Can zero income resident alien, f1 visa holder, refund?/

[udemberel]

Hello,

I'm and f1 visa student and have used Sprintax during my exempt years. This is the first time I have used Turbotax online to file my taxes. I earned 0 income last year. While using Turbotax online, I didn't have any option to answer any questions about residency status. Now it's saying that I'm eligible for a refund. My question is "was I right to use Turbotax without mailing any paperworks to IRS?" I used it because Sprintax asked me to use Turbotax. Does  F1 student resident alien have a right to get a refund? if not what should I do? 

Thank you

[DanaB]

On an F-1 visa, you are 5 years exempt after that you can meet the substantial presence test to become a resident for tax purposes. The 183 days start to count after the 5 years have passed. If this applies to you then you were correct to file form 1040 and use TurboTax. If you e-filed you will not have to mail anything to the IRS.

If your 5 years on the F1 visa haven't passed yet then you are a nonresident and will have to file form 1040NR. If you filed already then you will have to file an amended tax return (1040X) and send in the correct form 1040NR. You will have to download, fill out and print Form 1040X: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf 

Please follow these instructions:

• Enter your name, current address, and social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) on the front of Form 1040X.
• Don’t enter any other information on page 1. Also, don’t complete Parts I or II on page 2 of Form 1040X.
• Enter in Part III the reason why you are filing Form 1040X. 
• Complete a new or corrected return (Form 1040NR). 
• Across the top of the new or corrected return, write “Amended.” 
• Attach the new or corrected return to the back of Form 1040X.

To complete a correct form 1040NR you can use our partner Sprintax site.