hi all

I worked summer in yellowstone through a summer work and travel program conducted by CIEE (Council on International Education Exchange) and Speedwing Travel (a local travel agency). I was on a j1 visa working 4 months in summer 2006.

I received my w-2 forms on time in feb 07. I proceeded to file my tax returns using the 1040ez forms that the travel agency emailed me.

the travel agency is now telling me that I should use a 1040nr-ez form but unable to provide any help about how I should cancel my previous 1040ez submission.

I read about the 1040x form on the IRS.gov website. It seems to be for ammending details on a previous form but not for declaring nr status. How do I use the 1040x form to declare nr status?

I read up too on tax treaties. I am from singapore and according to irs' publication 901, we have no tax treaties with US. But I know that there's a FTA agreement between US and singapore, so I am not sure how that will affect my taxes.

I'm hoping someone can help me out here. It is quite a bit of money for a poor student, like me.:(

thanks and regards,
samantha

Hi again,

Um, I thought I'd add that I am returning this summer to work. So this botched tax return will definitely affect me next year in February.

Thanks and regards,
Samantha

Samantha:

You need to fix the return using Form 1040X and attaching a properly-preared Form 1040NR-EZ to the Form 1040X. It is likely you will have to pay some taxes, but it is worth it to keep your tax filing correct with the IRS.

The INS DOES check to see if green card applicants have filed correctly and, as of now, you have NOT filed correctly or paid the correct amount of tax.

BOTTOM LINE: Fix the problem, even if you need to get professional help to do it.