Top 3 Mistakes J-1 Visa Holders Make on Their Tax Returns (That Trigger IRS Notices)

Filing your U.S. tax return as a J-1 visa holder can be tricky — between treaties, nonresident status, scholarship income, FICA exemptions, and multiple forms, it’s easy to make a misstep. But the biggest risk isn’t just making an error — it’s ignoring it.

Many J-1 holders receive IRS notices (such as CP2000, 4464C, 4883C, or 5071C) because of predictable mistakes. These letters can delay refunds, impose penalties, or even create complications for future visas. In this article, we’ll walk through the top 3 common filing errors that often provoke these notices, explain what each notice means, how to respond correctly, and when to truly worry.

Before diving in, make sure you have your essential documents ready:

W-2 (see Form W-2 guide
1042-S (see Form 1042-S guide
1040NR vs 1040 (see 1040 vs 1040NR

The Tax Moves Blog

Oct 7, 2025 | J1 VISA, Learning IRS

Top 3 Mistakes J-1 Visa Holders Make on Their Tax Returns

DS-2019 (see DS-2019 guide)
SSN or ITIN (see SSN / ITIN guide)
And your IRS transcript (see IRS transcript guide) — it’s your control check before filing.

Mistake #1 Failing to Report All Income or Mismatching Reported Income

What J-1s often do wrong

Many J-1 visa holders omit income such as:

Portions of fellowships or scholarships that are taxable
Part-time or side work reported on 1099
Interest, dividends, or small income streams
Minor discrepancies in amounts recorded vs what employer or bank submitted

Another common error: entering figures that don’t align exactly with what employers or financial institutions reported on their W-2 or 1099 (rounding differences, omitted bonus, or bank interest).

Why this leads to CP2000

The IRS uses automated systems (Underreporter / AUR) to compare what third parties report (W-2, 1099, etc.) with what you reported. When there is a discrepancy, you often receive a CP2000 notice proposing adjustments. IRS+2Taxpayer Advocate Service+2

CP2000 is not a formal audit, but it requires that you respond. The notice will show the discrepancy, who reported it, and proposed changes to your return (income, tax, credits). IRS+3Taxpayer Advocate Service+3IRS+3

What to do

Review the CP2000 notice carefully. Compare its numbers with your W-2, 1042-S, or 1099 records.

Check your IRS transcript to see what the IRS already has on file.

If the notice is correct, you can accept the changes by completing the response form, signing, and returning it with any required payment. Respond within the deadline (usually 30 days). IRS+2H&R Block Tax preparation company+2

If you disagree, mark the “disagree” box and send a written explanation plus supporting documents (pay stubs, correct forms, letters) to challenge those adjustments.

Do not send a 1040X immediately, unless the CP2000 letter explicitly allows it — use the response form included. Jackson Hewitt+1

When to worry

If you don’t respond, the IRS may impose the proposed changes automatically, add penalties, and interest. In some cases, it can escalate to a Notice of Deficiency (CP3219A). Taxpayer Advocate Service+1

Mistake #2: Ignoring Identity Verification Notices (4883C, 5071C)

What often happens

Some J-1 holders receive these letters and ignore them, thinking they’re system errors or spam. Others respond late or don’t follow instructions properly.

What these notices are

4883C: The IRS sends this when they need you to verify your identity before processing your return to protect against fraud. IRS+1
5071C: A similar notice that often gives an online verification option or requires you to contact IRS. You will not get your refund until identity is confirmed. IRS+1

These letters are part of IRS identity protection protocol. IRS

What to do

Respond immediately using the method in the letter (phone, online tool).
Be ready with your tax return, W-2, 1042-S, prior year returns, and identification documents.
If the notice includes a toll-free number, use it. IRS+1
Do not ignore it — your return won’t be processed until identity verification is resolved. Taxpayer Advocate Service+1

When to worry

If you delay, your refund processing is frozen. In extreme cases, the IRS might require in-person verification or additional documents. IRS+2Taxpayer Advocate Service+2

Mistake #3: Overclaiming Deductions or Misusing Tax Treatments

What J-1s sometimes do

Claim credits meant for U.S. residents (like child tax credit, earned income credit) even though nonresident aliens generally cannot.
Misapply tax treaty benefits incorrectly.
Fail to file Form 8843 when no income is earned (but you still have the filing obligation).
Mix up scholarship vs taxable income in 1042-S or omit treaty exclusions.

Why this triggers deeper reviews (4464C, audits)

When your tax return has unusual claims or complex treatments (treaties, scholarships, deductions), IRS systems or examiners may flag it for additional review, such as through Notice 4464C. This letter indicates your return is under extra scrutiny.

Because J-1 returns often involve special rules (nonresident status, exclusions, treaty terms), these kinds of claims draw attention.

What to do

Before filing, verify you’re eligible for each deduction or treaty claim you assert.
Do not claim credits reserved for residents if you’re a nonresident.
If your return is complex, maintain a strong backup folder: DS-2019, transcripts, treaty articles, wage/1099 records.
If you receive a 4464C, respond with clear documentation and explanation.

When to worry

If the review drags on, your refund is delayed or IRS demands difficult-to-provide evidence. Sometimes, you may need professional representation to resolve the review.