Immigration and US Citizenship news

By Kieran C. O’ Sullivan

Immigration Counselor

Immigrants and Taxes

Many immigrants fail to file taxes in the US for different reasons according to AILA’s Immigration Law Today. Some of the reasons include:

Ø Their income was exempt from withholding taxes under a tax treaty and they are unaware of the requirement to file.

Ø Their US income has not been subject to US withholding taxes, and they are unaware of the obligations to file a tax return to claim offsetting deductions.

Ø They are living and working temporarily overseas and are unaware of the requirement to submit a US tax return either because they remain a resident alien from frequent travel to the US or are LPRs.

Failure to file State taxes

Many immigrants who prepare their own tax returns using Internet sites or software frequently forget to file a state tax return. Check with an accountant on whether or not you are required to file a state tax return in addition to the federal tax return.

Marriage and Taxes

A number of questions came in recently because Irish immigrants are applying for status following marriage to US citizens. In order to get sponsored into the US, the immigrant has to have the US citizen sponsor file an Affidavit of Support which is supported by an employment letter and tax returns.

Back Taxes

Immigrants, once granted an employment card can go and apply for a Social Security Number at the SSA (see forms at www.ssa.gov). Once you have your number, you may give an accountant a call to file tax returns for any years you have not filed if required to file to cover any period of unauthorized employment in the US. Filing taxes can illustrate good moral character to the USCIS.

Lost I-94 cards

If you have lost your I-94 card and need a copy of it for filing an application for permanent residency after marriage to a US citizen, you may apply for a copy of it using Form I-102. See the USCIS site at www.uscis.gov

FREE IPC LEGAL IMMIGRATION CLINIC: Bad Abbots, Hancock St. Quincy. Tuesday August 5^th, 6:30 PM

Have your application for permanent residency reviewed by our pro-bono attorneys for free at our monthly clinic. All questions on visas, work permits, US citizenship, and deportation/removal proceedings answered in a confidential setting by leading experts in the field of immigration and naturalization law.