Former international student passed substantial presence test - how do I file my taxes now?

This can definitely be confusing! You're right that the substantial presence test has changed your tax filing status. Here's what's happening: When you've been physically present in the US for 183 days or more over a 3-year period (using the weighted formula), you're considered a US resident for tax purposes. This means you now file Form 1040 instead of Form 1040-NR that nonresident aliens use. The good news is that yes, you can use regular tax software like TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA that US citizens use. You'll report your worldwide income, but there's also potential benefits - you might qualify for more deductions and credits than you did as a nonresident. For your scholarship/fellowship, you'll need to determine which portions were for tuition (potentially tax-free) versus living expenses (typically taxable). Your school should have provided a 1098-T form showing this breakdown.

After dealing with similar international student tax confusion, I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) incredibly helpful for my situation. I was also caught in that weird transition where the substantial presence test suddenly changed my filing status. The tool analyzed all my tax documents (1098-T, W-2, scholarship letters) and figured out which portions of my fellowship were taxable vs. non-taxable. It even determined I qualified for education credits my previous tax software missed when I was filing as a nonresident. The best part is it walks you through exactly how to handle the substantial presence test and explains which forms you need based on your specific situation. Saved me hours of research.

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after my skeptical questions above. Honestly amazed at how it sorted out my complicated situation with the substantial presence test. The system explained that even though I qualified as a resident, I could still claim treaty benefits from my home country! It identified exactly which portions of my fellowship were taxable vs. tax-free and found education credits I didn't know I qualified for. The documentation analysis saved me from overpaying by about $1,800 because it correctly classified my research stipend. For anyone else dealing with the international student to resident transition, it's worth checking out.

If you need to talk directly with the IRS about your international student status, save yourself hours of frustration by using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). When I was dealing with substantial presence test confusion, I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at the IRS international taxpayer line. After using Claimyr (you can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c), I got through to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed exactly how to file with my changed status. They explained how the tax treaty with my country (Brazil) still applied even though I was filing as a resident alien. Seriously couldn't believe it worked after spending hours listening to "due to high call volume" messages before hanging up in frustration.

I need to eat my words from my skeptical comment above. After continuing to struggle getting through to the IRS international taxpayer line for THREE DAYS, I reluctantly tried Claimyr. Within 45 minutes, I got the callback and was speaking to an actual IRS representative who specialized in international issues. The agent walked me through exactly how the substantial presence test affected my filing status and confirmed I could still claim certain treaty benefits even while filing as a resident alien. They even gave me specific line references on Form 8833 for reporting treaty positions. Would have taken me weeks more of research to figure this out on my own. Sometimes you have to admit when you're wrong - this service actually delivered.

Another option to consider is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Many universities with significant international student populations have volunteers specifically trained on nonresident AND resident alien tax issues. You might be able to get remote help from your former university's VITA program even though you've moved back home. Call your former university's international student office - they often know which VITA programs are most experienced with substantial presence test transitions. The service is totally free if your income is under $60,000.

Substantial presence test is tricky for students because there's actually an exception many don't know about! As a student on F-1/J-1 visa, your first 5 calendar years in the US don't count toward the substantial presence test. So depending on how long you were in the US, you might still qualify as a nonresident alien. Check out IRS Publication 519 (US Tax Guide for Aliens), specifically the "Exempt Individual" section. You might be overthinking this!