Thanks for this detailed explanation! So if Box 2b is checked (which it is), I need to look back at my contribution history? Is there an easy way to know if my contributions were pre-tax or after-tax? I honestly don't remember since I was at this job 8 years ago.

Yes, if Box 2b is checked, you need to determine the taxable amount yourself. To know if your contributions were pre-tax or after-tax, check your old pay stubs if you have them - pre-tax contributions would have reduced your taxable wages at the time. Another way is to contact your former employer's benefits department - they should have records of whether your plan allowed after-tax contributions and if you made any. If you can't determine this, unfortunately the safest approach is to treat the distribution as fully taxable, though that may result in paying more tax than necessary.

This is such a good point! I messed up my state taxes last year because of this exact issue. My state required me to report the CSF-1099R differently than federal. Ended up having to file an amended state return.

Is that true for all visa types though? I thought F-1 students always have to file even if they have no income, just to submit the 8843 form?

You're absolutely right about the 8843 form. I should have been more specific in my comment. All F-1 students must file Form 8843 regardless of whether they earned any income. This is just an informational form that establishes your status as a nonresident alien for tax purposes. However, if your only income was reported on a 1042-S with the correct treaty withholding (Box 7 marked), you might not need to file an actual tax return (1040NR) in addition to the 8843. But the 8843 is still required every year you're in the US on a student visa.

I've used both! Sprintax is more comprehensive and handles more complex situations better, especially if you have income from multiple states or need to file state returns. GlacierTax is simpler but doesn't handle some of the more unusual situations. For 1042-S forms specifically, I found Sprintax did a better job explaining what to do with them and which parts were taxable vs. non-taxable. But both will generate the final forms you need to mail in.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I think I'll go with Sprintax then since I do have income from two different states (had an internship in a different state last summer). Good to know it handles the 1042-S forms well - that's been the most confusing part for me.

18 Did you do it yourself or use a tax professional? I'm wondering if I should just use TurboTax for the back years or if that's a bad idea.

11 I started with a tax professional for the first year just to make sure I understood the process correctly, then did the remaining years myself using tax software. Most tax software can handle prior year returns, though you might need to purchase specific versions for each tax year. For simple W2 income situations, doing it yourself is definitely doable. If there's business income, rental properties, or other complex situations, a tax pro might be worth the money. The main thing is just getting started - the relief of having it done is worth every minute spent on the paperwork.

15 This is so true. My wife had the same anxiety for years about unfiled taxes. She'd literally have panic attacks whenever tax season came around or when she saw IRS-related news. After we finally sorted it out, her general anxiety level dropped dramatically. The psychological burden of carrying that fear is way worse than the actual process of fixing it.

Thanks for that breakdown! My friend definitely meets all those requirements. They're 28, made about $12k, have valid SSN, are a citizen, and have zero investment income. They aren't claimed as a dependent either. Do you know approximately how much EITC they might qualify for with that income level? Just trying to see if it's worth the effort for them to amend.

With an income of around $12k and no qualifying children, your friend would likely qualify for an EITC of approximately $500-600 for tax year 2024 (filing in 2025). The exact amount depends on their precise income and filing status. This is absolutely worth amending for! The amendment process isn't extremely difficult, and getting several hundred dollars back for filling out a form is a pretty good return on your time. Plus, if they qualify this year, they should make sure to claim it in future years too.

Did you file the amended return yourself or use tax software? I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to help my mom with a similar issue from last year.

Thanks for this info! Is there any chance I could get in trouble just for consulting with this preparer, even though I haven't filed with them yet? I didn't sign anything but I'm freaked out that my name might be associated with them now.

You're completely fine if you haven't signed or filed anything with them. Just consulting with a preparer doesn't create any liability for you. You only become responsible once you sign the return (either physically or by authorizing e-filing). I'd recommend keeping a record of your interaction with this preparer though - save any emails or documents they gave you, just in case you need them later. And definitely file that Form 14157 to report them. You're probably not the only person they're trying to scam, and many people don't realize it's fraud until the IRS comes after them years later.

How much were the penalties? I'm just curious how bad it gets if something like this happens accidentally.