Hello,
I am an Italian MD doing a research fellowship in one of the Harvard Medical School hospitals.
I am here on a J-1 visa, arrived last June and leaving next July.
I am filing my tax return now, and I don't know if I can apply for the exemption based on the treaty with Italy or not.
I have read the IRS website, but I am still clueless.
I am not a teacher/professor, so I guess I cannot use article 20.
Am I right?
Thanks

No, as a researcher on a J-1 visa, all of your salary should be exempt from taxation.

Check out IRS Pub 901.

If you still have trouble, I may be able to prepare your return for you. Contact me at [email protected] if you are interested.

Thank you very much for your help, I have now sought and read the publication you advised me to check out.

Glad to help!

Hi, I am also on a J-1 visa at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (part of the Smithsonian Institution, which for tax purposes is considered as an education institution).
I've been told by the administrative staff here that I'm not eligible to tax exemption on the basis of Art 20 because I'm not a teacher or professor but you said this is not fundamental. Actually I know many Italian people who are not teachers or professors and are considered exempt by their institutes.
I thought my condition was different because I am a PhD student (at an Italian university) though on a research fellowship, but I have also met a guy who is a PhD student and is exempt.
I really don't understand how this rule works. Why do you say that researchers in general are exempt, no matter if they're teachers or not? I mean: what article or rule should I tell my administrative staff to check and apply, to be recognized as an exempt person?

Icer75:

Based on your input, I believe you are exempt.

However, I recommend you get professional help from a tax professional experienced in this field. I am sure someone at the Smithsonian can refer you. The fee he/she charges will be worth it if you do not have to pay taxes.