Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    mang3011's Avatar
    mang3011 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 13, 2009, 11:03 AM
    F-1 Visa/OPT/ Late 8843 submission - How to pay taxes
    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!
    gtalarico's Avatar
    gtalarico Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #2

    Apr 13, 2009, 11:23 AM

    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
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
     
    #3

    Apr 14, 2009, 02:52 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by mang3011 View Post
    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!
    For 2008 you will file resident tax return. There is no harm in filing Form 8843 for 2002 to 2006.
    tca's Avatar
    tca Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #4

    Apr 13, 2012, 11:46 AM
    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!

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Visitor on Tourist visa (B1/B2)- should file form 8843? [ 6 Answers ]

Hi I am a nonresident in the US. I was present in the US for more than 183 days in 2008 -on a legal Tourist visa (B1/B2) . Of course I did not work as a tourist in the US. I left the US in January 2009 and came back in February 2009, but this time I entered on a new F-1 Student visa starting...

Late Pa taxes [ 1 Answers ]

I am late filing my 2007 Pa state taxes.How do I find out what the penalty is so that I know how much I need to pay.

F1 Visa: Delayed form 8843 and NY state taxes [ 5 Answers ]

Hello, I had 2 quick questions: I had no income from my university or any other income for 2005 and I was supposed to turn in form 8843 for 2005. But I failed to do so. For 2006, however, I did have an income from CPT (internship) in the summer in NYC. I am now in the process of filing form...

F1 Visa & Form 8843 [ 4 Answers ]

Hi, Up to now, I believed that when you are on F1 visa, it's mandatory for you to file form 8843 unless you qualify as a resident on the basis of 5 years stay in US. But, I read an FAQ as follow. What happens if the student doesnʼt file the form 8843? If Form 8843 is not filed, the alien...


View more questions Search