F-1 Student’s Tax Chaos: IRS Demands $1400

A former F-1 student is facing a serious tax issue after receiving a demand notice from the IRS. The student had graduated and returned home in 2023, believing all US obligations were settled.

Erroneous $1,400 Stimulus Cheque

After returning home, the former student received a $1,400 stimulus cheque by mail. Since F-1 students are not eligible for such benefits, the cheque was never cashed. It was kept untouched to avoid any violation.

IRS Demand Letter Creates Confusion

The student later received a letter from the IRS demanding the money back. In response, the cheque was voided and sent back in November 2025. The student assumed the matter was resolved.

Interest and Late Fees Still Added

Despite returning the cheque, the IRS now claims the former student owes $1,400 along with interest and late fees. A letter of intent to levy arrived well after the expected receipt date of the cheque.

Difficulty Contacting IRS From Abroad

Reaching the IRS from outside the US has proven extremely difficult. The former student has been unable to contact the agency to explain the situation. This has left the issue unresolved.

Issue Affecting Multiple Students

Experts have noted that similar cases are affecting many people. In one instance, the IRS demanded a $1,400 refund from a student who never even received a cheque. These errors have caused widespread confusion.

Form 3911 Suggested as Key Step

Affected students have been advised to check their tax transcripts on the IRS website. The main recommendation is to file IRS Form 3911. This allows the IRS to trace the returned cheque.

Processing Delays Behind the Problem

The IRS is currently facing significant processing delays. Returned cheques may be received but not processed on time. This can trigger automatic interest and late fee notices.

Immediate Action Needed to Avoid Penalties

The former student must contact the IRS to stop further interest accumulation. Providing the cheque tracking number is crucial. Failure to act may lead to serious financial consequences.