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New Immigrant - Taxes, Health Insurance & SSS?

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piotr95

Registered Users (C)
Hi all,

So I've been in the US since July 15th now and while I've managed to sort out most things myself I have 3 questions remaining (for now):

- I've tried registering for SSS (Selective Service System - yes I am within the age range so have to register) online not long after my arrival but was unable to due to my SS Number not being in their database yet, so I left it out thinking it needs to get processed or something, long story short I forgot about it until now, tried online again and I got the same error, later on figuring out that actually I will need to send them the form via actual snail mail otherwise they'll never get it. Thing is it says that this needs to be done within 30 days of my arrival and over 60 days it's 'technically in violation of the law'... I've been here just over 2 months, I'm going to send the forms tomorrow... does anyone have any experience with this? Will I be in trouble?

- Secondly, taxes. Am I supposed to be doing/filling something out or will forms be mailed to me for the next tax filing period? I don't know anything about this so any help would be appreciated, thank you :)

- Lastly, am I obliged to get health insurance? I don't have any at the moment, is this ok or am I supposedly violating something again ?

Thanks in advance, everyone on here is so helpful :)
Really worrying about the SSS thing I don't want to have any trouble because of this, this is stressing me out ahahh...
 
On your first question, I do not know much about it so I cannot help.

On your other questions:
2) Taxes are dependent on your working situation but the general answer is no you do not have to file anything until the next tax period. When you get a job you will file with the employer one form (I think w4) in which you will tell them if you are single or not, etc. based on which they will know how much money to take out of your paycheck. At the beginning of 2015 you will get your W2 which then you will use to file your taxes. After that you will know if you get money back, you owe money or you are even. You can use some software when the time comes to make your life easier. You will file both federal and state taxes. Try not to owe irs as there are penalties for that if you do for two consequtive years. If you are working on a contract basis you may not get a W2 but another form. Bottom line is you do not have to file anything but learn about what forms to expect/request depending on your working situation when you have some time.

3) I believe the rules are state dependent but yes you do need a health insurance. I believe you get a grace period so you are not breaking any laws yet. The other consideration is that as a new LPR you may be able to apply under certain (better for you) conditions so research that. Btw please get one soon as you really do not want to see a doctor without one. It is expensive but worth it. As overwhelming as it is, learn about co pay and deductibles. Some cheaper insurance options will not start paying before you pay a certain amount yourself (like $3000 on top of your monthly fees). These are good if you are super healthy but get into an accident but terrible if you need some bloodwork or have a cold. When / if you have a job your employer may sponsor or co sponsor your insurance so that is your best option. If you elect not to get an insurance you have to pay penalties or something like a tax for that but really do not make this choice. A visit to the ER for the simplest of things is in the thousands range.

Best of luck in the States. It gets better when you get over all these...
 
Thank you for your help clears up a lot !

Anyone else can add to this? Or help with the SSS question?
Thank you :D
 
piotr95 said:
Thank you for your help clears up a lot !

Anyone else can add to this? Or help with the SSS question?
Thank you :D
Click to expand...

The important is to make sure you register. Being late a couple of days, weeks, months or even a year will not lead to you being in trouble. You only get in trouble if you never bother to register at all.
 
Sm1smom said:
The important is to make sure you register. Being late a couple of days, weeks, months or even a year will not lead to you being in trouble. You only get in trouble if you never bother to register at all.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I sent the filled out form on Saturday, was just worried about it being later than 60 days and possible issues that could come with this.
 
I think registering late is okay. Just make sure you register before is your 26th birthday, after which you are no longer allowed to register.
 
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