You’re in the U.S. on a Visa or Green Card. Your Tax Filing Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing.
You’re in the right place if…
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You arrived in the U.S. this year and need to file a dual status return
Your first year requires both Form 1040 and Form 1040-NR. We handle the complex split-year filing so you don’t overpay on your nonresident period.
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You just received your Green Card and need to report worldwide income
Green Card holders are U.S. residents for tax purposes from day one, meaning all worldwide income becomes taxable. We help you understand FBAR requirements, foreign asset reporting, and how to claim foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation.
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You’re on an H-1B, L-1, or other work visa with stock compensation
RSUs, stock options, and equity grants have complex tax treatment. We report all compensation correctly and help you understand tax timing on vesting and sale.
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You’re an F-1 or J-1 student confused about scholarship taxation and filing requirements
Scholarships, OPT income, FICA exemptions, and the five-year nonresident rule create confusion. We file Form 1040-NR correctly and claim all applicable exclusions.
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You don’t know if you’re a resident alien or nonresident alien for tax purposes
The substantial presence test determines your filing status. We calculate your days, determine your correct status, and file the right form (1040 vs 1040-NR).
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You want to claim tax treaty benefits from your home country
The U.S. has treaties with 60+ countries that can reduce your U.S. tax burden. We identify which treaty articles apply and complete Form 8833 correctly.
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You’re transitioning from student visa (F-1) to work visa (H-1B)
Your filing status changes when you transition from nonresident to resident. We navigate this shift and ensure you’re positioned correctly for FBAR and new reporting requirements
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You have foreign bank accounts, investments, or property in your home country
As a U.S. resident (including Green Card holders), foreign accounts over $10,000 trigger FBAR requirements. Foreign investments may require PFIC reporting. We determine which forms you need and file everything correctly to avoid penalties.
Start your U.S. expat tax return today.
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You Need Certainty. We Provide the Blueprint. Our knowledge center is designed to answer your questions, so you understand the rules before you file.
How Do I Know If I’m a Resident Alien or Nonresident Alien?
It depends on the substantial presence test, which counts your days in the U.S. over a three-year period weighted by specific fractions. Generally, if you’ve been in the U.S. for 183 days or more this year (or meet the three-year calculation), you’re a resident alien for tax purposes. Students and certain visa holders have special exemption rules that can extend the nonresident period. Learn more about determining your tax status
What’s a Dual Status Return and When Do I Need One?
A dual status return is required in your first year in the U.S. when you arrive mid-year and become a resident. Part of the year you’re taxed as a nonresident (generally before arrival or before meeting substantial presence), and part you’re taxed as a resident. This requires filing both Form 1040 for the resident portion and Form 1040-NR for the nonresident portion, with a dual status statement attached. Read the complete dual status filing guide
Can I Claim Tax Treaty Benefits From My Home Country?
Probably yes, if your home country has an income tax treaty with the U.S. Common treaty benefits include reduced withholding on certain income types, student and researcher exclusions, and income exemptions for specific professions. We determine which treaty articles apply to your situation and complete Form 8833 to claim the benefits correctly. Learn more about U.S. tax treaties
How Are RSUs and Stock Options Taxed?
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are typically taxed as ordinary income when they vest, not when you receive or exercise them. Stock options have different treatment depending on whether they’re Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) or Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs). Capital gains tax applies when you eventually sell the shares. Proper basis tracking from vesting through sale is critical to avoid double taxation. Learn more about H-1B taxes and stock compensation
Do I Need to File FBAR as a Visa Holder?
Once you’re a U.S. resident for tax purposes, you must file FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if your foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during the year. This includes bank accounts, investment accounts, and certain other financial accounts in your home country. Students in their first five years are generally nonresidents and don’t have FBAR obligations unless they have U.S.-source income above filing thresholds. Learn more about FBAR filing requirements
What Are My Tax Obligations as a New Green Card Holder?
Green Card holders are treated as U.S. residents for tax purposes from the date you receive your Green Card, meaning you must report worldwide income to the IRS. This includes foreign employment income, rental properties, investment income, pensions, and business ownership in your home country. You’ll file Form 1040 (not 1040-NR) and may need to file FBAR for foreign accounts over $10,000, Form 8938 for foreign financial assets, and other international forms depending on your situation. Learn more about Green Card holder tax requirementsFeatured In
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Tax Help For Foreign Nationals Living in the U.S.
Filing U.S. taxes as a visa holder or Green Card holder requires determining your correct resident or nonresident status, understanding which forms apply, maximizing treaty benefits from your home country, reporting worldwide income correctly, and handling foreign account and asset reporting. Our services are designed to handle every aspect of your tax compliance, from first-year dual status complexity to ongoing filing with stock compensation, foreign income reporting, and FBAR/FATCA requirements.
Dual Status Tax Return Preparation (Form 1040 & Form 1040-NR)
We handle complete dual status return preparation for your first year in the U.S., determining which form serves as your primary return based on your December 31 status, correctly splitting income between resident and nonresident periods, and attaching the proper dual status statement. We ensure your return is paper-filed correctly since dual status returns cannot be e-filed. Our CPAs understand the complex allocation rules and help you minimize tax liability during your transition year. Our Dual Status Return package is $875.
$875
USD
FBAR & FATCA Reporting for Resident Aliens
Once you become a U.S. resident for tax purposes, you must report foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 on FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). Additionally, Form 8938 (FATCA) may be required for foreign financial assets above certain thresholds. We determine which forms you need, file FBAR by the April 15 deadline (automatically extended to October 15), and complete Form 8938 with your tax return. Penalties for non-filing can be severe, making proper compliance critical.
$125+
USD
Amended Returns for Incorrect Status or Form Filing
Filed as a full-year resident when you should have filed dual status? Used Form 1040 when you should have filed 1040-NR? We prepare amended returns (Form 1040-X or Form 1040-X NR) to correct filing errors, recalculate tax liability with proper resident versus nonresident treatment, and claim refunds for overpayment. Many foreign nationals discover their dual status requirement late or misunderstand their resident/nonresident status. Correcting these errors often results in significant refunds.
$565
USD
First-Year Green Card Holder Filing & Worldwide Income Reporting
Receiving your Green Card triggers immediate U.S. resident tax status, meaning you must report worldwide income from the date you receive it. We handle first-year complexity including determining your exact residency start date, reporting all foreign income correctly (employment, rental properties, investments, pensions), claiming foreign tax credits to prevent double taxation, and filing required forms like FBAR and Form 8938 for foreign accounts and assets. Many new Green Card holders don’t realize the scope of their worldwide reporting requirements, which can create serious compliance gaps and penalties.
$565
USD
Catch Up on Late Filings Without Penalties
Just discovered you should have been filing U.S. taxes? Many visa holders don’t realize their filing requirements until years later. We help you catch up through the Streamlined Filing Procedures, which often eliminates penalties entirely for non-willful failures to file. Whether you didn’t know about your obligations, were confused about your resident vs. nonresident status, or received incorrect advice, we’ll get you compliant and give you peace of mind.
$1,750
USD
Strategic Tax Consultation for Complex Situations
Need personalized advice about your specific visa tax situation? Our CPAs and Enrolled Agents provide one-on-one consultations covering status determination, treaty benefit optimization, dual status planning, stock compensation strategies, FBAR obligations, and transition planning when your visa status changes. A consultation helps you understand your obligations before filing and can identify planning opportunities to minimize your U.S. tax liability legally. Our 30 minute consultations start at $250.
$250+
USD
Your Questions, Answered: US Tax Guides & Resources
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Foreign National in the U.S. Tax FAQs
How do I know if I need to file a dual status return?
You need a dual status return if you arrived in the U.S. mid-year and became a resident alien during that year. Generally, this happens in your first year in the U.S. when you arrive on a work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) or receive a Green Card mid-year. Students are exempt from the substantial presence test for their first five calendar years, so they typically don’t file dual status returns unless they change visa types or qualify for residency through other means.
Can I file my taxes myself using tax software?
Tax software like TurboTax and H&R Block often struggles with dual status returns, treaty benefit claims, proper status determination, and stock compensation for foreign nationals. Many visa holders who try DIY filing miss treaty benefits worth thousands, file the wrong form entirely, or incorrectly split income between resident and nonresident periods. For your first year in the U.S. or any year with complex circumstances, expert help typically saves more than it costs and prevents costly errors.
What happens when I transition from student (F-1) to work visa (H-1B)?
Your filing status likely changes from nonresident alien to resident alien, either in the year you get the H-1B or soon after depending on the substantial presence test. This triggers new requirements including FBAR filing for foreign accounts, Form 8938 for foreign assets, worldwide income reporting, and access to standard deductions and tax credits unavailable to nonresidents. Greenback can guide you through this transition and ensure you’re positioned correctly for your new status.
Do I still owe taxes to my home country while working in the U.S.?
That depends on your home country’s tax residency rules. Many countries tax based on residency, so if you’re no longer a resident there, you may not owe taxes. However, some countries (like India for certain individuals) may still require filing. The U.S.-India tax treaty and similar treaties help prevent double taxation through foreign tax credits or treaty exclusions. We recommend consulting a tax professional in your home country about your obligations there.
What if I filed the wrong form or didn’t realize I was dual status?
You can file an amended return to correct errors. If you filed as a full-year resident when you should have filed dual status, or used Form 1040-NR when you should have filed Form 1040, an amended return recalculates your tax liability correctly. Many people discover their dual status filing requirement late. Correcting these errors often results in refunds for overpayment. The Streamlined Filing Procedures can help if you missed filing requirements entirely due to confusion about your status.
How do I claim treaty benefits on my tax return?
Treaty benefits are claimed by filing Form 8833 (Treaty-Based Return Position Disclosure) with your tax return. This form identifies which treaty article you’re relying on, explains why you qualify for the benefit, and calculates the treaty benefit amount. Different treaty provisions have different requirements and restrictions, so it’s critical to identify the correct article and apply it properly. We handle Form 8833 preparation and ensure you claim all treaty benefits you’re entitled to receive.
What changes when I receive my Green Card for tax purposes?
The moment you receive your Green Card, you become a U.S. resident for tax purposes, even if you continue living abroad. This means you must report worldwide income to the IRS annually on Form 1040, including foreign employment, rental properties, investments, pensions, and business ownership. You’ll also need to file FBAR if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 and potentially Form 8938 for foreign assets. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion ($130,000 for 2025) and Foreign Tax Credit typically eliminate double taxation for Green Card holders living abroad.
You’re in the U.S. on a visa or you’ve received your Green Card. Your tax filing doesn’t have to be confusing.
