1040 NR

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Question

Country: United States of America
State: Nevada

Hi, A US permanent resident since 2001 and a citizen of a foreign country. After receiving the green card I contacted IRS, spoke to a person who gave me his ID number to find out what tax form to file. Due to confusing treaty (saving clause only for American citizens and other issues) I was advised to file a non-resident form - 1040NR and was told it does not effect my residency for ALL OTHER PURPOSES BUT TAXES (it is also stated in writing in IRS web site) Money wise my taxes would have been practically the same, just wanted to be correct. So I had filed a 1040NR for 3 years. Then I found out I could file 1040R and INS in fact prefers just that. So I amended all my returns to 1040R filing status back to the year of becoming a permanent resident, which IRS accepted. MY QUESTION: What should I answer in the citizenship application asking since becominga resident if I ever called myself a non-resident on my tax return and what kind of problems I am to expect?

Answer

I was advised to file a non-resident form - 1040NR and was told it does not effect my residency for ALL OTHER PURPOSES BUT TAXES (it is also stated in writing in IRS web site). You may answer no except as to the above situation...