How to File Taxes from Previous Years as a Nonresident Alien

How to File Taxes from Previous Years as a Nonresident Alien

📄 Filing Back Taxes in the U.S. as a Nonresident

Missing a tax deadline happens — maybe you didn’t know you had to file, or you couldn’t pay your bill on time.
Whatever the reason, filing as soon as possible is crucial to avoid IRS penalties and protect your future U.S. visa status.

Even if you only spent one day in the U.S. on a J-1 or F-1 visa, you’re required to file a federal tax return.

Here’s how to fix things and file your old nonresident tax returns properly.

📘 Table of Contents

  • What you need to know about late filing

  • What happens if you don’t file taxes

  • How many years you can file back taxes

  • How to file old tax returns with J1 Summer Tax Back

  • How to amend a prior-year tax return

  • How to check your filing status

  • Why file with J1 Summer Tax Back

🧾 What You Need to Know About Late Filing

If you skipped filing, the IRS can charge penalties or even file a substitute return without applying tax treaties or deductions, meaning you’ll owe more than necessary.

If you’re owed a refund, there’s no penalty for late filing — but you only have three years from the original deadline to claim it.

💡 Don’t lose your refund! File now and get your money back.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t File Taxes

Not filing can impact your visa or Green Card eligibility.

If you owe the IRS, you’ll face:

  • 5% late filing penalty per month (up to 25%)

  • 0.5% late payment penalty per month

  • A minimum $510 fine if your return is more than 60 days late

The sooner you file, the lower your penalties.

⏳ How Many Years Can You File Back Taxes?

You can file any past year’s return, even if it’s been over a decade — the IRS won’t reject it.
But if you want a refund, you only have 3 years to claim it.

To stay in good standing, ensure you’ve filed the last 6 years of tax returns.

💻 How to File Old Returns with J1 Summer Tax Back

You can use J1 Summer Tax Back to file your last three years (2023, 2022, 2021).

Need to go further back? We’ll connect you with a partner tax team that handles older years.

Steps:

  1. Gather your documents – W-2, 1042-S, or 1099 for each year.

  2. Request missing forms – Ask your employer or request transcripts via Form 4506-T.

  3. Prepare your returns – Each year must be filed on its specific 1040-NR form.

  4. Submit your forms – Mail them to the IRS address on the instructions.

💡 You can e-file 1040-NR forms from 2020 onward with J1 Summer Tax Back.

✏️ How to Amend a Prior-Year Tax Return

If you made a mistake, you can file an amended return.

Amend if you:

  • Used the wrong filing status

  • Forgot a deduction or dependent

  • Omitted income or claimed something incorrectly

You can amend within:

  • 3 years of the original deadline, or

  • 2 years of paying tax owed (whichever is earlier).

🔍 How to Check Your Tax Return Status

Use IRS tools:

  • Where’s My Refund? (for regular returns)

  • Where’s My Amended Return? (for amended filings)

Have ready:

  • SSN or ITIN

  • Date of birth

  • ZIP code and address

  • Tax year and filing status

🌟 Why Choose J1 Summer Tax Back

We specialize in nonresident tax filing — including J-1, F-1, and H-1B visa holders.

✅ Fully IRS-compliant tax preparation
✅ Maximum refund guarantee
✅ Quick, online filing process
✅ Residency status determination
✅ 24/7 expert support

💰 Get back on track — file your past tax returns today with J1 Summer Tax Back!