Starting first US job on my EAD - how to fill out form I-9?

[QueenOfBlades 224]

I'm starting a new job in a couple of weeks and I'm still on my EAD, as USCIS are taking their sweet time with my green card.

My question is, how do I fill out form I-9? For the purposes of this form, am I considered an alien authorized to work, or a legal permanent resident? And will I have to change it when I get my green card (which will probably be within a few weeks as Charleston is now on February filers)?

[Merrytooth 5,748]

I started working with EAD first before getting my green card.

I filled up my I-9 form with "An alien authorized to work" , writing down the EAD expiration date.

I gave HR a copy of my green card after that. My company did the e-verify.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You are not a permanent resident until your GC has been approved.

You are an alien authorized to work.

You do not have to change it when your status changes, but you can. Employers are only required to have this filled out upon hiring.

[QueenOfBlades 224]

Thanks for the replies, it helps .

Another question. On the W-4, it states this -

I claim exemption from withholding for 2014, and I certify that I meet both of the following conditions for exemption.

• Last year I had a right to a refund of all federal income tax withheld because I had no tax liability, and

• This year I expect a refund of all federal income tax withheld because I expect to have no tax liability.

Do I write "exempt" for this? I only arrived in the US in December 2013 and never made any income. I never even filed taxes for 2013.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You are not tax-exempt.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Thanks for the replies, it helps .

Another question. On the W-4, it states this -

I claim exemption from withholding for 2014, and I certify that I meet both of the following conditions for exemption.

• Last year I had a right to a refund of all federal income tax withheld because I had no tax liability, and

• This year I expect a refund of all federal income tax withheld because I expect to have no tax liability.

Do I write "exempt" for this? I only arrived in the US in December 2013 and never made any income. I never even filed taxes for 2013.

You must be very careful when dealing with the IRS and withholdings. They do not care how you complete the W-4. You can put down "Single" or "married" and as many exemptions as you wish. You are supposed to complete the worksheet and if married you select "married' and if you and your spouse you claim "2" for the exemptions. That way the correct amount is withheld from each paycheck. If you have under withholdings the IRS will hit you with an under withholding penalty even if you are getting a refund. They put in a little thing call the even pay or liability and you are to pay an equal amount each quarter of your tax liability. If you sell stock and incur a large capital gain you must either make an estimated payment or have enough taxes withheld to cover that capital gain. Otherwise you can get hit with an underpayment penalty. BTDT.

With that said, you are a LPR--or soon to be one--and you expect to owe taxes this year as you are now living in the US and earning money in the US. Complete the W-4 per the worksheet. If you like large refunds you can claim "single" and "0" but you are giving the US government an interest free loan until you get your refund.

Welcome to the joys of dealing with the IRS,

Dave

Edited August 15, 2014 by Dave&Roza

[QueenOfBlades 224]

You are not tax-exempt.

So do I just ignore this bit asking that? I've no idea what most of it means. I'm gonna speak to a relative tomorrow then a family friend on Monday who is a tax preparer.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

So do I just ignore this bit asking that? I've no idea what most of it means. I'm gonna speak to a relative tomorrow then a family friend on Monday who is a tax preparer.

Yes, ignore it. That is if you want them to take out no tax (you don't want that).

This form tells the employer what to take out of your check for taxes. It is only an estimate. At the end of the year, you will file taxes and figure out what you owe. If you paid too much over the year, you get some back. If you paid too little, then you have to pay.

[QueenOfBlades 224]

Yes, ignore it. That is if you want them to take out no tax (you don't want that).

This form tells the employer what to take out of your check for taxes. It is only an estimate. At the end of the year, you will file taxes and figure out what you owe. If you paid too much over the year, you get some back. If you paid too little, then you have to pay.

Alright, thank you. That clears it up a lot. I was wondering what on Earth to do, considering I can't fill that bit out anyway as I wasn't even here for 98% of 2013.