Seasonal or skilled work in the US? File it right.
H-2B and H-1B workers can be nonresidents in one year and residents the next. Filing the wrong form can cost you money — and cause problems with future visas or a green card. We work out your status and file the correct return.
- ★ 4.3 on Trustpilot
- CPA & EA on the team
- Up to 3 previous years
- Filed
- Accepted by IRS
- Refund on its way
Estimate your refund
Short H-2B seasons are often taxed as nonresident. Longer stays become resident returns with the standard deduction and credits.
- Federal, FICA and state refund in one place
- Tax treaties for 60+ countries, including the 100% exemption for Moldova, Georgia and other CIS countries
- Exact state tax for 13 states, including NJ, NY, CA, MD and VA
Resident or nonresident? Check in 30 seconds
It changes which form you file, your deduction and whether FICA comes back. It depends only on your days in the US.
A straight answer about FICA
Unlike J-1 and F-1 visa holders, H-2B and H-1B workers do pay Social Security and Medicare. These taxes are not refundable — and we won't promise otherwise. What we do get back is overpaid federal and state income tax.
What you'll need
- W-2 from every employer
- Passport and visa
- US entry and exit dates for the last 3 years
- Social Security number or ITIN
- Any 1099 forms (side income)
Get back tax for up to 4 seasons
Come every year? You can claim refunds for past years too. 2023 is the last chance: until April 15, 2027.
Price for H-2B and H-1B workers
Dual status or first year in the US? Our expert decides your status and files the right return.
ITIN for your spouse and children
With an ITIN your family is on your return, and you pay less.
Your first year on H-1B: how to file
There are up to three ways to file your first year. Pick your arrival date and see which ones are open to you.
From H-2B workers
“Worked in Alaska on an H-2B. Friends recommended this company and I got almost all my taxes back in just 4 weeks.”
“I paid for my taxes to be completed and they were processed completely online. I got almost $1,000 back!”
Meet the people who file your return
H-2B & H-1B tax questions
Do H-2B workers have to file a tax return?
Yes, if you earned income in the US. It's also how you get overpaid federal and state tax back.
I come back every season. Am I a resident now?
Possibly. It depends on your days in the US over the last three years. We count them for you and choose the right form.
I filed with TurboTax as a resident. Is that a problem?
If you were actually a nonresident, yes — it can affect future visa or green card applications. We can prepare an amended return to correct it.
I'm on H-1B and also have side income.
We handle 1099 and business income too — see business returns.
My family is in my home country. Can I claim them?
It depends on your residency status and country. In some cases dependents need an ITIN — which we can get for you as a Certified Acceptance Agent.