Determination of tax nonresident status

[diko]

Hi,

I am a research scholar on a J1 visa. I had assumed I am considered non-resident for tax purposes through the 2 year tax examption. But I am wondering how is that calculated to determine if I should file with TurboTax or Sprintax (if I am indeed nonresident).

When calculating the tax exemption status the dates used are the visa start date or the US entry date? My J1 visa (Research Scholar) started in January 1 2024 but I entered the US during the grace period (December 26 2023).  I was also on J1 research scholar status in 2018. Sprintax calculates that 2018 and 2023 are tax exempt years even though my visa and programme started at 2024 and I was only in the US for 5 days before my program started. Is that correct?

Any help appreciated, thank you.

[DaveF1006]

No, unless you requested an extension through your school, your exemption period ended in ‌2023. In year 2024, you would need to file as a resident alien for 2024.

[diko]

Thank you for the response. What do you mean by requesting an extension through my school?

[DaveF1006]

To request an extension of your J-1 status up to the maximum period allowable under the regulations, you must initiate your request through your department, who will make the formal request to OISS through OISS Connect. The extension process (including obtaining a new DS-2019) must be completed before the end date as noted on your current DS-2019 form.

OISS will need the following information from the supervising faculty member or other authorized department personnel:

• Your position title
• The proposed dates of the extension
• The amount and source of the funding

To initiate this process, you will need to do this through the school's international student office (ISO),

[diko]

Thanks again for the quick response. This extension would extend the current visa period, but I am not sure I understand how it affects the exemption ending in 2023.

[DaveF1006]

It would  extend your exemption period as well.