Define the term "nonresident alien" and discuss the special tax consequences of U.S. taxation on various types of income of a nonresident alien.

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A nonresident alien is an alien who does not have permanent residence status, (i.e., does not have a "green card" or does not meet the substantial presence test). Investment income is taxed to a nonresident alien only when it is U.S.-source income. Investment income is taxed at a 30% rate, or a reduced rate permitted by treaty. The rate is applied to the gross income amount. The U.S. payer is required to withhold from the income the amount of U.S. taxes due. A nonresident alien who owns or operates a business in the United States is taxed on his U.S. trade or business income. Income is "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business if either an asset-use or business activities test is satisfied.

An alien who conducts a U.S. trade or business may have to make two separate tax calculations. Investment income that is unrelated to the U.S. trade or business is taxed at a 30% rate or at a lower rate specified in a tax treaty. The tax is collected by withholding. Business income is reduced by all related expenses and losses and taxed at the regular U.S. tax rates. Nonresident aliens cannot use the standard deduction otherwise available for individual taxpayers. They must itemize their deductions. Nonresident aliens are limited to a single personal exemption. The business income for an unmarried nonresident alien is taxed using the tax rate schedules for a single taxpayer. A married nonresident alien uses the tax rate schedule for married filing separately, unless an election to file a joint return with a U.S. resident or citizen is made. The taxes that are owed on the U.S. trade or business income can be offset by available tax credits. Business taxes are collected via estimated tax payments or when the return is filed.

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Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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