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Can I receive a tax refund even if I haven't paid US tax?

Yes, for the reasons below.

The federal governement issued COVID stimulus payments in 2020 and 2021 which all American citizens and Permenent Residents were entilted to. If you didn't receive these payments they can be recovered by filing a 2020 and 2021 tax return. The deadline to recover the USD 1800 payment from 2020 was June 17, 2024; and the deadline to recover the 2021 stimulus payment is April 15, 2025.

If you work and have children who are American citizens with social security numbers, you will be eligible to receive the ACTC. These is a refundable tax credit with a maximum value at $1600 per child in 2023.

Finally, if you supported yourself or an American child attaining a bachelor's degree in the US or at a qualified foreign university, you could be eligible for the AOTC, a credit with a maximum value of $1000 per year.