I am on OPT with F-1 visa. I worked on campus as a grader for more than one year before I got my OPT. However, I've never filed any tax form before, because I thought they had already taken it out from my paychecks, so as a foreign student, I didn't need to claim tax like American people do.
Recently, I was told that I need to file tax form each year for the income I got, as well as tution and the money in the bank.If I don't catch it up, I will be in big trouble later when I apply for GC.
I have no idea how to deal with my tax issues, if anyone has any idea, please answer the following questions:
1. I have been in the US for more than five years, do I need to start filing tax from the time I just came to the US? or from the time I started working?
2. Do I need to file for the time when I was only studying?
3. Is there any special policy for F-1 student filing tax? How can I find it?
4. How should I file tax for the tuition and the money in the bank?
5. Is there any penalty for filing so late?
Sorry, I asked so many questions. It's been bothering me a lot. Thanks so very much if you could please help me figure out my tax problems!!