applying for citizenship TAX issues

[resalien 3]

Hello,

I am very confused. I moved to the U.S. in 2009 marriage based cr1. Filed taxes from 09-11 with my wife. We divorced in 2012. My source of are annuity from settlement insurance company and CPP disability. I choose monthly annuity as it is non taxable. I have been to all the accountants and hr block to file for 2012 and get the run around. They all tell me that I am not required to file tax return.

The H&R person whom.I spoke to said send returns from 09-11. I am lost who is right. If I don't need to file taxes and during the interview they may ask how do I live? I do not get any assistance from the govt, so I am not a burden on the us govt/tax payers. I am very stressed. I don't know why to do. I need help. Thanks

[Hypnos 6,576]

Consulting with a reputable tax attorney or CPA (read: not H&R Block) would probably be the way to go to nail down whether you should file or not. Even if required to file, your tax burden would probably be minimal / non-existent.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Hypnos

[David & Diana R 1,005]

Hello,

I am very confused. I moved to the U.S. in 2009 marriage based cr1. Filed taxes from 09-11 with my wife. We divorced in 2012. My source of are annuity from settlement insurance company and CPP disability. I choose monthly annuity as it is non taxable. I have been to all the accountants and hr block to file for 2012 and get the run around. They all tell me that I am not required to file tax return.

The H&R person whom.I spoke to said send returns from 09-11. I am lost who is right. If I don't need to file taxes and during the interview they may ask how do I live? I do not get any assistance from the govt, so I am not a burden on the us govt/tax payers. I am very stressed. I don't know why to do. I need help. Thanks

Yes file.

[resalien 3]

I have gone to three separate CPAs and I get the same.answer. if not required, what do I say at the interview? Don't they require the returns before the interview?

Yes file.

No one is willing to do it

[David & Diana R 1,005]

Wait you have income correct? You say it is tax free. Thats fine. But you still have to file because you are a USC are you not? You might not have to pay taxes but you have to report the earnings, tax free of not. Me thinks...

[resalien 3]

Yes, I have income but not taxable. I am am perm resident of U.S

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Hello,

I am very confused. I moved to the U.S. in 2009 marriage based cr1. Filed taxes from 09-11 with my wife. We divorced in 2012. My source of are annuity from settlement insurance company and CPP disability. I choose monthly annuity as it is non taxable. I have been to all the accountants and hr block to file for 2012 and get the run around. They all tell me that I am not required to file tax return.

The H&R person whom.I spoke to said send returns from 09-11. I am lost who is right. If I don't need to file taxes and during the interview they may ask how do I live? I do not get any assistance from the govt, so I am not a burden on the us govt/tax payers. I am very stressed. I don't know why to do. I need help. Thanks

You always file (or are supposed/required to), you might not pay taxes though; but those are two different things that many confuse.

What happens is that when you are not due taxes, you could choose not to file and your friends at the IRS would not go out looking for you, because there is nothing to look you for. At same time, you might be letting IRS keep some of your money for free.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

I have gone to three separate CPAs and I get the same.answer. if not required, what do I say at the interview? Don't they require the returns before the interview?

No one is willing to do it

Because their business model is to make money when you get a refund.

AN accountant will work it and file because their fee is independent of whether you get a refund or not.

Lastly, you can work the tax yourself, and file yourself.

[Shub 78]

You always file (or are supposed/required to), you might not pay taxes though; but those are two different things that many confuse.

What happens is that when you are not due taxes, you could choose not to file and your friends at the IRS would not go out looking for you, because there is nothing to look you for. At same time, you might be letting IRS keep some of your money for free.

No, there are circumstances where the IRS says you don't have to file. You always can if you choose, but if you're not required to, you're wasting your time and theirs.

[resalien 3]

Because their business model is to make money when you get a refund.

AN accountant will work it and file because their fee is independent of whether you get a refund or not.

Lastly, you can work the tax yourself, and file yourself.

I know that accountants don't care as long as they get their money. They claim I do not need to file or.meet requirement

For my annuity I get no t4/5 from Canada. As it is tax exempt. Not considered mcome. CCP disability t5.....the h&r block lady researched and called the Canadian office and was said tontall to a lawyer for half n hr and that you do not need to file but get something in writing from IRS. I can't believe how no one can give me a definite answer. When I was moving to cra, I was told if I have ties to Canada for tax purposes I am a resident lol. Which I do. Who am I to believe?

[Gosia & Tito 199]

I know that accountants don't care as long as they get their money. They claim I do not need to file or.meet requirement

For my annuity I get no t4/5 from Canada. As it is tax exempt. Not considered mcome. CCP disability t5.....the h&r block lady researched and called the Canadian office and was said tontall to a lawyer for half n hr and that you do not need to file but get something in writing from IRS. I can't believe how no one can give me a definite answer. When I was moving to cra, I was told if I have ties to Canada for tax purposes I am a resident lol. Which I do. Who am I to believe?

I guess you have two options:

File yourself (by working the tax forms yourself, perhaps with a tax software help

File for citizenship as is and when USCIS asks for taxes, reply with what you have posted here, that your income is non taxable and are not required to file. Of course, there is a risk that you have no written document from IRS to support that. Is there a chance to go by person to the local tax office in the city you are and get it in writing? (Before tax season picks up)