Filing taxes as an immigrant in the United States can feel overwhelming, especially when the rules depend on your immigration status, how long you have been in the country, and what kind of income you earn. Whether you have a green card, a work visa, an ITIN, or are undocumented, you are still required to file a federal tax return if you earn income in the U.S.
At JRICKSS Financial Services in East Orange, NJ, we specialize in helping immigrants from Haiti, the Caribbean, West Africa, and Latin America navigate the U.S. tax system. Here is what you need to know for 2026.
Yes. According to the IRS, anyone who earns income in the United States — regardless of immigration status — may be required to file a tax return. This includes people with green cards, work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.), student visas (F-1, J-1), and even individuals without legal status who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Filing taxes is not just a legal requirement. It also creates a record of your financial history in the U.S., which can be important for future immigration applications, green card renewals, and citizenship petitions.
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to individuals who need to file taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. This includes undocumented immigrants, certain visa holders, and dependents or spouses of U.S. citizens or residents.
To apply for an ITIN, you need to submit IRS Form W-7 along with your federal tax return and proof of identity (such as a passport). The IRS processes ITIN applications by mail, or you can work with a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) to submit your application in person.
At JRICKSS Financial Services, we help clients apply for ITINs and file their taxes at the same time, so you do not have to deal with the IRS on your own.
If you have a green card (permanent resident status), the IRS considers you a U.S. tax resident. That means you must report all worldwide income on your federal tax return, including income earned in your home country.
Green card holders are eligible for the same deductions and credits as U.S. citizens, including the standard deduction, earned income tax credit (EITC), child tax credit, and the new deductions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
If you are in the U.S. on a work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, etc.), your tax status depends on how many days you have been physically present in the country. The IRS uses the Substantial Presence Test to determine whether you are a resident alien or a nonresident alien for tax purposes.
Resident aliens file taxes the same way as U.S. citizens, using Form 1040. Nonresident aliens use Form 1040-NR and may have different rules for deductions and credits. Understanding which form to use is critical to getting the correct refund.
Not filing at all because of fear that it will affect immigration status. In reality, not filing is more likely to cause problems. The IRS does not share tax information with immigration enforcement agencies, and a clean tax filing history actually supports immigration applications.
Using the wrong filing status. Many immigrants file as single when they could file as head of household or married filing jointly, which could mean a much larger refund.
Missing out on credits they qualify for. The Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and education credits are available to many immigrants, but too many people do not claim them because they do not know they qualify.
We understand the unique challenges that immigrants face when filing taxes. Our founder, John Clerge, is a Tax Strategist, Immigration Consultant, and Paralegal who works directly with immigrant families in New Jersey every day.
We speak Haitian Creole, English, and French. We help with ITIN applications, tax returns for all visa types, FBAR and foreign income reporting, and connecting clients with immigration lawyers when needed.
Whether you just arrived in the U.S. or have been here for years, we can help you file correctly, claim every credit you deserve, and build a strong financial record for your future.
If you are an immigrant in New Jersey and need help filing your taxes, call JRICKSS Financial Services at (844) 200-8027 or visit us at 34 Prospect St, Unit 10, East Orange, NJ 07017. Your first consultation is free.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. All information is based on publicly available guidance from IRS.gov and USCIS.gov. Consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
