I am on F1 Visa. Can I claim 1098-T form for tax filing?

[Satya]

I entered US during 2014 on F1 visa. As of year 2019 it's been 5 years since I am on F1 visa. So I passed Substantial presence test. Can I claim 1098-T form for tax filing?

[LinaJ2018 · Accepted solution]

No, you can't claim yet, unfortunately.  As an F-1 visa holder, you are considered as a nonresident for five years from the year you enter the US.  So in your situation, you are a nonresident from 2014-2018.  Starting from this year, 2019, if you pass the SPT, you will be a resident for tax purposes hence qualify to claim one of the education credits.  ( When you do your taxes in 2020, you can claim)

[bmurudula10]

Hi,

I came to USA in august 2014. I have finished my five year of stay in usa by 2019 july. I paid college fee in 2019 aug and i got 1080T. Can i claim it while filing for 2019 taxes.

[DavidS127]

Assuming you meet the Substantial Presence Test and the requirements to not be considered as an Exempt Individual for 2019, you would file Form 1040 for 2019 and enter your 1098-T.

See the Publication 519 sections on Substantial Presence Test and Exempt Individual at this link.

@bmurudula10

[Poornima]

Hi everyone,

I came to the USA in august 2014. I have completed five calendar years of stay in the USA by 2019 Aug. I am currently in CPT Visa status which falls under F1 visa.

I have two questions one on tax exemptions and others can I claim 1098T while filing for 2019 taxes.   

1. I am being charged for Medicare and SSN tax, am I not exempt from these taxes if I am on CPT? 

2. As I have finished my five years of stay in the USA by 2019 Aug. I paid the college fee for 2019 and I got 1098T form. Can I claim it while filing for 2019 taxes?

3. Is a substantial Presence Test based only on physically presence in the United States?

Thank you in advance!

Regards

Poornima