International Student Taxes

[BTHOM]

I am an F-1 international student who arrived in the U.S. in August 2024. For the 2025 tax year, I mistakenly filed Form 1040 as a resident using TurboTax and received a $1,403 refund, including the standard deduction and the American Opportunity Credit.

I later learned that, as an F-1 student within my first five calendar years, I should have filed Form 1040-NR instead. I prepared a corrected return using Sprintax, which shows that I owe over $1,000.

What is the proper procedure to amend this return? Should I file Form 1040-X with an attached 1040-NR and 8843, and pay the balance immediately? Also, is there a way to confirm the exact amount owed directly with the IRS before submitting payment?

[pk]

@BTHOM , which country are you from ?  I ask because  under US tax treaty very limited country students are allowed to use standard deduction with 1040-NR.

Was your entry with F-1 in 2024 , your first entry within the last three years or five years  with any visa ?

Generally, once the IRS processing is complete, you will need to  file a 1040-NR, attach  the "filed-in-error " 1040 and an explanatory  note  saying  you made a mistake and wish to correct the error.  Note  this could mean your returning all the refunds from the 1040 and then paying what is due from 1040-NR -- i.e. a full re-conciliation .

Yes , you can visit the local IRS office and seek guidance.

I will circle back once I hear from you --yes ?

[BTHOM]

@pk Hello, Thanks for your quick reply! 

I'm from Jamaica. Yes, I entered the U.S. on an F-1 visa in 2024, and this was my first entry to the U.S. within the last five years on any visa. 

From what I understand, since my IRS return has already been processed, I would need to file a 1040-NR, attach the 1040 that was filed in error, and include an explanatory note stating that I made a mistake(the mistake, I believe I made was adding my 1098-T) and would like to correct it. 

Should I prepare and file the 1040-NR amendment through Sprintax, or is there a different method you recommend for correcting a return that was filed in error? I appreciate your guidance

[pk]

@BTHOM , thank you for your response.  You are correct in your understanding of my note .  Please also consider familiarizing yourself with the tax treaty  between US and Jamaica esp. article 21.  See here -->

JAMAICAWEB.PDF

Just adding to your knowledge bank.

You should consider preparing your form 1040-NR by using SprinTax  or your school's foreign students office  ( in my days back in the 1965-1970 that used to be the gateway ) or similar.  Note that you have to print, date, sign etc. and send to IRS by mail --- to the processing center for 1040-NR applicable to your state/area -- see www.irs.gov

Is there more I can do for you ?