Hi,
I was an OPT student from 2001-2007(undergraduate + OPT) and 2010-current (graduate+OPT+STEM extension). I figured I was a resident alien since I had been the US for over five years and used 1040.com to file my taxes last year. But I came across the Closer Connection exemption only a few days ago and calculated by taxes both as a resident alien (turbo tax estimate) and 1040NR form and the difference is a significant amount of money since 2013 is the only year I made some money. My question is could I amend my return from last year and fill the 8843 Form? I am planning to leave the US this June and return to my home country for good. Most of my family live there and there is some property in my name.
The Closer Connection Exception to the Substantial Presence Test for Foreign Students (http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/The-Closer-Connection-Exception-to-the-Substantial-Presence-Test-for-Foreign-Students)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Kanchan

Kanchan,

Yes, you can amend the return. You have to PROVE the closer connection by submitting Form 8840, but that should not be too difficult.

If you need professional help, email me at the email address listed in my profile.