This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - got my green card approved and will be entering the US in December 2024. Reading through all these responses, it's clear that the tax residency starts on the actual entry date with the green card, not during any previous visits. One question I haven't seen addressed - if I have investment income from my home country that's automatically reinvested (like dividends going back into mutual funds), do I need to report that for the period after I become a tax resident? Or only if I actually withdraw/receive the money? My investment account will continue generating returns even after I move to the US, but I won't be actively managing it or taking distributions. Also want to thank everyone who shared the resources about getting IRS help and FBAR requirements - definitely going to bookmark those for when I start preparing my first US tax return!

As someone who just went through this process last year, I can confirm everything that's been said here is accurate! Your tax residency definitely starts on August 30, 2024 when you enter with your green card, not during your earlier tourist visit. One additional tip I wish someone had told me - keep detailed records of your entry and exit dates from the US, especially that August 30 date. The IRS may ask for proof of when your residency began, and having your passport stamps or I-94 records makes this much easier. Also, since you mentioned income from your home country between January-August 2024, make sure to keep all tax documents from your home country for that period. Even though you won't report that income on your US return, you might need those records to prove you properly paid taxes in your home country and to calculate any foreign tax credits for the post-August 30 period. The dual-status filing can be intimidating, but it's actually pretty straightforward once you understand the timeline. Just remember: non-resident rules for January 1 - August 29, resident rules for August 30 - December 31. Good luck with your move!

Has anyone actually tried calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service? I'm in a similar situation with denied business expenses from a side gig, and I keep hearing they're supposed to help but I can't get through to them either.

I went through something very similar last year with business equipment deductions that got denied. The key thing is making sure you've actually received that Notice of Deficiency before you can petition Tax Court - it sounds like you might still be in the appeals process rather than at the Tax Court stage. One thing that helped me was requesting a Collections Due Process (CDP) hearing when I got my collection notice. This gave me another bite at the apple to challenge the underlying tax liability, and importantly, if they deny your CDP hearing request, THAT decision can be appealed to Tax Court under a different process. Also, keep detailed records of every interaction you've had with the IRS - dates, times, who you spoke with, what was discussed. This documentation becomes crucial if you do end up in Tax Court or need to show the Taxpayer Advocate Service that you've exhausted normal channels. Don't give up - $6,700 is definitely worth fighting for, especially if you have legitimate documentation for those business expenses.

3 Does anyone know if donating stuff instead of money makes any difference tax-wise? I have a bunch of clothes and furniture I could donate to Goodwill instead of giving cash to charities.

One thing to consider is using a donor-advised fund (DAF) if you're planning to give regularly. You can contribute a larger lump sum to the DAF in a year when you itemize (like if you have higher medical expenses or other deductions), get the immediate tax deduction, then distribute the funds to your chosen charities over multiple years. For example, you could contribute $3,000-4,000 to a DAF in a year when itemizing makes sense, then recommend grants of $1,300 annually to your preferred charities. This gives you more control over the timing of your tax deduction while still supporting the causes you care about consistently. Many brokerage firms like Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab offer DAFs with low minimum contributions and fees. Just another strategy to consider as your giving grows over time!

I'd recommend attaching Form 433-F (Collection Information Statement) along with your 9465 if you're requesting a payment plan for a larger amount or if you can't afford what would normally be the minimum payment. This form shows your income, expenses, assets, and debts. It's extra paperwork but it helps prove to the IRS what you can actually afford to pay each month and increases your chances of getting approved for lower monthly payments if you're truly in a financial hardship situation.

One thing I wish someone had told me when I filled out my Form 9465 is to double-check your Social Security Number and the tax year you're requesting the installment agreement for. I made a simple typo in my SSN and it delayed my application by weeks while they tried to match it to my account. Also, if you're married filing jointly, make sure you're clear about whether both spouses are requesting the installment agreement or just one of you. This was confusing for me since my spouse and I file jointly but only I was responsible for the additional tax owed. The IRS website has a payment estimator tool that can help you figure out what monthly payment amount to propose, but honestly the explanations here about the 72-month rule and adding buffer for interest are really helpful. Good luck with your application!

moved 3 times in 2 years and the 8822 worked fine each time. just make sure u follow the instructions exactly or theyll reject it

I actually work for a tax prep company and can confirm Form 8822 is usually the fastest route. Pro tip: send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The IRS processes these in the order they receive them, so certified mail with tracking gives you peace of mind. Also make sure to include your SSN and sign it - those are the most common reasons for rejection that cause delays.