Hi,
I entered the U.S with H-1B in June 2016 and switched my VISA status to F-1 in July 2017 for further study. Now, I am a fifth-year international student with the F-1 but I have lived in the U.S. for more than 6 years.
In my case, am I considered a resident alien for tax purposes? Can I report this year's tax return through e-filing of TurboTax?
Thanks in advance.
No. You are still a nonresident because you are exempt for any part of five calendar years beginning with 2017.
Here is the IRS example:
W was a citizen and resident of a foreign country immediately prior to entering the United States. W is temporarily present in the United States as a graduate student at a university on an F-1 visa (student visa) and had never been in the United States before arriving on 08-15-2016. Assuming W substantially complies with the requirements of the visa, does not change immigration status, and remains in the United States throughout 2021, determine W’s residency starting date.
Date of entry into United States: 08-15-2016
Student F-1 visa
Exempt individual for 5 calendar years (2016 through 2020)
To determine whether W met the substantial presence test (183 days), begin counting days on 01-01-2021.
Number of nonexempt days in United States during 2021: 365 days