Important Reminders

Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IRS will issue an ITIN to a nonresident or resident alien who does not have and is not eligible to get a social security number. To apply for an ITIN, file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, with the IRS. An ITIN is for tax use only. It does not entitle the holder to social security benefits or change the holder's employment or immigration status under U.S. law. See Identification Number in chapter 5.

Disclosure of a treaty-based position that reduces your tax. If you take the position that any U.S. tax is overruled or otherwise reduced by a U.S. treaty (a treaty-based position), you generally must disclose that position on your affected return. See Effect of Tax Treaties in chapter 1.

Form 1040NR-EZ. You may be able to use Form 1040NR-EZ, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens With No Dependents. This form is shorter and easier to prepare than Form 1040NR. To see if you meet the conditions for filing this form, see Form 1040NR-EZ in chapter 7.

Earned income credit for nonresident aliens. If you are a nonresident alien for any part of the year, you cannot claim the earned income credit unless you are married and choose to be treated as a resident alien for the entire year. See Choosing Resident Alien Status and Nonresident Spouse Treated as a Resident in chapter 1.

Leaving the United States. Generally, aliens must obtain a sailing permit or departure permit before leaving the United States. See chapter 11 for more information.

Change of address. If you change your mailing address, be sure to notify the Internal Revenue Service using Form 8822, Change of Address.

Nonresident aliens who filed Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ with the Internal Revenue Service Center, Philadelphia, PA 19255, should send the form there. Resident aliens should send the form to the Internal Revenue Service Center for their old address (addresses for the Service Centers are on the back of the form).

Expatriation tax. If you are a former U.S. citizen or former long-term U.S. resident, special tax rules may apply to you. See Expatriation Tax in chapter 4.

Photographs of missing children. The Internal Revenue Service is a proud partner with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Photographs of missing children selected by the Center may appear in this publication on pages that would otherwise be blank. You can help bring these children home by looking at the photographs and calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) if you recognize a child.

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