So I spent the summer working in the US and the service provider to get said job have sent an email saying I need to file a tax return. From filling out all details I’ve overpaid by $8 but it costs $100 to file the tax return. Since I don’t owe anything will there be any consequences of simply not filing a tax return?
UPDATE: I’ve looked at the free file fillable form but a US number is needed to make an account which I don’t have access to anymore.
Posted by PotentialCan4224
5 Comments
Realistically no, unless you intend to interact with the US again in which case I’m not sure how unhappy USCIS can get about unfiled returns. The IRS won’t care unless they’re owed money (or think they’re owed money).
There is, however, no fee to file a tax return. You may be seeing that some third party is charging a fee to prepare and file on your behalf.
Filing a tax return is free. You might have to pay for software if you want to use it, but you can fill out the forms yourself for free.
Unfortunately, you probably cannot file electronically as a foreign citizen. But you can fill out all the tax forms online and print them out and mail them. It will probably cost about as much you will get back, but not anywhere near $100. It is really not hard at all.
Update in response to your update: If you are nonresident alien, you cannot use free fillable forms. But you just need to report your US income on Form 1040NR and mail it in.
[https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-nr](https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-nr)
You can print out a form and mail it in. So it will cost you postage.
I don’t think anyone will come after you, but you are supposed to file, so I’d do it if I were you. I doubt mailing a letter to the US from the UK costs anywhere near $8, so you will financially come out ahead, a little, by filing.