Frequently Asked Questions

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GTP says I'm a Resident Alien but I don't have a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

A Resident Alien for U.S. tax purposes is NOT the same as a Permanent Resident Alien. A Permanent Resident Alien is an immigration status whereby the individual has been granted permission to live and work in the U.S. for the rest of his or her life. A Resident Alien for U.S. tax purposes simply means that you have been in the U.S. for a long enough period of time that you will be treated in the same manner as a U.S. citizen – it does not confer any immigration privileges, it simply has to do with tax issues.

As a Resident Alien for U.S. tax purposes, you must file your tax return in the same manner as a U.S. citizen; GTP is only for use by Nonresident Aliens for U.S. tax purposes.

I think I should be exempt from tax but GTP says I have to pay tax, why?

Many Nonresident Aliens incorrectly believe that they will not pay ANY tax in the U.S.; however, all individuals who receive income in the U.S., regardless of their U.S. Tax Status, are required to pay tax, unless you qualify for certain deductions, allowances, or exemption based on an income tax treaty. The amount of tax you will owe, if any, depends on your particular situation, the amount of income you receive, and whether or not you qualify for an exemption from tax based on an income tax treaty, or the limited deductions and allowances available to a Nonresident Alien.

I don't want to be a Nonresident Alien, I'd rather be a Resident Alien. What should I do?

U.S. Tax Status is based on the results of the Substantial Presence Test. The Substantial Presence Test is applied by GTP based on the information entered. An individual may not “pick and choose” which Tax Status he or she wishes to have. In some cases, if you are married to a U.S. Citizen, you may make an election to be treated as a Resident Alien for Tax purposes.

I don't want to be a Resident Alien, I'd rather be a Nonresident Alien. What should I do?

U.S. Tax Status is based on the results of the Substantial Presence Test. The Substantial Presence Test is applied by GTP based on the information entered. An individual may not “pick and choose” which Tax Status he or she wishes to have.