Non-resident aliens – over-withheld US income

If you are a non-resident alien and received US-sourced income in 2010 from which 30% was withheld, read on. If you are able to claim an exemption from the 30% withholding through the treaty, (and not all income can be exempted using the treaty), you have two...

Protecting security of client information

We take security very seriously and have just had a comprehensive review done by a computer security expert who recently emigrated to NZ from the US. As a result, we are currently having robust new measures installed, including encryption software, to protect client...

Simplifying the US tax return preparation process

NZ US Tax Specialists now has direct, secure access to data from certain financial institutions in order to prepare your US tax return. If you have 1099s for 2010 through accounts held with the following financial institutions, there is no need to send me these...

Request for IRS transcripts

Taxpayers who cannot locate documents including 1099s, W-2s, and past year returns they have filed can request transcripts from the IRS either by completing form 4506 or 4506-t, online at: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=232168,00.html?portlet=4 Also by...

Non-resident aliens and joint filing status

A joint filing tip for non-resident aliens (NRAs) with spouses who are either a US citizen or a resident alien (US person). The married couple may be able to elect to file married filing joint filing status (MFJ)  even if one spouse is an NRA. For some types of visa,...