Frequently Asked Questions
Should I make a copy of my tax return?
Always make a copy of any correspondence you send or forms/returns you submit to the IRS or any other U.S. governmental agency, especially an income tax return. You MUST keep the copy of your tax return and all attached forms for THREE CALENDAR YEARS AFTER YOU FILE YOUR TAX RETURN. You should take the copies of your tax returns with you when you leave the U.S. If you return to the U.S. for a future visit, when you apply for a future visa to the U.S., you may be asked to show that you complied with all U.S. tax laws.
Do I have to file a tax return for my state?
Please remember that in the U.S., there are federal tax issues, state tax issues, and local tax issues (in addition to many other types of tax such as FICA, sales, property, etc.). Whether or not you must file a STATE tax return will depend on the tax rules of the state in which you lived and/or worked. GTP will prepare your FEDERAL tax return (if applicable to you); GTP will not prepare a STATE tax return. You should check the state’s website for information about the filing requirements of that particular state. Also note that not all states have a tax return filing requirement. In the U.S., there are 50 states and the District of Columbia – only 43 of the states and District of Columbia have state tax filing requirements.
GTP is an online system, why can't it just electronically file my tax return for me?
Nonresident Aliens for Tax Purposes are NOT generally eligible to electronically file their tax documents. As stated in the instruction sheet that prints with your tax return, you must PRINT, REVIEW, SIGN and MAIL your tax documents to the IRS. Do NOT mail your tax return to GTP.
My friends all filed their tax returns online, why can't I do that with GTP?
Individuals who are U.S. Citizens, Permanent Resident Aliens, or Resident Alien for Tax purposes are eligible to electronically file their tax returns; however, Nonresident Aliens are NOT generally eligible to electronically file their tax documents. As stated in the instruction sheet that prints with your tax return, you must PRINT, REVIEW, SIGN AND MAIL the return to the IRS. If your “friend” is a Nonresident Alien and he or she filed his or her tax return online, you should be a good friend and alert him or her that it sounds as if an incorrect tax return was filed. Filing an incorrect tax return is a very serious issue and will result in a $205 penalty and possible elimination of all tax deductions, allowances and/or treaty exemptions.
Do I need to send my documents and forms with my tax return when I submit it? What if I do not submit my forms and documents?
When you finish the data entry in GTP, please refer to the instruction sheet that prints with your tax return or forms. The documents that you must send with your tax return depend on your particular situation. The GTP instruction sheet will list each form or document that must be attached and how/where to attach the form or document.
If you do not attach the forms or documents that are required to be attached to your tax return, the IRS will likely reject your entire tax return. In such case, you will then be required to write a letter explaining that you failed to submit the necessary documents with your original tax return and then attaching the documents.