Accidentally filed taxes as resident

[Rabin08]

I am an F-1 student and I accidentally filed my tax return as a resident using TurboTax. Later, I realized that I should have filed as a nonresident.

I was able to amend my state tax return in TurboTax, but I am unsure what to do about my federal return.

I am considering using Sprintax, but I do not see an option to file an amended return for 2025 there. Also, I am not sure which sections I would need to correct manually on Form 1040-NR.

Could someone please guide me on:

[MaryK4]

You will have to amend your federal tax return by preparing a 1040-NR and filing it with a 1040-X with only the explanation part filled in.  You can use Sprintax to prepare the 1040-NR, and you can get the pdf of the 1040-X from the IRS website.  

See I accidentally filed form 1040 instead of 1040NR. How do I fix it?

[Rabin08]

So what you are trying to say is just get the correct one from the sprint tax , not transfer it to IRS and use it as a reference to make a 1040-x 

[MaryK4]

Correct, you will have to prepare then print the paper copy of the 1040-NR and mail it to the IRS with the Form 1040-X.  @Rabin08 

[Rabin08]

What about filing 8843, do I also need to attach that along with other 2 files and would I need Schedule OI too

[DaveF1006]

Yes, you form 8843 as well as Schedule Ol. As an F-1 student, Form 8843 is what "proves" you are a nonresident by explaining why you are exempt from the Substantial Presence Test. Sprintax will generate this automatically.

Schedule OI (Other Information) is a mandatory part of Form 1040-NR. It asks about your visa history, your country of citizenship, and whether you are claiming a tax treaty. Sprintax will include this in your PDF download. You must sign and include it.

Here is the link for Sprintax for further assistance.

@Rabin08 

[Rabin08]

Is there anyway I can e file these and sent it just the option is to mail 

[Vanessa A]

Please check with Sprintax.com to clarify what they are capable of e-filing. Below it does say they will generate it for you and different sources mention that they do e-file it, while others say it needs to be mailed. 

How to file form 8843
Form 8843 is typically attached to your 1040-NR income tax return.
If you’re filing form 1040-NR, you should mail form 8843 to the address shown in your tax return ins...

However, if you have no income and are only filing Form 8843, you should print Form 8843 and mail it...
Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215 by the due date (including extensio...

You can use Sprintax Returns to generate your 8843 form  

 TurboTax does not support the form 1040-NR nor any forms that would need to be attached to the 1040-NR, meaning, you cannot use TurboTax to file forms separate from the 1040-NR.  You would need to use the same company to file your form 1040-NR and any additional forms such as the 8843 and Schedule OI.  

You can follow up with Sprintax.com for any additional help as they specialize in Non-Resident Alien taxes and can best answer which other forms can be e-filed through them. 

[Rabin08]

so the tax return from sprinttax shows that my actual return is 2$ but I am receiving 13$, so I owe 11$ to IRS. So in majority of websites it is shown that while filing amended returns, just go for the name, ssn... and do not fill part I,II and just write in explanation of changes, now I guess i need to show this thing of 11$ what do I do 

[DaveF1006]

It depends. 1040-X (the Amended Return) is designed specifically to show the math of how you got from Point A (the original return) to Point B (the corrected version). Here is how you should handle this to make sure the IRS doesn't send it back asking for more info.

1. Fill out the "Columns" (Part I)

1. On Form 1040-X, you generally see three columns. This is where you show the $11 difference:

• Column A (Original Amount): Enter the figures from the return you already filed.
• Column B (Net Change): Enter the difference (in your case, the adjustment that leads to $11 less in your pocket).
• Column C (Correct Amount): Enter what the numbers should have been according to your Sprintax report.

2. Address the Overpayment/Tax Due

Since you received $13 but should have received $2, you effectively received an "excessive refund."

Look at the "Payments" and "Refund" sections of the 1040-X.

• You will list the $13 you actually received.
• The form will calculate that you now owe the $11 difference.

3. Part III: Explanation of Changes

This is the part the websites were likely referring to. You don't need a legal manifesto here; just be direct.

Example: "Original return filed via [Software Name] calculated a refund of $13. After reviewing with Sprintax, the correct refund amount is $2. This amendment is being filed to correct the tax liability/credits and repay the $11 difference."

4. How to Pay

Don't just mail the form and wait. To avoid any (tiny) interest charges:

• Pay Online: Use IRS Direct Pay and select "Amended Return" as the reason for payment.
• By Mail: You can include a check or money order for $11 made out to the "United States Treasury" with the 1040-X.

If you haven’t received the $13 check yet, or if your original return is still being processed, wait until the first return is finished before filing an amendment. This helps keep things clear and avoids issues with overlapping returns.