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The Daily Insight

What if I filed 1040ez instead of 1040NR?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published Mar 26, 2026

What if I accidentally filed form 1040 instead of form 1040NR / 1040NR EZ? Nonresidents who file their tax returns with form 1040 (which is for U.S. citizens and residents) instead of the return for nonresidents (Form 1040NR) may claim credits or take deductions to which they are not entitled.

Are capital gains taxable to non-resident aliens?

Nonresident aliens are subject to no U.S. capital gains tax, but capital gains taxes will likely be paid in your country of origin. Nonresident aliens are subject to a dividend tax rate of 30% on dividends paid out by U.S. companies.

What’s the difference between 1040NR and 1040NR-EZ?

Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ Form 1040NR is 5 pages long and can accommodate all types of income and expenses. Form 1040NR-EZ is only 2 pages long and is limited to specific situations. Nonresidents cannot file joint returns, and are very limited in claiming dependents.

How to file 1040NR-EZ as a nonresident?

Complete, sign the form online and mail to the address listed on the Form. As a nonresident US aliens you might qualify to file 1040NR-EZ. For details open the form and read the instructions. Can not be e-Filed. Complete, sign the form online and mail to the address listed on the Form.

Do you have to use the Form 1040 Nr?

Those who earned taxable interest, dividend income—or who wish to claim dependents for tax purposes—would use the standard Form 1040-NR . Form 1040-NR-EZ is no longer in use, and you must file a Form 1040-NR instead if you are a nonresident taxpayer.

When to use Form 1040 or form ez?

The “EZ” version of the form was for those whose only U.S. income comes from wages, salaries, tips, and other eligible sources. Those who earned taxable interest, dividend income—or who wish to claim dependents for tax purposes—would use the standard Form 1040-NR .

Do you need to file Form 1040NR as a foreign exchange student?

Taxable scholarships or fellowship grants. If you are a non-resident, you must file your taxes with Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ as your return. If you use form 1040 or its variations as a non-resident, then the IRS may consider your tax return to be incomplete. Do I Need to File Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ As a Foreign Exchange Student?