False claim to US citizen/resident - to bank???

[vicky86 11]

Hi, so I am on F-1 visa and opened a bank account... and then did not read well that I checked the box that stated "I certify that under the penalties of perjury the statements checked (I am not subject to backup withhoding..)in this section and that i am a US citizen or other US person (as defined in the instructions)....

and then a week ag i look over the document and see my mistake!!! what is the best possible action in this case? I never see any "instructions" but i suppose that "US" person is not me, I am a non-resident alien... I am worried what kind of penalties I might be facing.

That bank account had $25 bonus opening.. should I close the bank and try to return the bonus and hope that they will not be repoting this documents anywhere...?! It's a local bank.

Please help

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

Hi, so I am on F-1 visa and opened a bank account... and then did not read well that I checked the box that stated "I certify that under the penalties of perjury the statements checked (I am not subject to backup withhoding..)in this section and that i am a US citizen or other US person (as defined in the instructions)....

and then a week ag i look over the document and see my mistake!!! what is the best possible action in this case? I never see any "instructions" but i suppose that "US" person is not me, I am a non-resident alien... I am worried what kind of penalties I might be facing.

That bank account had $25 bonus opening.. should I close the bank and try to return the bonus and hope that they will not be repoting this documents anywhere...?! It's a local bank.

Please help

I think you are ok....don't stress to much. Just return to your bank and inform them of the mistake you made.

They will be very happy and respect you for your honesty.

[vicky86 11]

I think you are ok....don't stress to much. Just return to your bank and inform them of the mistake you made.

They will be very happy and respect you for your honesty.

THNAK YOU for fast reply.. I just did call them. Uff what a mistake I did and am embarrassed.

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

THNAK YOU for fast reply.. I just did call them. Uff what a mistake I did and am embarrassed.

no need to be embarrassed....you are fine. Everybody can make a simple mistake.

[Kipper 0]

Was it W9 form ? You may want to check with IRS if you are resident alien or not

[vicky86 11]

Was it W9 form ? You may want to check with IRS if you are resident alien or not

It was not a W9 form,it was custom bank form.

I am non-resident alien, that is for sure.

[Que Saudade 284]

Your honesty and quick response to your mistake to correct it speaks for itself. Don't worry about it. You did the "right" thing.

Good luck with your studies this semester..!

[Dakine10 5,452]

Hi, so I am on F-1 visa and opened a bank account... and then did not read well that I checked the box that stated "I certify that under the penalties of perjury the statements checked (I am not subject to backup withhoding..)in this section and that i am a US citizen or other US person (as defined in the instructions)....

and then a week ag i look over the document and see my mistake!!! what is the best possible action in this case? I never see any "instructions" but i suppose that "US" person is not me, I am a non-resident alien... I am worried what kind of penalties I might be facing.

That bank account had $25 bonus opening.. should I close the bank and try to return the bonus and hope that they will not be repoting this documents anywhere...?! It's a local bank.

Please help

Banks don't require US citizenship to open accounts, so I would be curious to see the definition for "other US person". I would have to think this definition would include legal residents. I've seen several agreements (such as loans, mortgages etc.) that require you to be a USC or legal resident.

I'm hard pressed to think what else they could mean by "other US person".

[Brad and Vika 129]

A "person" is just a legal definition. For example, corporations can be legal persons. So long as you had identification that met the Patriot Act requirements, you are probably fine. If you did not have it, the bank would not have let you open the account.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Yes, hope they don't report this anywhere. Keep ALL documents pertaining to this as you want any evidence in the event you are ever faced with an accusation of false claim to US citizenship.

[beejay 123]

As others have said you did the right thing by correcting the mistake.

Make sure to follow Vanessa's advices and keep all the documentation to prove you did the right thing in case it ever comes up at a later date - like if you ever file for citizenship.

[vicky86 11]

Thank you all for the useful advices and genuine help.

Have a great day.