Frequently Asked Questions
In order to assist you, we have created a list with the most frequently asked questions.Expand All | Collapse All
Another tax refund company estimated a different tax refund – why?
Many of the tax filing services which specialize in filing tax returns for US residents are unfamiliar with the specifics of the non-resident tax filing and thus fail to claim deductions which could lower your taxable income and increase your tax refund. As a specialist in filing US tax returns on behalf of foreign citizens we use every legal way to claim a higher refund for you. Approximately 90% of our customers get 100% tax refund and the average amount we obtained for our FY 2009 customers was 800.00$
I was told that I will obtain a higher tax refund if I file a US resident tax return. Is it true?
NO! It is illegal to file a US resident tax return if you are a resident of another country. You will jeopardize your next visa application and will end up owing taxes if you or someone on your behalf submits a US resident tax return.
Can I e-file?
NO! E-filing is currently available for US residents only.\nIf someone promises you a faster tax refund process and higher tax refund through e-filing this means that he/she is filing a US resident tax return for you, which is ILLEGAL. You will jeopardize your next visa application and will end up owing taxes if you or someone on your behalf submits a US resident tax return.
What is a power of attorney?
This is document with which you authorize us to file your tax return and represent you in front of the US tax administration.
What is a customer agreement?
The customer agreement explains your rights as a customer of JTR and our obligation as a tax filing provider. By signing the agreement you accept the terms and conditions of our service. Please, read the agreement carefully as it contains important information about filing a US tax return, deadlines, needed documents, tax refund methods, etc.
I do not have my Social Security Card can I apply for a refund?
YES! We can obtain your tax refund even if you do not have a copy of your Social Security Card. The processing of your tax return may be delayed because of that as the US tax administration must confirm your number with the records of the Social Security Administration.
I do not have my DS-2019 form can I apply for a refund?
YES! We can obtain your federal and state tax refund without the DS-2019 form as this is not a mandatory document.
I do not have my W2 form can I apply for a refund?
YES! We can obtain your tax refund even if you do not have a copy of your W2 form. We will file your tax return using your last paycheck as normally it should contain the same information as the W2 form.The processing of your tax return may be delayed however as the US tax administration must confirm the figures from your last paycheck with the figures provided by your employer.
Can I use my last paycheck instead of the W2 form?
YES! We can obtain your tax refund using your last paycheck as normally it contains the same information as your W2 form. We advise you however to contact your employer and attempt to obtain your W2 form as the processing of your tax return will be faster if you provide a W2 form.
When will I receive my W2 form?
Your employer should send your W2 form at the end of the fiscal year during which you worked in the US and you should receive it around the end of January, beginning of February. Before leaving for your home country make sure your employer has your correct mailing address.
My employer did not withheld taxes do I need to file a US tax return?
YES! By law everyone that has earned income in the US, regardless of the amount, is obliged to file a US tax return. Failure to do so may lead to serious consequences for you when you reapply for a US visa.
I worked for two employers but only one withheld taxes – do I need to report the income from both employers?
YES! Your tax return must be filed using your total income and taxes paid from all employers, including the ones that did not withheld taxes from your wage. If you do not disclose your total income the figures on your tax return will not match the figures which will be provided by your employer and the processing of your tax return will be delayed. In addition the US tax administration will impose a penalty to you for submitting a misleading or incomplete information about your income.
I have paid FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare taxes) – can I get a refund of these?
YES, but only if you meet all of the following criteria:\n1. You must have visited the USA on a “J” or “F” type of visa;\n2. The duration of your stay for the fiscal year for which FICA tax refund is claimed must be less than 183 days;\n3. You must have filed a non-resident type of federal income tax return for the fiscal year for which FICA tax refund is claimed;\n4. Your federal tax return must have been processed.\n Please, note that our service fees do not include filing for and obtaining a FICA tax refund. The FICA tax refund is a long and complex procedure which could take 12 months, sometimes even more. The fee for filing for a FICA refund is 75.00$
Do I need to provide documents for the expenses I have made (Airplane ticket, program fee, housing, etc)?
You should keep all tax return related documents for at least three years. While we do not need receipts in order to file your tax return they might be requested by the US tax administration at a later stage, including after you have received your tax refund. You must keep your tax return related documents in order to substantiate the expenses claimed on your tax return.
I worked in the US in 2007 can I apply for a refund?
YES! We can help you file your US tax return if you have worked in the US in the past five years.\nPast year tax returns are generally processed much slower {Processing time is at least 4 months} AND you may be fined by the US tax administration for failing to file your tax return on time.
Is there a deadline for filing a US tax return?
Yes. The deadline for filing your US income tax return is 15 April of the year following your employment in the US. You can file a tax return even past the deadline but the US tax administration will most probably impose a late filing fee.
Can I receive my taxes via Western Union?
We believe Western Union is an expensive way of transferring money and while we will honor requests for sending your tax refund via western union we definitely recommend you to choose from any of the other options available to you. Visit the refund methods section of the website to learn more.
I owe taxes – what should I do?
We advise you to file your return and pay the balance of tax you owe. This will render you tax compliant, meet your visa obligations and help you if you reapply for a US visa. Remember: If you fail to file your tax return by the deadline the US tax administration will calculate an interest on the amount you owe. If you owe taxes and you want to meet your obligation correctly, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
What fees do you charge?
Unlike most of the other tax refund companies who charge you a percentage of your tax refund amount we charge you a LOW FIXED SERVICE FEE, which includes all transactional costs. We do not have any additional fees such a document retrieval fee, missing document fee, mailing surcharge, etc, etc. For you this means that you know in advance exactly how much you will be paying for our service as well as how much exactly you will receive.Please, visit the tax refund fees section of the website for further details about our fees and the different options you have of receiving your tax refund.
How do I send you my documents?
You should scan and send your documents via email or upload them through your personal JTR account (a username and password will be sent to you upon successful registration). You can also fax your documents to: 1 - 207 - 221 - 1211.\nRemember – we do not need original documents – these should stay with you for your records. We advise you to keep your tax related documents for at least three years.