What does a nonresident alien mean Meaning and Definition
What does a nonresident alien mean
Pronunciation
/ˈnɒnrɪˈzeɪnt aɪliːn/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adjective
Definition
- Definition 1:
- An individual who is not a U.S. citizen or a resident alien (also known as a green card holder), and who does not meet the substantial presence test for the calendar year.
- Definition 2:
- A foreign national who does not reside in the United States, as opposed to a resident alien who is permitted to live and work in the U.S.
Examples
- The nonresident alien received a tax exemption for their income earned abroad.
- The company hired a nonresident alien for a short-term consulting project.
Synonyms
- Foreigner
- Noncitizen
- Alien
Antonyms
- Citizen
- Resident
- Green card holder
Etymology
The term “alien” comes from the Latin word “alienus,” meaning “foreign” or “strange.” In the context of immigration law, a nonresident alien refers to an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
Usage Notes
The term “nonresident alien” is often used in tax law and immigration contexts. It is essential to understand the distinction between a nonresident alien and a resident alien, as it affects tax obligations and immigration status.
Cultural References
The term “nonresident alien” has appeared in various contexts, including literature, film, and news articles. For example, in the novel “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Díaz, the protagonist’s family struggles with their status as nonresident aliens in the United States.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The term “nonresident alien” is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “nonresident alien tax exemption” or “alien status.”
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “nonresident alien” include “resident alien,” “U.S. citizen,” “foreign national,” and “green card holder.”
Collocations
Common collocations with “nonresident alien” include “tax obligations,” “immigration status,” “green card,” and “U.S. citizenship.”
Frequency of Use
The term “nonresident alien” is relatively common in tax law and immigration contexts, but it is less frequently used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Nonresindent alien
- Nonresiden aliin
- Non-resident alian
Additional Information
A nonresident alien is taxed on their worldwide income, but they may be exempt from certain taxes, such as Social Security taxes. To qualify as a nonresident alien, an individual must not have been a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire tax year.
Nonresident aliens can sponsor themselves or their family members for a visa to enter the United States. However, they must meet specific requirements and follow strict regulations to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
The distinction between a nonresident alien and a resident alien is crucial for tax purposes. Nonresident aliens are required to file a tax return with the IRS, but they may be exempt from certain taxes and may have different tax obligations than resident aliens.
Nonresident aliens can also participate in certain tax-advantaged programs, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which allows them to exclude a certain amount of foreign-earned income from their U.S. tax liability.
It is essential for nonresident aliens to understand their tax obligations and immigration status to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with U.S. laws.