LPR no income still wants to file

[danielenglish 3]

Hi everyone,

I am a LPR (since july 2013), aware that I have to file tax returns for 2013.

However, I have never worked either in the US or abroad and, therefore, I am not sure whether or not I do still have this obligation.

Nevertheless, I want to do so because it is one of the ways through which I show my intention to keep the status of LPR (I know there are software which allow you to file tax returns, print and, then, send the documents).

As far as you know, is a complex procedure or a simple one?

I am ignorant of all this and any suggestion would be more than appreciated

[danielenglish 3]

none?

[aussie_jason 195]

Yes you can and it is easy, this is how to do it the old fashioned way - http://www.ehow.com/how_4899927_file-taxes-income.html but you may be able to do it through TurboTax or H&R Block online (don't use one of their tax preparers, just their online service).

[danielenglish 3]

Thank you!

Yes, if I can do it by using TurboTax, it'd be great as I guess it is even easier this way..isn't it?

As far as I know, once I filled the form out, I just need to print and send it.

The day I will do so it is the date which counts (the relevant one to prove that I did it on time).

Am I right?

..and do you know where I could find the software?

Thank you very much in advance for your help!

[aussie_jason 195]

You have until April 15th to file for 2013 or to request an extension, just go to turbotax.com however doing so really will not help when it comes to removal of conditions unless you are filing as Married Filing Jointly with your USC spouse (assuming that is how you became a LPR)

[danielenglish 3]

Hi, thank you

Actually, I don't know what "removal of conditions" means..

I got the GC through the DV-Lottery and I want to file - although, as I said, I've never earned money (in US or abroad) - just in case I need to show my intention to keep the status of permanent resident once I'll enter in the US (in two weeks).

Edited March 9, 2014 by danielenglish

[Darnell 8,479]

Since this would be your first, ever, return,

is quite possible that you will NOT be able to file it electronically,

so

be prepared to file a paper-only return into the IRS office in Philadelphia (they handle overseas returns).

Sure, you can use some software to prep it, but you won't be verified by the service bureau to use electronic filing, they'll have a 'no-hit' on prior usage on yer SSN.

[danielenglish 3]

Hi Darnell!

I really hope I'll be able to file electronically as I have very little practice with this things...and they say it's much easier by using the software..

May I ask you what you mean for "I won't be verified"?

Thank you!

[Darnell 8,479]

uhm, no. you cannot file electronically, is no prior history on your ssn for filing taxes.

as to explaining myself, I ask you read it again.

[danielenglish 3]

ops, sorry, I made a mistake in explaining myself!

I meant: I really hope that I can prepare the tax returns by using a software (I know that I will need to send the papers by postal service) and, yes, as you say, I can do so!

The thing that I didn't understand is that I "won't be verified".

[aussie_jason 195]

You need a prior year's return to be able to verify with the IRS to be able to file electronically, in your case you should be able to use software like TurboTax to prepare the return but you will need to elect to print your return and mail it in instead of filing it electronically.

[danielenglish 3]

Thank you aussie_jason, you've been very clear

[kzielu 1,153]

uhm, no. you cannot file electronically, is no prior history on your ssn for filing taxes.

as to explaining myself, I ask you read it again.

I filed electronically back in 2011 and it was very first time I ever filed tax return in US. Used Turbotax.

[Darnell 8,479]

and? after you attempted to file, what happened?

[kzielu 1,153]

and? after you attempted to file, what happened?

It got accepted, IRS sent return by direct debit, lived happily until next years tax return...