[jlee49]

Hey guys,

I am a graduted student living in US with F-1 visa,

In 2007 I sold my artwork to a company

And today I received this email from them?

" I am in need of your social security number for tax purposes. We paid you $1,000 in 2007 and are required to send you a 1099 Form. Also, which address should I send it to? Please let me know as soon as possible so I can forward this information onto our accountant. Below is a link to form W9 which explains what I need from you…"

What should I do guys, I have a social security number, but since I don't work I don't file tax return and I don't even know which one to file

Pleasse help :confused:

[MukatA]

W9 is for residents. You are a nonresident alien. The form for nonresidents is W-8BEN.
So tell the company that you are not a resident or a U.S. citizen.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

You STILL need to provide the SSN, be it on W-9 or W-8BEN.

Now, you may be in technical violation of your F-1 visa, but it is not a huge problem. If you are concerned, post the question in the LAW forum under Immigration Law.

File the tax return with Schedules C attached to your Form 1040NR. Failing to do so will get in in MUCH more trouble than the visa violation.

[MukatA]

If this is jlee49's only income, I don't think he/she is required to file the tax return. Non resident return is need if the income exceeds $3,400.
Also is it necessary for the company to get jlee49's tax ID? They only made a purchase.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Any transfer of funds in that amount for that kind of purchase has to be reported via Form 1099 if the purchase is from a private party like an artist.

[MukatA]

Then it will be self employed income. jlee49 must file tax return if the income is over $400.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Agreed!

[jlee49]

How about if I just ignore that company all together, or pretend that I left the country, don't you think it will be the easiest way?;)

By the way, thank you so much for all of your replies, I didn't expect this much help

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

It may be the easiest way to act, but it is ILLEGAL. Sorry.

Recommend you provide the requested SSN.

[MukatA]

jlee49:
Yes, you can safely provide your SSN or ITIN. If you don't have ITIN, tell this to the company and ask them what you should do.
About tax consequence, you don't need to worry much. You don't have a taxable income and also you you are exempt from SE taxes as nonresident.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Agreed; the tax consequence is negligible, if not non-existent.

[jlee49]

Again, I apprichiat all the help, thank you so much, you guys have been very useful, my friend recommended a good CPA (constant pain in the :p ) so we'll figure out this thing, nevertheless thank you people:)

[jlee49]

Again, I appreciate all the help, thank you so much, you guys have been very useful, my friend recommended a good CPA (constant pain in the azz :p ) so we'll figure out this thing, nevertheless thank you people:)

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Glad to help!