Is turbotax for me?

[sevi88]

Hi,

I am a non-resident alien in the process of a green card (did not get it yet). I got married in 2020 to a US citizen and we want to file jointly. I know that by doing this I am considered a resident for tax purposes.

My problem is that I am studying for a master's (came with a student visa) and I am working on campus. I got a W2 and a form 1042-S. Can we still use Turbotax?

Also, I would like to know if TurboTax would help us to claim all the stimulus checks We did not get any and we qualify now as a married couple.

Thank you so much!

[DianeW777]

Yes.  TurboTax can help you.

When the 1042-S form is used to report a scholarship or fellowship grant, only the amount over the cost of tuition is reportable.   You can enter the amount on the 1042-S under other earnings and specify scholarship.

1. Click Federal in the left column 
2. Click Wages & Income at the top
3. Scroll down to Less Common Income. Click Show more
4. Start Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C
5. Start Other reportable income
6. Say Yes to Any Other Taxable Income?
7. Enter a description and amount

The stimulus is required to be reconciled on the 2020 tax return, follow the steps below to include this with your tax return.

In TurboTax Online, to claim the Recovery Rebate credit please do the following:

1. Sign into your account and continue from where you left off
2. Click on Federal in the left-hand column, then on Federal Review on the top of the screen
3. On the next page titled Let's make sure you got the right stimulus amount, click on Continue
4. Follow the interview - make sure to answer the questions to correct the amount you did receive (zero for you)
5. TurboTax will determine whether you are entitled to any additional stimulus
6. Any stimulus amount remaining due to you will show as a credit on line 30 of your form 1040.
7. See the image below for assistance.

[sevi88]

Thank you, Diane!! I forgot to mention that the income code in form 1042-S is code 20. My annual salary was 18500$, 13500$ are shown on the W2 and 5000$ on the 1042-S. These are wages for my job. How do I report this? The same way you mentioned? 

Another question, can I use the form 1098T to claim my scholarship now that I am a resident for tax purposes?

Thank you for the detailed answer.

[DianeW777]

Yes, you can report both your 1098-T and your 1042-S in the Education section.  The Code 20 indicates the payment is for Compensation during studying and training.  Enter both in the education section and ignore the steps for other income.

• To enter your education expenses and scholarship income click here.

If you do have withholdings on a form where there doesn't seem to be an entry for those withholdings then you can enter them by using the steps below. 

1. Deductions and Credits > Estimates and Other Taxes Paid​​​​​​​ > Other Income Taxes Paid in 2020 > Income Taxes Paid
2. Scroll to Other Income Taxes Paid in 2020 > Withholding not already entered on a W-2 or 1099 Revisit/Update
3. Select your state from the drop down under State withholding > enter the amount
4. See the image below for assistance.