Lori Meadows
International students in the US often require assistance with their tax returns, especially when it comes to determining their residency status and subsequent tax obligations. While some students may not earn an income during their time in the US, most are still required to file a tax return. Many universities provide access to tax preparation software such as Sprintax, which helps international students to complete their tax returns. This software can also assist with ITIN applications, which may be required for those who are not eligible for a Social Security Number. Additionally, some states require international students to file a state tax return in addition to their federal return.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Sprintax |
| Tax preparation software | Yes |
| Software features | User-friendly, helpful customer care representatives |
| Software support | Assists in applying for ITIN, determining forms to file, and completing tax returns |
| Software access | Provided by OISS to nonresident tax filers |
| Fee | Additional fee for preparing state income tax return |
| Tax refunds | Available for international students |
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Nonresident tax filers
International students in the US on F-1 visas are typically considered nonresident aliens by the IRS and are required to file a US tax return (Form 1040-NR) if they have received income from US sources. This includes income from wages, tips, scholarships, and fellowship grants. Even if an international student did not earn any income, they may still be required to file Form 8843 with the IRS, which is a statement for certain nonresident aliens. Additionally, international students may have to file a state tax return and pay state income tax, depending on the state they reside in. Nine states have no tax-filing requirements.
To prepare their federal tax returns, nonresident tax filers at Yale University will receive instructions to access the tax preparation software Sprintax by the end of February. For an additional fee, Sprintax can also assist with state income tax returns.
It is important to note that the tax filing status of an individual may change over time. While J-1 and F-1 students are generally considered nonresident tax filers for their first five calendar years in the US, they usually become resident tax filers after being present in the country for five consecutive years.
International students may also be eligible for tax refunds. For example, F-1 students can claim a tax refund on their scholarship if it is covered by a tax treaty. Additionally, if social security or Medicare taxes were withheld in error, a refund can be requested from the employer.
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State tax returns
The requirements for state tax returns vary depending on the state in which you live and earn an income. Nine states, including Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, do not apply state income tax to earnings. However, if you live and earn an income in a state that does impose state income tax, you will be required to file a state tax return in addition to your federal tax return.
Nonresident Tax Filer Status
Most international students on F and J visas are considered nonresidents for tax purposes. However, your tax filing status may change over time, so it is important to review the guidelines each time you complete your taxes. As a nonresident alien, you may be required to file Form 1040-NR (federal tax return) and Form 8843 to assess your federal income and taxes. Even if you did not earn any income during your time in the US, you must still file Form 8843 with the IRS by the specified deadline.
Tax Preparation Software
To assist with the tax filing process, Yale's Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) provides access to Sprintax, a tax preparation software specifically designed for international students. Sprintax can help nonresident tax filers complete their federal tax returns and, for an additional fee, their state income tax returns as well. The software also guides users through their ITIN application, which is necessary for those who are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
Deadlines
It is important to be mindful of the deadlines for filing your state tax returns. While the federal tax return deadline is typically in April, state deadlines may differ. For example, the deadline for F-1 students to file their tax documents in 2025 was April 15. Failing to meet the deadline may result in penalties and potential complications with securing a US visa or Green Card in the future.
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Tax refunds
International students in the US are entitled to claim tax refunds. This can be done by filing a tax return. The process of filing a tax return involves reporting all sources of income to the government. In the US, this is done through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The US tax system is a pay-as-you-go system, meaning that tax is usually automatically withheld from your paycheck, stipend, or financial aid. This is estimated based on information provided in tax documents, such as the W-4 form, as well as your tax filing status and residency. When filing your annual tax return, you will use tax software to calculate the exact amount of your tax liability for that calendar year, based on your total income and other personal circumstances.
Most international students in the US on F and J visas are considered non-residents for tax purposes. However, some students and scholars are considered resident tax filers, even with a non-immigrant visa status. Your tax filing status may change over time, so it is important to review the guidelines each time you complete your taxes. Non-resident alien students are required to file a US tax return (Form 1040-NR) for income from US sources.
If you did not earn any income during your time as an international student in the US, you may not be required to file a federal tax return. However, you will still need to file Form 8843 with the IRS. This form is not an income tax return but a statement required by the US government for certain non-resident aliens who are in the US on specific visas.
There are various software options available to help international students complete their tax returns, such as Sprintax, which is provided by some universities to students free of charge.
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Tax treaties
International students on F-1 visas are typically considered nonresident aliens by the IRS. While nonresident alien students are exempt from paying taxes on certain types of income, they are required to file US tax returns if they have earned income from US sources. This is done by filing Form 1040-NR. Additionally, even if they did not earn any income during their stay in the US, they must still file Form 8843 with the IRS by the specified deadline.
Some countries have tax treaty agreements with the US, where certain types of income may be exempted from federal taxes. These treaties can be found on the IRS website. Students and scholars can refer to IRS Publication 901 for more information on tax treaty benefits. To claim tax treaty benefits, students must generally be nonresident alien students and can use Form 8233 to claim exemptions. This form must be provided to the withholding agent or payor, along with any necessary attachments, such as a Tax Treaty Statement or an appendix from Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.
It is important to note that income that is not taxable due to a tax treaty must still be reported on a US income tax return, even if no income tax is due. Additionally, F-1 students can claim tax refunds if their scholarships are covered by a tax treaty. This can be done through the GLACIER Tax Prep process or by consulting with trained tax professionals.
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Tax software
The US tax system is a pay-as-you-go system, meaning tax is usually automatically withheld from your paycheck, stipend, or financial aid. When you file your annual tax return, you will use tax software to calculate the exact amount of tax owed for that calendar year, based on your total income and other personal circumstances.
One such software is Sprintax, which is provided by some universities, such as Yale, to help international students complete their tax returns. Sprintax can guide you through your ITIN application, and help you prepare your federal tax return. For an additional fee, Sprintax can also assist with your state income tax return.
Another resource for international students is Sprintax's blog, which provides specific tax filing information, including details on which states require state tax returns.
International students on F-1 visas are considered nonresident aliens by the IRS and will need to file Form 1040-NR to assess federal income and taxes. Even if you did not earn money in the US, you will still need to file Form 8843 with the IRS by the deadline.
If you are an international student who will be receiving payments from your university, you are required to complete Sprintax Calculus with the International Tax Department.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all international students and scholars have a federal tax filing requirement, even if they do not have US-sourced income.
The deadline is April 15 if you earned US income in the previous year. The deadline is June 17 if you were present in the US in the previous year but did not earn any US income.
Most international students on F and J visas are considered nonresidents for tax purposes and will need to file Form 1040-NR (federal tax return) and Form 8843.
Yes, there are several companies that can help, including Sprintax, Turbotax, and the IRS Tax Assistance Center (TAC).
Yes, many international students can claim tax refunds from the US, especially if they have a scholarship that is covered by a tax treaty.
