I am working on a J1 visa in the US and under the UK-US tax treaty, am tax exempt for 2 years. I want to know whether I can return to USA in the following year on holiday (tourist visa) or whether this will mean I have to repay all that I was exempt from. Also, after one year, am I eligible again for the exemption?

Thanks!

This is from the tax treaty:
A professor or teacher who is a resident of the United Kingdom on the date of arrival in the United States and who is in the United States for not longer than 2 years primarily to teach or engage in research at a university, college, or other recognized educational institution is exempt from U.S. income tax on income for the teaching or research. If the individual's 2-year period is exceeded, the exemption is lost for the entire visit, including the 2-year period.

That is you must leave US within two years of J1 else... Yes, you can visit US on tourist visa. Also, if you get J1 visa once again but you do not get any tax on your second J1 visa.

Thanks very much for your advice. It is good to know I can return just for a holidays following- I was concerned that one little pleasure trip back to say hello, in the following year, could sacrifice all the tax exemption gained over two years

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