Bad Advice (State Taxes/N400) Need Help!

[*FishF00D* 45]

47 minutes ago, Family said:

Do NOT offer “ explanation “ in your N-400.

You can truthfully answer the question that you have never failed to file .

 

But you are welcome to send in/ upload IRS tax transcripts with your N-400 and rest assured you will not be asked or questioned about state taxes. 
 

 

Hmm, the instructions for the N-400 application say to include an explanation:

 

In my past experience with USCIS (and also based on the experience of others in the past) it's been best-practice to include complete explanations/evidence up front as necessary -- why do you suggest not including an explanation of the circumstances?

 

[SalishSea 18,191]

15 hours ago, Bob in Boston said:

Using Turbo Tax since 1992, Never had a problem. Sold houses, 401K withdrawals, capital gains from rental properties and the list goes on. Never had a problem.

Same here.   I’ve used it for years to do our taxes, plus the taxes of multiple family members.   My mom was a career IRS executive, and she uses it too.

[Bob in Boston 767]

19 hours ago, *FishF00D* said:

It seems like the advice given to me by the H&R Block guy was ultimately accurate -- it took me a long time to independently re-verify, so in retrospect he must have been pretty well-informed to have made this determination so quickly and confidently. That being said, in looking back at his credentials he has a B.S. in accounting but isn't a CPA -- so the advice about pursuing a certified accountant for future tax returns is duly noted!

If the States do not require you to file taxes because your income is so low then you dont have to file. Some states have no income taxes. If you are not required to file then the answer is NO and no explanation is needed. If you still dont feel comfortable then file the taxes for each state and answer no. 

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

On 11/11/2022 at 7:10 AM, *FishF00D* said:

Do Permanent Residents of the United States ALWAYS have to file state taxes even if the state regulations stipulate that they meet exclusionary criteria? (Income, residency, etc)

No, we did not file state taxes one year as we were not present long enough/ earning enough in our first year as LPRs to do so. I did however happen to get a letter from the state tax authority confirming we did not need to file that year (well, as much as they would - “based on the information you have provided, ….”  ) and included it in my n400 application. (I kind  of got that by accident from correspondence arising from the state wanting to know why we didn’t file that year.) 

[*FishF00D* 45]

Just an update for anyone here:

I decided to consult with my previous tax preparer in California (CTEC Registered Tax Preparer) and took an even closer look to find out if there were any other reasons I would have been required to file state taxes that had been overlooked. He pointed out that I had received premium tax credits (PTC) having paid for health insurance through California's marketplace, and believe I need to file a return by virtue of this fact.

Given that the H&R Block guy missed this, I combed over my federal return again and realized that he also failed to include the premium tax credits from California's 1095A in my federal return - in spite of the fact that I provided him with all of the documentation for it and had discussed it with him. I'm now going to have to amend my return ASAP.

 

I gave him every piece of documentation well in advance, we discussed everything, and it was still missed. I realize that it's also my responsibility to double check everything, and I guess I missed it as well having put my faith in the accuracy of a "professional". I'm exceptionally frustrated in this experience -- but thank god at least that I caught all of this NOW before filing my N400 and have the opportunity to amend everything.

 

I now agree with all previous posts - skip H&R Block. Find other solutions that fit your needs in your circumstances.