Generally, no. If you are a nonresident alien for any part of the year, you generally cannot claim the education credits. However, if you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and elect to file a joint return you may be eligible for the Hope or Lifetime Learning Credit.

References:

• Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education
• Tax Topic 605, Education Credits
• Form 8863 (PDF), Education Credits (Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits)

You must comply with both U.S. and Canadian filing requirements, if any. In the United States, you generally are required to file a return if you have income from the performance of personal services within the United States. However, under certain circumstances, that income may be exempt from payment of U.S. tax pursuant to the U.S.-Canada income tax treaty. You need to determine what type of visa you have, and how that impacts your residency status in the United States. If, based on the tax code and your visa status you are treated as a U.S. resident, then your entitlement to treaty benefits will be impacted. You must contact the Canadian government to determine whether you must file a Canadian tax return and pay Canadian taxes.

References:

• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Publication 597, Information on the United States-Canada Income Tax Treaty
• Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties

In the United States, you generally are required to file a return if you have income from the performance of personal services within the US. The type of return to file would depend upon whether you are a resident of the U.S. for purposes of U.S. tax law. There are several tests to determine residency, including the substantial presence test, which is based on how many days you are present in the U.S. over a period of three years. Refer to Tax Topic 851 for information about which return to file. If you are simultaneously a U.S. resident under U.S. law and a Canadian resident under Canadian law, you should consult the U.S.-Canada income tax treaty for rules that would treat you as a resident of only one country. It is also possible that you may have to file a dual-status return in the U.S. if you qualify as a U.S. resident for only part of the year. Refer to Tax Topic 852 for dual-status information. If you are solely a resident of Canada, you may be exempt from tax on your income from services (performed in the US) under the independent or dependent services article of the treaty.

References:

• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Publication 597, Information on the United States-Canada Income Tax Treaty
• Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties
• Tax Topic 851, Resident and Non-Resident Aliens
• Tax Topic 852, Dual Status Aliens

Generally, you must file a tax return after the end of the tax year to claim a refund of withholding. Gambling winnings by nonresidents of the U.S. are generally taxed at a flat 30% tax rate. However, under the U.S./Canada Tax Treaty, residents of Canada may claim gambling losses, but only to the extent of gambling winnings. You should report both your total gambling winnings and your total gambling losses on Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. Refer to Form 1040NR Instructions for more information on how to report your gambling winnings and losses. You should also attach a copy of the Form 1042-S (PDF), Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding, to your 1040NR to verify the amount of federal income tax that was withheld.

A diary of your losses should be kept for your records.

To file a Form 1040NR you must have a valid identification number. Refer to Tax Topic 857 if you have not already been issued one.

References:

• Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Corporations Publication
• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Income Tax Return Tax Topic 857 , Individual Taxpayer Identification Number - Form W-7

No, nonresident aliens do not qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion. Only if you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien of the United States and live abroad, may you qualify to exclude a specific amount of your foreign earned income. Refer to Chapter 4 of Publication 54, Tax Guides for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, for limitation that apply. If you are the nonresident alien spouse of a U.S. citizen or resident alien, you can elect to be treated as a U.S. resident in order to file a joint return. In this case, you can take the foreign earned income exclusion if otherwise qualified. Refer to Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, for detailed instructions on how to make this election.

However, nonresident aliens would be able to exclude their foreign earned income under the dual-status rules. Refer to Tax Topic 852 for dual-status information. A nonresident alien is generally not subject to U.S. tax on compensation for services performed outside the U.S.

References:

• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Tax Topic 853, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion - General

You were a dual status alien last year. As an H-1 visa holder in the U.S. for 183 days or more, you likely became a resident, for tax purposes, as of June 30th. For the part of the year you are a resident alien, you are taxed on income from all sources.

For the part of the year that you are not a resident alien, you are not taxed on income from sources outside the United States, unless the income is effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States.

Income from U.S. sources is taxable whether you receive it while a nonresident alien or a resident alien unless specifically exempt under the Internal Revenue Code or a tax treaty provision. Generally, tax treaty provisions apply only to the part of the year you were a nonresident and only if you are a resident for treaty purposes of a country that has a treaty with the United States.

For that part of the year that you are a nonresident, file Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. For that part of the year you are a resident, file Form 1040 . Refer toTax Topic 852 for dual-status information.

References:

• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 1040NR Instructions, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Tax Topic 852,Dual-Staus Alien

Assuming you were not in the U.S. on your F-1 student visa for over 5 years, you may file as a nonresident for the entire year or, if you qualify under the first year choice, you may file as a dual status alien. Please refer to Chapter 1 of Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, for additional information.

References:

• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens

Your H-1 visa suggests that you may in fact be a resident alien or a dual-status alien. Refer to Tax Topic 851 and Tax Topic 852 for further clarification of your U.S. residency status, and the appropriate form to file.

A nonresident alien must file Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, or Form 1040NR-EZ, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens With No Dependents, if you are engaged in a trade or business in the United States, or have any other U.S. source income on which the tax was not fully paid by the amount withheld.

You can use Form 1040NR-EZ instead of Form 1040NR if all nine of the following apply.

1. You do not claim any dependents.
2. You cannot be claimed as a dependent on another person's U.S. tax return (such as your parent's return).
3. Your only U.S. source income was from wages, salaries, tips, taxable refunds of state and local income taxes, and scholarship or fellowship grants.
4. Your taxable income is less than a specific dollar amount set by law. Refer to Chapter 7 of Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, for more information.
5. The only adjustments to income you can claim are the student loan interest deduction or scholarship and fellowship grants excluded.
6. You do not claim any tax credits.
7. If you were married, you do not claim an exemption for your spouse.
8. If you itemize deductions, the only deduction you claim is for state and local income taxes.
9. The only taxes you owe are the tax from the tax tables, the social security and Medicare tax on tip income not reported to your employer, and the household employment taxes.
10. You are not claiming a credit for excess social security and tier 1 RRTA tax withheld.

References:

• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Tax Topic 851, Resident and Non-Resident Aliens
• Tax Topic 852, Dual Status Aliens

Use Form SS-5-FS which may be obtained from the Social Security Administration.

References:

• Social Security Administration

Each foreign person who does not have and cannot obtain a social security number must use an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on any U.S. tax return or refund claim filed. For additional information on ITINs click on Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

References:

• Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Tax Topic 851, Resident and Non-Resident Aliens
• Tax Topic 852, Dual Status Aliens

Generally, capital gains received by a nonresident alien not present in the United States for 183 days or more are not taxable in the United States. Certain gains, however, are subject to the 30% withholding rate or if applicable, a reduced tax treaty rate on the gross amount of the following items:

1. Gains on disposal of timber, coal, or domestic iron ore with a retained economic interest, unless an election is made to treat those gains as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business,

2. Gains on contingent payments received from the sale or exchange after October 4, 1966, of patents, copyrights, secret processes and formulas, goodwill, trade marks, trade brands, franchises, and other sale property,

3. Gains on certain transfers of all substantial rights to, or an undivided interest in, patents if the transfers were made before October 5, 1966, and

4. Certain gains from the sale or exchange of original issue discount obligations issued after March 31, 1972.

Dividends are withheld upon at the 30% or lower tax treaty rate. If your withholding is not at the correct rate, a nonresident alien should file Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, to claim a refund of excess withheld taxes.

References:

• Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entity
• Publication 519 U.S. Guide for Aliens
• Publication 597, Information on the United States-Canada Income Tax Treaty
• Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties
• Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 1040NR-EZ U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens With No Dependents

You will be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes if you meet the substantial presence test for the calendar year. As an exempt individual, a J-2 visa holder will not initially meet this test.

For purposes of the substantial presence test, certain days of physical presence do not count, such as the days during which you were an exempt individual . Please refer to Chapter 1 ofPublication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, for a detailed explanation of this issue.

In general, U.S. social security and Medicare taxes apply to payments of wages for services performed as an employee in the United States, regardless of the citizenship or residence of either the employee or the employer. In certain limited situations, the exemption from these taxes applies to compensation paid to a primary academic visa holder (e.g. F-1, J-1) for services performed within the U.S. This exception does not apply to a derivative visa holder.

References:

• Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities
• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens

If social security tax and Medicare were withheld in error from pay received which was not subject to the taxes, you must first contact the employer who withheld the taxes for reimbursement. If you are unable to get a refund from the employer, file a claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service on Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement.

You must attach the following to your claim:

• a copy of your Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, to prove the amount of tax withheld;
• Form I-797, INS Approval Notice, is needed if you have changed your status from F-1 or J-1 to another status prior to filing the claim;
• if your visa status changed during the tax year you should attach copies of the pay stubs that cover the period of exemption from social security taxes;
• a copy of INS Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, if you are still in the United States;
• a copy of your valid entry visa;
• Form 8316, Information Regarding Request for Refund of Social Security Tax, or a signed statement stating that you have requested a refund from the employer and have not been able to obtain one; and
• a copy of Form 1040NR, US Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (or Form 1040NR-EZ), for tax the year in question. Processing of your claim may be delayed if you submit it less than six weeks after you filed Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ.

In addition to the documentation listed above foreign student visa holders should also attach the following:

• a copy of Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility, endorsed by your student advisor and stamped by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; and
• a copy of the Employment Authorization Document of your Optional Practical Training (e.g., Form I-766, I-538 or 688B).
• if you are an exchange visitor, attach a copy of Form IAP-66 or DS-2019 to your claim.

File the claim, with attachments, with the IRS where the employer's returns were filed. If you do not know where the employer's returns were filed, send your claim to the Internal Revenue Service Center, Philadelphia, PA 19255.

For more information, refer to Chapter 8 of Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens .

References:

• Form 843,Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement
• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens

To claim a refund of U.S. tax withheld you need to file Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. Therefore, you need to secure an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN. To secure an ITIN, you must file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. For detailed information on applying for an ITIN, go to Tax Topic 857, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number - W-7

References:

• Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Corporations
• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Form 1040NR, U.S, Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return

U.S. source dividend income is subject to 30% tax rate when paid to nonresident aliens. A lower rate may apply to residents of a country with which the United States has an income tax treaty. The U.S. does not currently recognize the E.U. as a taxing authority, but has treaties with almost all E.U. countries (not Malta).

References:

• Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities
• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties

Generally, this type of income paid to nonresident aliens is taxable at the 30% or lower treaty rate. If your country has a tax treaty with the U.S., you may have a reduced rate of tax. If that is the case, you should file Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, to claim a refund of federal income taxes withheld. To avoid future excess withholding, provide your broker with a completed Form W-8BEN (PDF), Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for U.S. Tax Withholding. You may be entitled to a credit against the tax you owe to your residence country for the U.S. tax that is withhold from your dividends.

References:

• Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities
• Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties
• Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 1040NR Instructions, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 8833 (PDF), Treaty Based Return Position Disclosure Under Section 6114 or 7701 (b)
• Form W-8BEN (PDF) , Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for U.S. Tax Withholding

It depends on whether or not you qualify as a resident alien. As a foreign national temporarily in the U.S. and now under an H-1 visa, you must file Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, and Form 8843 (PDF), Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition, (if you do not meet the substantial presence test). In order to file a Form 1040, Individual Tax Return, you must meet the substantial presence test. Please refer to Chapter 1 of Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, for a detailed discussion of the Substantial Presence Test. You may also qualify to file as a dual status taxpayer for the year of your visa change. Refer to Tax Topic 852, for dual status information.

References:

• Publication 513, Tax Information for Visitors to the United States
• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 1040NR Instructions, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 8843 (PDF), Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition
• Tax Topic 851, Resident and Nonresident Aliens
• Tax Topic 852, Dual Status Alien

Generally, services performed by you as a nonresident alien temporarily in the United States as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (F), (J), (M), or (Q) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act are not covered under the social security and medicare programs if the services are performed to carry out the purpose for which you were admitted to the United States. This means that there should be no withholding of social security or Medicare taxes from the pay you receive for these services. These types of services are very limited, and generally include only on-campus work, practical training, and economic hardship employment. However, you are covered under the social security and medicare programs for these services if you are considered a resident alien, even though your nonimmigrant classification ("F," "J," "M," or "Q") remains the same. Social security and Medicare taxes will be withheld from your pay.

Additionally, any student who is enrolled and regularly attending classes at a school, college, or university may be exempt from social security and Medicare taxes on pay for services performed for such school, college, or university.

References:

• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Publication 597, Information on the United States-Canada Income Tax Treaty
• Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities

The following discussion generally applies only to nonresident aliens. Wages and other compensation paid to a nonresident alien for services performed as an employee are usually subject to graduated withholding at the same rates as resident aliens and U.S. citizens. Therefore, your compensation, unless it is specifically excluded from the term "wages" by law, or is exempt from tax by treaty, is subject to graduated withholding. Nonresident aliens must follow modified instructions when completing Form W-4. Please refer to Chapter 8 of Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, for directions on completing Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate.

References:

• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Publication 597, Information on the United States-Canada Income Tax Treaty
• Publication 515 Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities
• Form W-4, Employees Withholding Allowance Certificate

If you are in the United States solely for the purpose of your education, training, or obtaining special technical experience, you may be able to exclude from your income grants or awards that you receive from a government, scientific, educational, or other tax-exempt organization. You also may be able to exclude payments that you receive from abroad for the purpose of your maintenance, education, study, research, or training. A limited amount of income that you receive from personal services performed in the United States may also be excluded. Please refer to Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties, for further details.

References:

• Publication 513, Tax Information for Visitors to the United States
• Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
• Tax Topic 421, Scholarship and Fellowship Grants
• Publication 901,U. S. Tax Treaties

As a U.S. citizen, you cannot file Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. If you make an election to file a joint return with your nonresident alien spouse (your spouse must, in turn, elect to be taxed as U.S. resident), file Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, (or Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ (PDF) if otherwise applicable), and report both incomes from worldwide sources.

You will need to get an ITIN for your spouse. To apply for an ITIN, file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

References:

• Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
• Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Tax Topic 857, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number - Form W-7