[Rosannie]

[F]More I read and ask, more confuse i get. :(

As another person asked, i thought i was doing something wrong when i was filling the 1040NR-EZ. I was getting a refund of 92 dollars only.

But some friends got more. So I was thinking... maybe they filed as residents. So:

1. Could I file the form 1040 and substract the basic standard deduction of $5,350 plus the usual $3400?

2. If I can't, then could I itemized and deduct the amount i paid for the program, my travel expenses, the sale taxes for purchases i made inside the united states , etc.?


I was working in NY as an intern under a J-1 visa and I stayed exactly 1 year


I'd really appreciate your help!

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Do not compare your refund with some else's refund. They may have some unusual expenses they can deduct or just had MORE MONEY withheld from their paycheck.

If you were on a J-1 visa, you need to file as a non-resident alien, filing Form 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843.