@eveges wrote:
No I’m on J-1 visa and this year I qualified as resident for tax purposes. When you’re a non-resident, the tax filing process seems much easier because the university withholds taxes as needed. After further research, I’m convinced I did file correctly. Hopefully next year, it becomes a much smoother process
Normally a J-1 holder is considered a non-resident, unless they have been in the US more than 5 years. If you have been here 5 years, then you are a US resident and subject to tax as a US resident. Your fellowship is taxable, although it is not earned income and you should not have a schedule C or pay self-employment tax (social security and Medicare tax).
If the university is issuing a 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC (it should be a 1099-MISC), then you are responsible for estimating your taxes due and making quarterly estimated tax payments (due April 15, June 15, Sept 15 and Jan 15). If you over-pay the estimates, you get the difference back as a tax refund. You can pay at www.irs.gov/payments.
