US Tax FAQs

Generally yes if your income exceeds the standard deduction for your filing status — $16,100 for a single filer in 2026, $32,200 filing jointly. But there are important exceptions: self-employment earnings of $400 or more require a return regardless of the total, and non-residents with US-source income normally must file Form 1040-NR whatever they earned. It is also often worth filing when you are under the threshold, because withheld tax is only refunded if you claim it.

It has nothing to do with immigration status. For tax purposes you are a resident if you hold a green card or meet the substantial presence test — broadly 31 days in the current year and 183 days across a three-year weighted count. Residents are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents only on US-source income, and they file Form 1040-NR instead of 1040. Getting this determination wrong is the single most common and most expensive error on immigrant returns.

Yes, and you generally must if you are a citizen or green card holder, because the US taxes worldwide income regardless of where you live. Citizens and residents abroad get an automatic two-month extension to June 15. Relief such as the foreign earned income exclusion and the foreign tax credit usually prevents double taxation, but they have to be claimed on a filed return — they are not automatic.

The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days of accepting an e-filed return with direct deposit. Paper returns take considerably longer, often six weeks or more. Returns claiming certain credits are held until mid-February by law, and anything requiring manual review — including many ITIN applications and amended returns — takes longer.

It is fixable and it is better to start voluntarily than to wait for a notice. The IRS generally expects the last six years of returns to bring you current, and penalties are calculated on tax owed, so years where you were due a refund typically carry no penalty. Refunds are only claimable for three years back. First-time penalty abatement is available if you have an otherwise clean compliance record.

Consumer software handles a straightforward W-2 return well. It handles residency determinations, dual-status years, treaty claims, FBAR and FATCA reporting, and first-year S-Corp elections poorly, and it will not tell you when it has got them wrong. If you are on a visa, changed status mid-year, hold foreign accounts, or run a business, a review costs far less than an amended return and an IRS notice.

Seven rates: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. For a single filer the 10% band covers the first $12,400 of taxable income and 37% begins above $640,600; filing jointly the 10% band runs to $24,800 and 37% starts above $768,700. They are marginal, so reaching a bracket does not tax all of your income at that rate.

Federal individual filing starts at $19.99, state filing at $29.99, non-resident 1040-NR returns at $49.99 and ITIN assistance at $79.99. Business filings and complex returns are quoted on scope. Pricing is published up front with no hidden fees.