Hello,

Here is my situation. If someone could please help it would be much appreciated!

I started school in 2002 on an F-1 Visa and graduated in Dec. '07. Since then I have been on my OPT and currently on my OPT extension working in the US. It has come to my attention that I should have been filing form 8843 all those past years, but I was never aware and never did. What should I do?

Since I've been in the US for over 5 years now I've read that I no longer have to file it. But should I file 8843 for the years that I missed? Would I need to file for 2002 up until 2007? I am very confused.

As for this year I believe I am now considered a resident alien and should just file a regular 1040. Is this correct?

Please HELP!

Thank you!

Mang3011,

I found myself in the same situation last year. I asked a lot of people and the general consensus seemed to be that the best I could do was to file the 8843 for all the years I had missed. It is not to hard, you can find them all online, and it will take you just a few hours).
I filed the 8843 for the past 4 years, and I also included a letter explaining why I was attaching the forms, an explanation of since when I had been in the Us, my status, and your contact information should they have any questions.
They should file that with any information they have on you, and should any questions come up in the future they will know you were doing your best to keep things straight.

PS: Make sure you ALWAYS keep copies of any material you submit to them.


Good luch

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mang3011

Hello,

I started school in 2002 on an F-1 Visa and graduated in Dec. '07. Since then I have been on my OPT and currently on my OPT extension working in the US. It has come to my attention that I should have been filing form 8843 all those past years, but I was never aware and never did. What should I do?

Since I've been in the US for over 5 years now I've read that I no longer have to file it. But should I file 8843 for the years that I missed? Would I need to file for 2002 up til 2007? I am very confused.

As for this year I believe I am now considered a resident alien and should just file a regular 1040. Is this correct?

Please HELP!
Thank you!

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For 2008 you will file resident tax return. There is no harm in filing Form 8843 for 2002 to 2006.

Hi,

I am now in the same situation as mang3011 and gtalarico. Never knew about the 8843 until now, as Im filing taxes for 2011 opt training (also F1). Did any of you have repercussions? How did that go?

Thank you for your help!