Many non-residents with US income are unaware that they must file a US tax return, even when taxes were already withheld. Whether you earn rental income, investment income, or other US-source payments, the IRS often requires Form 1040-NR to stay compliant.
If you’re behind on your non-resident filings, Universal Tax Professionals can help. Our international tax experts specialize in non-resident reporting, tax treaty benefits, and withholding rules. Weāll ensure your return is accurate and help you avoid unnecessary tax or penalties.
Alongside non-resident reporting, we also offer a full range of US expat tax services for Americans abroad and foreign individuals with US tax obligations providing clear guidance and reliable support wherever you live.
A non-resident alien is an individual who is not a US citizen or national and does not meet the IRS requirements to be treated as a US resident for tax purposes. The IRS uses two specific tests to determine whether someone should be classified as a resident alien.
To be considered a US resident alien, a person must meet one of the following tests:
Green Card Test: The individual is a lawful permanent resident and holds a valid US Green Card at any time during the tax year.
Substantial Presence Test: The individual has been physically present in the United States for at least 31 days during the current tax year and a total of 183 days over a three-year period, based on the IRS day-count formula.
If neither test is met, the person is generally treated as a non-resident alien for US tax purposes. However, there are exceptions. Certain individualsāsuch as daily commuters from Canada or Mexico, some international students, teachers, and traineesāmay be exempt from counting days of presence and therefore may still be classified as non-residents even if they spend significant time in the US.
Determining whether you must file a US non-resident tax return can be confusing, especially with varying rules on income types, residency status, and tax treaties. To make it easier, here are some of the most common situations that require filing Form 1040-NR:
You may need to file Form 1040-NR if you earned US business or service-related income.
Non-residents with US rental income, real estate activities, or taxable capital gains often must file.
Dividends, royalties, and other US-source income may also require a non-resident return.
Filing is required to claim or report tax treaty benefits.
Foreign visitors, students, and scholars on F, J, M, or Q visas may still need to file under residency rules.
If any of these situations apply to youāor if you’re unsureāour team of international accountants can help confirm your filing requirements and ensure your non-resident return is completed accurately. We guide you through every step so you stay fully compliant with US tax rules.
Our Non-Resident Reporting Package is designed to simplify the entire process, giving you accurate filings, expert guidance, and the peace of mind that every detail has been handled correctly from start to finish
We accurately prepare your non-resident tax return based on your specific income sources and residency status, ensuring full IRS compliance and minimizing the risk of errors or penalties.
Our team evaluates all applicable tax treaty benefits and reviews your withholding to help reduce unnecessary tax, correct discrepancies, and ensure youāre not overpaying the IRS.
We prepare all necessary schedules and supporting documents including rental property forms, and state tax returns when required.
You receive year-round assistance with IRS notices, audit support, follow-up inquiries, and treaty clarifications.
Work with licensed tax professionals who specialize in non-resident US taxation. We understand the unique rules, exceptions, and treaty provisions that apply to foreign individuals.
Our meticulous process ensures every filing is correct and compliantāavoiding mistakes that often lead to delays, penalties, or IRS questions.
No hidden fees. You know exactly what your non-resident tax reporting package includes before we begin.
Wherever you are in the world, we make the US tax reporting process easy with secure online tools and dedicated support.
Not always. But if you received certain US incomeāsuch as rental income, business income, or income subject to withholdingāyou are likely required to file. We can help determine if you must file.
Generally, no. However, some tax treaty exceptions exist, and certain residents of specific countries may qualify. We help determine your eligibility.
If you donāt have a Social Security Number, you may need an ITIN to file. We assist with preparing and submitting Form W-7 for ITIN applications.
Absolutely. Our online process is designed for clients worldwide, with secure portals and international tax experts available year-round.
Universal Tax Professionals is here to simplify the process of filing a non-resident tax return for you. Our team of international tax specialists will accurately prepare your Form 1040-NR and walk you through the key differences between 1040 vs 1040NR, so you fully understand which return applies to your situation.
Many taxpayers are unsure whether they qualify as residents or non-residents for tax purposes, and filing the wrong form can lead to delays, penalties, or lost tax benefits. Weāll help you determine the correct filing status, apply the proper rules, and ensure your return is fully compliant with IRS requirements.