tax return and failure to file?

Question

I worked as a seasonal worker in the USA with J1 visa in summers of 2005, 2006 and 2007. This year, I did not file for a tax return for 2006, because the amount is small and I posponed to file in 2008 for 2007 and 2006 simultaneously. Soon I have an immigrant visa interview at the US embassy. Would it be a problem that I have not filed for a tax return? I heard that filing is obligatory. Or I should file as soon as possible until the end of this year?

Answer 1

One of the requirements of an immigrant visa is that you are current on all tax return filings and debts. File your missing return(s) ASAP and pay any tax due -- your visa status is at risk if you do not! You CANNOT defer one tax year to the next. Each tax year stands on its own.

Even if you are due a refund for the year(s) in question you have a limited period of time to claim the refund. And if taxes are due, you'll be hit with late filing penalties as well as penalties and interest for late payment.

For safety's sake, file that missing 2006 return TODAY.

Answer 2

You are not allowed to wait and just combine years. Even if the amount you earned was small, get the 2006 return filed as soon as possible.

Answer 3

For 2006 return the last date for filing was April 15, 2007. You are required to file if your wages were more than $3,300. If you owe tax, you will also pay interest and penalty. In that case you must file as soon as possible.
Depending upon number of days in the U.S., you file as non-resident alien (Form 1040NR/1040NR-EZ) or as resident alien for tax purposes (Form 1040EZ/1040).

Answer 4

You need to call the IRS hotline. They are the only ones that can help you on that one.