I have been at the same institution in the USA on an F-1 visa since August 2008. I am single with no dependents. I am from the United Kingdom. I have filed the 1040-NR EZ for my federal return in the years 2008 through 2012, using university provided software. In 2013 I was in the USA for over 11 months of the year. I understand that after 5 years in the USA I am entitled to file as a resident rather than non-resident, therefore the question I have is

a) Should I file a 1040 rather than a 1040-NR for my federal tax return for 2013,

And subsequently,

b) Can I just do this using one of the many free filing options (eg TurboTax, TaxHawk etc.)

Thank you in advance

I assume you returned to the United Kingdom before the end of 2013. If so, you CAN file as a resident, and use the on-line tax software you cited.

However, you MUST claim ALL world-wide income earned in 2013.

Further, you must submit a Residency Termination Statement in which you will use the default termination date of 31 December 2013.

Otherwise, you will have to file a dual-status return.

If you need professional to file or to prepare the Residency Termination Statement, email me at the email address in my profile.

Thank you. Two points to clarify if you may. I remain in the USA with the same status (F-1). I earned no other worldwide income in 2013. Does your above answer still stand? Thank you.

If you remained in the United States for ALL of 2013 while on F-1, you can file as a resident with NO NEED for the Residency Termination Statement.

No other world-wide income means you report ONLY your U.S.-sourced income.