F1 student, become resident alien after 5 years. Does he need to file a 'sailing permit'?

[mpelleg]

Hello,

I was a student in the US on a J1 visa first and then on an F1 visa. In total I was in the country for more than 5 years, passing the presence test and becoming a resident alien. I had to file taxes for the year 2018 as using the standard 1040 instead of the 1040NR since my status changed and the tool I used (Glacier) would not let me file taxes as non resident.

I left the country in 2018 but did not file a sailing permit since students on F/J visas are not required.

Is that correct? What am I supposed to do in case I had to file that?

Thank You!

[pk]

@mpelleg , since you have already left the country  and probably have complied with filing requirements  on any income from US sources  for the years 2018 and 2019, there is  nothing more  needs to be done.  The sailing permit form tells IRS that you complied with  tax withholding requirements or you owe nothing and is also routed to Immigration to record that you have left the country.  Does this help ?

[mpelleg]

Hello @pk,

thanks for your answer. If I understand correctly, I do not need to file the sailing permit or any other type of form. I have not received any income after I left the country, so I for sure do not owe anything.

I though that was the case, but last month I received the "stimulus check" for the COVID-19. I of course returned it, but that made me wonder if, for some reason, I am still registered as resident (which, let me say, is weird since they sent the check to me here in the UK). Could that be?

If I lived in the US I would go to an IRS office, but from here it's quite difficult to get this sorted.

Thanks again.

[pk · Accepted solution]

@mpelleg , the  checks were issued based on your 2018  ( or 2019 ) filing.  So not to worry.

Also  US embassy in London does indeed have an IRS section -- you could always contact them.  Even some of the  consulates around the UK probably has similar capability.  Call one of these and they should be able to help

[mpelleg]

@pk 

Thank you very much! That was really helpful!

Best