Problems/Solutions

Table Of Contents

My employer put in the wrong address: #

Contact your employer immediately to correct the address in their records. Ensure they have the correct address to avoid any issues with important documents being sent to the wrong location.

My name is spelled wrong #

Notify your employer of the error and provide the correct spelling of your name. They should update their records to ensure accurate documentation moving forward.

My SSN is incorrect #

Inform your employer of the incorrect SSN and provide the correct one. They’ll need to update their records to ensure accurate reporting to the IRS and other relevant agencies.

I have not received my W-2 #

  • Contact your employer and request a copy of your W-2. They are required by law to provide it to you by January 31st. If you do not receive it by February 15, 2024, contact your employer to find out where it was sent or to request a copy. 
  • If you had more than one employer, you will have more than one form W-2. 
  • *We take pride in our (TaxPrime) services  that help users locate missing W-2 forms for both prior and current tax years. Here’s how we do it:
  • Contacting Your Employer: We start by reaching out to your previous employer on your behalf, formally requesting your W-2s to expedite the process.
  • Reporting to the IRS: If your W-2s still haven’t been received, we escalate the issue by reporting it to the IRS. They will contact your employer directly to ensure compliance.
  • Transcript Delivery Service Request: If necessary, we utilize a Transcript Delivery Service request to obtain the information from your W-2s directly from the IRS.
  • Preparing an Estimated Tax Form: If all else fails, we assist in preparing an estimated tax form based on your paystubs or any other relevant information you may have.

I am not going to be able to file my taxes by the deadline #

  • If you’re unable to file your taxes by the deadline, you can request an extension using IRS Form 4868. This will give you an additional six months to file your tax return. 
  • OR file your Tax Extension with us now!

My employer withheld Medicare and Social Security taxes #

  • J-1 visa holders are typically considered to be nonresidents for tax purposes. For this reason, J-1 participants do not have to pay social security or Medicare tax while in the US. If your employer withheld these taxes in error, you should contact them to rectify the situation and request a refund if necessary.

*If you are unable to get a full refund of the amount from your employer, file a claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service on Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement. Attach the following items to Form 843:

  • A copy of your Form W-2 to prove the amount of social security and Medicare taxes withheld,
  • A copy of the page from your passport showing the visa stamp,
  • INS Form I-94,
  • If applicable INS Form I-538, Certification by Designated School Official, and
  • A statement from your employer indicating the amount of the reimbursement your employer provided and the amount of the credit or refund your employer claimed or that you authorized your employer to claim. If you cannot obtain this statement from your employer, you must provide this information on your own statement and explain why you are not attaching a statement from your employer.
  • If applicable, Form 8316, Information Regarding Request for Refund of Social Security Tax Erroneously Withheld on Wages Received by a Nonresident Alien on an F, J, or M Type VisaPDF.

Can J-1 visa holders use TurboTax? #

No! TurboTax has been designed specifically to support US citizens and residents for tax purposes. J-1 participants are typically considered to be nonresidents. For this reason, TurboTax is not suitable for J-1 visa holders. However, TaxPrime is the official nonresident tax filing. We can help you to file your nonresident tax return easily online.

What else can go wrong?? (The IRS asked for identity verification; etc.) #

  • Additional issues related to taxes for J-1 students may include:
  • State Tax Obligations:
    • Issue: For J-1 students who worked in multiple states or moved during their program, navigating state tax obligations can be confusing. Failing to file state tax returns or paying state taxes owed could result in penalties.
    • Solution: Consult with a tax professional at TaxPrime who specializes in J-1 student taxes to understand the complexities of your tax situation. They can assist you in determining your state tax obligations and ensure that you file the correct tax form, Form 1040-NR, instead of Form 1040, which is specifically for nonresident aliens.
  • Tax Residency Status:
    • Issue: Determining tax residency status (resident alien vs. nonresident alien) is crucial. Misclassifying residency status could lead to incorrect tax filings and potential tax liabilities.
    • Solution: Consult with a tax professional at Tax Prime who specializes in J-1 student taxes to understand the complexities of your tax situation. *Using TurboTax to file taxes as a J-1 visa holder is illegal
  • IRS Identity Verification:
    • Issue: The IRS may request identity verification, especially if there are discrepancies in your tax return or if you’re a victim of identity theft.
    • Solution: Respond promptly to any requests for identity verification from the IRS. Provide the requested documentation and follow any instructions provided by the IRS to resolve the issue.
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