Discover Your US Residency Tax Status

Learn Your US Residency Status for Tax Purposes

You need to learn your US residency status for tax purposes so you know what tax forms to use, right? Well, you have come to precisely the right place! Below is a series of questions designed to tell you exactly what your US residency for tax purposes is, and what forms you should use to file your tax return. It also includes a US Substantial Presence Test, should you require it. Additionally, you can determine your status for any calendar year from 2018 to 2026.

Understanding your US residency for tax purposes is the foundation for accurate tax filing. The IRS uses specific rules, such as the US Substantial Presence Test, to decide whether you’re treated as a resident alien, nonresident alien, or dual-status taxpayer. Your residency category determines which forms you need, which deductions you qualify for, and whether you must report worldwide income.

If you are a US citizen living overseas, your obligations remain — US tax for citizens living abroad applies regardless of where you live. Residency status affects your eligibility for benefits like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Foreign Tax Credit, which can significantly reduce or eliminate double taxation. Our tool makes it easier for US tax citizens abroad to know exactly where they stand.

You may also need a US Tax Residency Certificate to claim benefits under an international tax treaty or to reduce foreign tax withholding. Determining your correct status is the first step toward securing this certificate and ensuring compliance with both US and foreign tax laws. By using our residency status tool, you’ll gain clarity on your obligations and the exact forms you need to file, whether you live in the US or abroad.

Your US residency status for tax purposes is different from your immigration status. The correct answer to each question is critical, so be sure to read each one carefully. If you select the wrong answer, simply refresh the page and start again. Hitting the “Previous” button or skipping a question will give you incorrect results.