessary forms. This way we know that you can get all the money that is owed to you and your residency status remains secure – contact us today to schedule your consultation regarding foreign national taxes.