[gbdbld]

I used TurboTax last year and this year to do my tax returns. Last year I received $66 tax return from my income at the school and $1,000 education credit. This year I received $200 from my income at the school. This year's file just got accepted and I haven't received the money yet.


I just found out from IRS that student with a F-1 VISA is NOT eligible for education credit. It turns out that TurboTax is only designed for resident of the States and any non-resident may NOT use it. Now do I have to file an amended return for both 2012 and 2013 to give back the tax return I received and file 1040NR for 2012 and 2013 tax return? If so, how much money of check show I file with it? All of the tax return I received? What about the 200 this year that I haven't received? Also, how much interest or penalties do I need to pay?


I didn't know that I can't use TurboTax for my tax return. It was an honest mistake. Is there anyway IRS will waive the penalties and interests?

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

For BOTH 2012 and 2013, you need to MAIL in Form 1040X with properly-prepared Forms 1040NR-EZ and 8843, with the word AMENDED printed on the top of the first page of the Form 1040NR-EZ.

This is a common mistake, and the IRS does routinely waive penalties on such errors if the foreign student comes forth on his own.

However, interest is required by law and cannot be waived unless the amount accrued is trivial (less than $50).