The deadline for filing your 2024 tax return is April 15th. Even if you are not a teacher or Au Pair, the substantial presence test could lead us to file your taxes when the IRS loads all the W-2 form data. Approximately at the end of May.

Every J-1 program participant is required to file a tax return.

When preparing your documents to file your taxes, you will need:

• Passport
• Entry and exit dates from the U.S. for current and previous visits
• All tax forms you have received (e.g., W-2 forms, 1042-S and/or 1099 forms, etc.)
• Visa/immigration status information – DS Form
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Address and phone number

Form 1040NR is the form to file and it could be somewhat confusing, so it’s important to take your time to understand it and seek professional help. Remember that many of the boxes on the form do not apply and most of the information needed is personal information, your earnings, and the amount of taxes you paid if applicable. 

As a non-resident, you are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes. It’s important to review your W-2 form to ensure that your company hasn’t deducted these taxes, which appear in boxes 4 and 6. If they did, we can initiate a process to get them refunded.

Non-residents must pay a 10% income tax rate on earnings up to $11,600. If you earn more than this amount with your J-1 visa, you’ll owe a 12% income tax rate on earnings between $11,601 and $47,150.

Most J-1 participants (such as work and travel and au pairs) cannot benefit from tax treaties.

Federal tax refunds for J-1 visa holders typically range from $500 to $680 USD, but amounts can vary, and refunds are not guaranteed. Some J-1 visa holders may also be eligible for state tax refunds, depending on their work and residency states.

J-1 visa holders can claim both federal and state tax refunds by filing taxes and providing their bank account information for direct deposit. Ensure the accuracy of your information to avoid delays.

The IRS determines the timeline for processing and depositing refunds, typically ranging from 15 to 20 days. However, mailed tax returns may take longer than electronic filings.

First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that as an Au Pair, you’re considered an employee under US tax laws. Au pairs may owe taxes due to insufficient tax withholding on their US-earned income. This occurs when the payer fails to withhold the correct amount of taxes as mandated by IRS regulations, resulting in a tax balance owed during tax return filing.

Another contributing factor to tax liability could be under-withholding by host families, acting as your employer. They may inadvertently under-withhold taxes from your salary due to various factors, such as unfamiliarity with tax laws or administrative errors. Remember, all individuals earning income in the U.S. must file a tax return; from the first dollar earned, taxes must be declared to the IRS.

It’s crucial to note that failure to make appropriate contributions could result in owing approximately 10 to 15% of your gross income. Additionally, remember that these taxes are payable at both the federal and state levels, although few states do not levy taxes.

Whether Au Pairs owe taxes or are entitled to a refund, it’s imperative to adhere to tax filing obligations to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and the terms of your U.S. J1 visa. Thoroughly review provided information to prevent errors and potential penalties for late filing.

An au pair comes to the USA as an 🌟exchange visitor🌟 with a J-1 visa that lasts for one year. Au pairs may be eligible to participate in an extension period if they meet all the requirements to do so. In addition to federal taxes, you must also file 🌟state taxes🌟 according to the state where you reside.

In most cases, au pairs are considered 🌟non-residents🌟 for tax purposes while they are in the United States. However, it is important to note that if the au pair has been in the country for more than two years, they will need to take the 🌟substantial presence test🌟 to determine their tax residency.In addition to 🌟federal taxes🌟, you must also file 🌟state taxes🌟according to the state where you reside.

As an au pair, it is common to receive a💵stipend💵or salary from the host family as compensation for taking care of their children and related tasks. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the au pair stipend is considered wages 🌟and must report their stipend income to the IRS.

As an au pair in the United States, it is important to set aside between 10% and 15% of your income to cover federal taxes. Saving approximately $20 per week can make the tax payment process easier at the end of the fiscal year.

The 🌟FICA tax🌟 , also known as the payroll tax, is used to fund the Social Security and Medicare programs in the United States. However, due to the nature of the J-1 visa used by au pairs, they are considered “non-resident aliens” for tax purposes during the first years of their stay, which grants them an exemption from these taxes.

Before filing an amendment, it is essential that you identify the errors in your original tax return. Common errors may include incorrectly reported income, omitted deductions, or mistakes in marital status. Take the time to thoroughly review your tax return and detect any inaccuracies.

Once you have identified the errors, it is important to collect the documentation that supports the changes you will make in the amendment. This may include additional forms, income statements, or any other relevant documents. Keeping organized documentation will facilitate the amendment filing process.

The deadline to submit a tax amendment is generally three years🙌 from the original filing date of your tax return, or two years from the date you paid the taxes, whichever is later. Make sure to file the amendment within this period to avoid penalties and surcharges.

The processing time for an amended tax return may vary. Generally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) takes around 8 to 20 weeks 📅 to process an amendment. However, factors like the IRS workload or the complexity of the amendment can influence the processing time.

No, 😐 you cannot amend a tax return from 5 years ago. In general, you can only amend a tax return for up to 3 years from the original filing date or 2 years after you paid the taxes, whichever is later. Therefore, you must ensure that you are still within the allowed amendment period when considering making any changes to your tax return.

After submitting the amendment, the IRS will review the documentation and the changes made. If the amendment results in an additional refund, you will receive a notification from the IRS along with the corresponding refund. On the other hand, if the amendment results in an owed balance, you will receive a notification with the details of the amount to be paid and available payment options.

The time to receive a refund from an amended tax return can vary. Once the IRS processes the amendment and approves the refund, it generally takes around 4 to 6 weeks to receive the refund💵. However, as mentioned earlier, the processing time may be subject to changes depending on the IRS workload and other factors.

Remember that each tax situation may be unique, and it is advisable to seek the advice of a tax professional to ensure accuracy and compliance with the current tax laws. If you have any questions or need more information about the amendment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you in a friendly and professional manner.

Check the status of an amended tax return three weeks after mailing it. 👇🏼

The deadline to file taxes under the J1 Visa can vary and doesn´t follow the same schedule as resident taxpayers in the United States. In general, J1 Visa holders should file their taxes for the fiscal year as soon as they have all the necessary documentation. However, it’s important to note that the IRS typically publishes income 🌟Wage and Income Transcript 🌟(Form W-2) around 🌟end-May🌟, which can be very helpful for some foreign taxpayers in preparing their taxes. It is advisable to learn about the specific deadlines for non-resident foreigners and make an effort to comply with the established dates to avoid issues with the IRS.

Applies ONLY to employees with a J1 Visa. Au Pairs and Teachers must declare before April 15, 2025 with Form 1040-NR.

Yes, even if you are an exchange student under the J1 Visa and have limited or no income, you might still need to file a tax return. The U.S. tax law considers foreigners with J1 Visa as “non-residents” for tax purposes, which means that, in most cases, they are only subject to taxes on income earned within the country. If you had no income, you might need to file a zero tax return (Form 8843)🌟 to fulfill your tax obligations.

While tax preparation platforms can be a convenient option, they might not always be the best choice for J1 Visa holders. Due to the complexity of tax laws and unique circumstances surrounding non-resident foreigners, it is highly advisable to seek guidance from a qualified and experienced international tax preparer. A competent professional can apply applicable deductions and exemptions, ensure compliance with all tax obligations, and prevent errors that could lead to penalties or future issues. It’s always better to rely on expert assistance to ensure your taxes are in order and properly fulfill your tax responsibilities under the J1 Visa.

Yes, it is possible to receive a tax refund 💵if you overpaid taxes during your stay in the United States. The possibility of a tax refund depends on various factors, such as your income, deductions, and eligible tax credits. When filing your tax return, it’s crucial to take advantage of all available deductions and credits to maximize 🙌your chances of obtaining a refund.

Failing to file taxes or doing it incorrectly can have serious consequences😭. Non-compliance with tax obligations may result in penalties, interest, and sanctions imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States. Additionally, improper filing could negatively impact future visa applications or even your eligibility for permanent residency in the country. It is vital to meet your tax duties and seek professional advice if you have any doubts to ensure proper compliance with tax regulations.

It is essential for J1 Visa holders to understand their tax obligations in the United States to avoid legal and financial issues. The deadline for filing, the need to declare even if there is no income, the use of reliable tax platforms, the possibility of tax refunds, and the consequences of non-compliance are crucial aspects to consider. Seeking professional advice is always recommended if you have specific questions or concerns about your tax situation under the J1 Visa. Remember that complying with tax responsibilities is a crucial step to enjoy a smooth and successful experience in the United States.