Ibrahim Gardner
As an international student, you may need to file a tax return, even if you have no income to report. In the US, all international students and their spouses and dependents, regardless of income, must complete Form 8843, which is informational and lets the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) know how long you've been in the country. The IRS is the US government agency that collects taxes. You can use tax software such as Sprintax to complete your state tax forms, or you can use the Indiana Department of Revenue (IN DOR) resources to complete your Indiana State tax return at no cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to file taxes? | All international students and their dependents (spouses and children of all ages) |
| When to file taxes | Once per year for the first five years in the U.S. |
| Where to file taxes | With the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| How to file taxes | Online or by mail |
| Tax software | Sprintax, GLACIER Tax Prep, GTP |
| IRS contact | 1-800-829-1040 |
| IRS address | Internal Revenue Service, USA |
| Tax forms | 1040-NR, 8843, W-4, W-2, 1042-S |
| Tax treaties | May reduce or eliminate US tax on income and FICA taxes |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US on an F-1 visa
If you do earn an income, you will be required to pay federal and state income taxes. You may also be liable for Social Security and Medicare Taxes on wages paid to you for services performed in the US, although there are certain exceptions based on your nonimmigrant status. For example, if you have been in the US for less than five calendar years, you are exempt from these taxes.
It is important to note that the rules and requirements may vary depending on the state you are in, as some states do not have any tax-filing requirements. Additionally, if your country of residence has signed a tax treaty with the US, you may be partially or completely exempt from certain taxes.
To file your taxes, you can use a service like Sprintax or consult a professional tax advisor. You can also contact your school's international student center for help navigating the process.
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Nonresident aliens and tax treaties
If you are an international student in the US, you may be considered a nonresident alien for tax purposes. Nonresident aliens are generally subject to US income tax on their US income at graduated rates. However, you may be able to benefit from a tax treaty between the US and your country of residence, which could provide exemptions or reduced tax rates on certain types of income.
The US has signed tax treaty agreements, also known as double taxation agreements (DTAs), with approximately 66 countries worldwide. These treaties outline how nonresidents will be taxed in each country and are generally reciprocal, meaning they apply to both treaty countries. To determine if you are eligible for tax treaty benefits, you can refer to IRS Publication 901 or the text of the tax treaty between the US and your country.
If you are eligible for tax treaty benefits, you will need to notify the payor of your income (the withholding agent) of your foreign status to claim these benefits. This can be done by filing Form W-8 BEN, W-8 BEN-E, or Form 8233 with the withholding agent, depending on the type of income and your specific circumstances. Additionally, you may need to complete and attach Form 8833, Treaty-Based Return Position Disclosure, to your tax return.
It is important to note that tax treaties do not always cover all types of income, and some states within the US may not honour the provisions of tax treaties. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the tax authorities of the state in which you reside to determine if your income is subject to state taxation and whether any tax treaties apply.
To assist with filing your taxes as an international student, you can use online software such as Sprintax, which is specifically designed for US nonresident tax filings and can help ensure you claim all the tax treaty benefits you are entitled to. Alternatively, you can refer to the IRS website for forms and instructions, or seek assistance from a tax professional familiar with international student tax filings.
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State and federal tax returns
International students in the US are required to file a federal tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year they are in the country. This includes both those who earn income and those who do not.
Federal Tax Returns
If you are an international student and did not earn any income during your time in the US, you must file a Form 8843 with the IRS. This is not an income tax return but a statement required by the US government for certain nonresident aliens who are in the US on F-1, J-1, F-2, or J-2 visas. The deadline for submitting this form is 15 June.
If you are an international student and did earn income, you must file a Form 1040-NR (federal tax return) to assess your federal income and taxes. The deadline for filing your federal income tax return is 15 April.
State Tax Returns
In addition to federal income tax, most states in the US will collect state income tax. Tax rates and deductions will differ for each state, so the amount you will pay will depend on where you are. Nine states do not have any tax-filing requirements.
If you are an international student and did not earn any income, you may still need to file a state tax return, depending on the state you are in. For example, the Indiana Department of Revenue (IN DOR) provides Indiana state tax forms and instructions online, which can be used to complete your Indiana State tax return at no cost.
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Tax software and preparation
International students in the US are required to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year they are in the country. This includes both federal and state tax returns for those earning an income, and a non-employed federal form for those who did not.
Software Options
There are several tax software options available for international students to prepare their tax returns:
- Sprintax: This is a leading online federal e-filing and state tax return self-preparation software for US nonresidents. It is free to use for students of partner universities.
- GLACIER Tax Prep: This software is for nonresidents and offers FAQs, tutorial videos, virtual sessions with tax professionals, and email support.
- Turbotax or H&R Block At Home™: These are examples of commercial tax software or websites that can be purchased.
Tax Treaties
It is important to note that international students on F-1 visas are generally considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes for the first five calendar years of their stay in the US. As nonresident aliens, they are typically taxed only on US-sourced income, and tax treaties between the US and their country of residence may further reduce or eliminate certain taxes.
Deadlines
The deadline to file the tax return is usually April 15, and amended returns must be filed on paper.
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Tax refunds
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes for the first five calendar years of their stay. This means they will only be taxed on US-sourced income. If an international student's country of residence has signed a tax treaty with the US, they may be partially or completely exempt from tax. The US has income tax treaties with 65 countries.
International students can claim tax refunds from the US in certain circumstances. For example, if an international student's scholarship is covered by a tax treaty, they may be able to claim a tax refund. If social security or Medicare taxes were withheld in error from pay that is not subject to these taxes, the student should contact their employer for a refund. If the student is unable to get a full refund from their employer, they can file a claim for a refund with the IRS or with Sprintax.
Most F-1 students are not required to pay FICA tax. However, they will be obligated to pay this tax if they have been in the US for more than five years. If an international student has been in the US for more than five years, they can apply for a FICA tax refund directly with the IRS or with Sprintax.
International students must file their tax returns each year they are in the US, even if they did not earn an income. If an international student did not earn an income, they must file the Non-Employed 8843 Form. The deadline to file this form is April 15, 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
You can do your international student taxes online with the help of tax preparation software like Sprintax. You can also contact them directly for expert advice and assistance for a fee.
All international students and scholars on F or J visas must file Form 8843, even if they do not earn an income while studying in the United States. If you earned income as a non-resident on an F or J visa, you must file a federal tax return (Form 1040-NR) with the IRS.
The deadline for filing international student taxes is usually in April each year for the preceding year. The specific date may vary, for example, the deadline for the 2025 tax year was 15 April 2025.
Yes, many international students can claim tax refunds from the US. This may be due to tax treaties and a lack of serious income, or if taxes were withheld in error.
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