Taxes for International Students
Who should file tax?
Individuals on F or J status who didn't earn any income, and were physically in the US between January 1st - December 31, 2024, are obligated to file a Form 8843 with the .
Individuals on F and J status who earned any taxable US source income (stipend/wages, loan, scholarship, etc.) must file a Form 1040-NR or Form 1040 return with IRS based on the .
It is important to note that when working in the United States, taxes will be deducted from every paycheck. At the beginning of each year, you should receive an official form(s) from your income source (e.g. employer) showing total wages earned and taxes paid. You must obtain these forms first in order to file your tax return. If you do not receive these forms from your income source i.e. employer by February, please contact them directly to obtain a copy. See the table below to learn the different types of forms:听
If you paid too much tax, the U.S. government will give you money back (known as a "tax refund"). If you did not pay enough tax, you will be asked to pay what you owe.
When is the deadline to file tax?
The deadline for the 2024 Tax Return is Monday, April 15, 2025.
If you need more time to prepare your federal tax return, visit the IRS's to learn how to apply for an extension of time to file. Filing this form gives you until October to file a return.
What Form Do I Need to Fill Out?
Below are the forms you should fill out and send to IRS for your tax return. Depending on your source of income, you will determine (using chart below) which forms you should file:
*F or J students receive 5 'exempt' years. Not exempt from tax, but of counting physical days of presence in the U.S. towards the Substanstial Presence Test. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are considered a "non-resident for tax purposes' unless you meet the criteria for one of the tests for
.
How do I file taxes?
You can file taxes through the electronic Filing Option or Mailing Option to .
Electronic Filing Options for Individuals
1.
- Use IRS Free File if your adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less.
- If you are comfortable doing your own taxes, try Free File Fillable Forms.
- IRS telephone assistance to answer general tax questions (1-800-829-1040).
2.
- The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help and e-file for taxpayers who qualify.
- - Free, confidential, and secure preparation and e-filing of tax returns to qualified taxpayers whose household income is $75,000 or less in 2023.
3.
- Use commercial tax prep software to prepare and file your taxes.
- Transmitted through IRS-approved electronic channels.
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Sprintax
大象传媒 students and scholars were offered a $5 discount code if they are planning to use Sprintax, a professional software with guided step-by-step instruction and live chat. The first 100 users will be able to use a code.听Reigster and sign into thorugh SPRINTAX thorugh this . Discount Code for users on F and J visas: 5大象传媒100F24
4.
- Tax pros accepted by our electronic filing program are authorized IRS e-file providers.
- They are qualified to prepare, transmit and process e-filed returns.
Mailing Option
- Once you fill out the appropriate forms, you must mail them to the IRS office. The IRS address will be listed on the tax return form or its instruction page.
Note:听 The state of Florida does not have a separate state income tax, but some states do. If you were previously employed in another state with a state income tax, you may be required to file an additional tax form. Check the听website for information on taxation for that state.
Tax Workshops 2024/2025
Sprintax Nonresident Tax Webinar
These webinars are offered by a tax return software company - Sprintax. In these tax webinars, international students, scholars ,and professionals will be run through everything they need to know about nonresident tax for the 2023 tax season. Topics will include who must file, tax residency, FICA, State returns, implications of misfiling as well as how to use Sprintax to prepare a compliant tax return.
- Thursday, January 23th, 12 p.m. (ET) -
- Thursday, February 6th, 11 a.m. (ET) -
- Wednesday, February 26th, 12 p.m. (ET) -
- Tuesday, March 11th, 2 p.m. (ET) -
- Thursday, March 27th, 1 p.m. (ET) -
- Thursday, April 3rd, 1 p.m. (ET) -
- Thursday, April 10th, 2 p.m. (ET) -
- Monday, April 14, 11 a.m. (ET) -
Springtax Nonresident Tax Overview for OPT/CPT
Topics covered in these webinars will include residency for tax purposes, tax liabilities whenon OPT/CPT and pre-employment tax forms when on OPT/CPT. The Sprintax team will also provide an overview of Sprintax Forms which can be used to prepare your pre OPT/CPT employment tax documents.
- Tuesday, January 21st, 1 p.m. (ET) -
- Wednesday, February 26th, 2 p.m. (ET) -
- Thursday, March 27th, 3 p.m. (ET) -