What is my “U.S. Tax Status” and why is it important?

“U.S. Tax Status” is used to determine which tax system applies to an individual – and thus, which tax returns are applicable and how that tax return must be completed. An individual’s U.S. tax status is different from one’s immigration status; however, many of the terms used for immigration issues are similar to those used for tax purposes. For U.S. tax purposes, there are four U.S. Tax Statuses: U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident Alien, Resident Alien for Tax purposes, and Nonresident Alien for Tax purposes