What's the procedure for doing a tax return as a former intern (J1)?

Question

I did an internship from the end of July until the end of October in California. My ex-employer now sent me this wonderful W-2 form and I honestly have no idea what to do with it. Is it even possible to file a Federal Income Tax Return form without actually living in the United States anymore (I'm from Germany)? If so, how do I do it?

Bobbie · Accepted Answer

Use the search box at the www.is.gov website for the below forms and the below enclosed information for this purpose.
Instructions for Form 1040NR (2011)  

http://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040nr/ch01.html 

Social security or Medicare taxes withheld in error.   If you are a foreign student on an F1, J1, M, or Q visa, and social security or Medicare taxes were withheld on your wages in error, you may want to file Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement, to request a refund of these taxes. For more information, see Refund of Taxes Withheld in Error in chapter 8 of Pub. 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.
Other reporting requirements.   You also may have to file other forms, including the following: 

http://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040nre/index.html

Instructions for Form 1040NR-EZ (2011)
Hope that you find the above enclosed information useful. 02/26/2012

Anonymous · Answer

If your W-2 is for more then $3700, you must file.

You can use the form 1040NR-EZ.  Attach form 8843.

You do not qualify for the standard deduction.  The only thing you can itemize are the California state income taxes that were withheld.  You CANNOT deduct anything for travel expenses.

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What's the procedure for doing a tax return as a former intern (J1)?

2 Answers