[F]More I read and ask, more confuse i get. :(

As another person asked, i thought i was doing something wrong when i was filling the 1040NR-EZ. I was getting a refund of 92 dollars only.

But some friends got more. So I was thinking... maybe they filed as residents. So:

1. Could I file the form 1040 and substract the basic standard deduction of $5,350 plus the usual $3400?

2. If I can't, then could I itemized and deduct the amount i paid for the program, my travel expenses, the sale taxes for purchases i made inside the united states , etc.?


I was working in NY as an intern under a J-1 visa and I stayed exactly 1 year


I'd really appreciate your help!

Do not compare your refund with some else's refund. They may have some unusual expenses they can deduct or just had MORE MONEY withheld from their paycheck.

If you were on a J-1 visa, you need to file as a non-resident alien, filing Form 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843.