non-resident alien - tuition credit - help please

desiblast · Post by **desiblast** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:00 pm

I was in the US in 2012 for 8 months (earning), and 4 months in Canada (college).

[u]TAX YEAR 2013[/u]
I was then in Canada for 8 months in 2013 (and paid tuition). Then I started full time work and have been in the US since time (From Oct 2013 - now).
I am a Canadian citizen and working in the US on TN visa.

Now as I file taxes for 2013, I have to file as a non-resident alien. However, is there any way I can claim tuition credit on my tax return here?

What's the best way to go about this? Please help!!

Thanks!

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 8:00 am

Only if you file 1040 for both years, and only of you get the required US forms from your school. Talk to the accounts department, they likely have dealt with US students with this situation.

desiblast · Post by **desiblast** » Mon Feb 17, 2014 4:35 am

I did talk to my school about it, and they said that they are an accredited college for US tuition credit. They said however the specifics (such as if I can claim it for 2013 or not) are something they have no idea about and I should find out myself.

I have already filed taxes for 2012 though, would I file another 1040? And in 2012 I was an intern on J1 visas...

Thanks!

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon Feb 17, 2014 10:46 pm

If they are accredited, then they should be issuing some form of receipt, which you would use on your return.
You don't have to file as non-resident in US. You are allowed to file a regular 1040 as long as you report all world income.

desiblast · Post by **desiblast** » Tue Feb 18, 2014 11:42 am

Thanks for all the help.

from my research, it seems I may not be able to claim the tuition credit as I was not a tax payer at that time.

I may have skipped some critical information in my original post...in 2012 I was in the US for two internships (J1 visa) and now in 2013 I am on a TN visa. I was still in college in 2012 ...did two internships in US,went back and finished college and came back and started full-time in Oct 2013.

Do you still feel I can claim the tuition credit?

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Tue Feb 18, 2014 11:43 am

I've already told you can -- if you file 1040's for 2012 and 2014, and get proper certification from the Cdn school.