Important Notice

The International Student Center cannot provide tax advice or assist with tax filing. Please review the resources below or consult a qualified tax professional specializing in “non-resident tax filings.”

 

Getting Started

To file your U.S. nonresident tax return, visit Sprintax Tax Prep. If you need assistance, contact Sprintax directly. International Student Center staff cannot assist with filing.

Deadlines

  • Federal Tax Filing Deadline (including Form 8843) for all nonresidents: April 15, 2025.

Understanding U.S. Taxes: The IRS is responsible for tax collection in the U.S. International students must file tax forms each year, even if they earned no income. Sprintax is the recommended platform for nonresident tax filings, as other software like TurboTax is not suitable for nonresidents. Consult a tax professional specializing in nonresident filings to avoid complications.

Who Needs to File

  • Worked in 2024:
    ○ Form 8843
    ○ Federal tax return
    ○ State tax return (if required)
  • Didn’t work in 2024:
    ○ Form 8843

Steps to File

  1. Gather Information:
    ○ Passport, visa/I-20, SSN/ITIN (if applicable), income forms (W-2, 1042-S, 1099, if applicable), U.S. entry/exit dates.
  2. Create a Sprintax Account:
    ○ Create or log in to your Sprintax account. The software will ask questions to generate the necessary forms. Use the Sprintax access code from the International Student Office for a $5 discount on your federal tax return.
  3. Follow Sprintax Instructions:
    ○ No U.S. income: Sprintax will generate Form 8843.
    ○ Earned U.S. income: Sprintax will generate your tax return documents (e.g., Form 1040NR).
  4. Complete State Tax Return (if required):
    ○ Sprintax will notify you if a state tax return is necessary. You can file through Sprintax for an additional fee or independently.
  5. File Your Return:
    ○ E-file your federal tax return if eligible. If not, follow the mailing instructions provided by Sprintax. If you have dependents, each must mail their Form 8843 separately. If applicable, print, sign, and mail your state tax return.

Additional Resources

  • Sprintax Access: Available for nonresident international students and those on OPT. All students can use Sprintax to file Form 8843. Students who worked in 2024 must file federal taxes and may need to file state taxes. Use the discount code for $5 off federal tax filing.
  • Webinars: Register for live Sprintax webinars for guidance. You will receive recordings if you can’t attend live.
    ○ Upcoming dates:

■ Tuesday, February 18th at 9 am PT – Register here
■ Tuesday, March 4th at 1 pm PT – Register here
■ Wednesday, March 19th at 11 am PT – Register here
■ Wednesday, March 26th at 10 am PT – Register here
■ Thursday, April 3rd at 12 pm PT – Register here
■ Thursday, April 10th at 9 am PT – Register here
■ Monday, April 14th at 10 am PT – Register here

Sprintax Videos & Resources: You can find helpful videos on Sprintax's YouTube channel: Sprintax YouTube Channel. Download Sprintax’s webinar handout for additional links to useful tax resources and information

Also, explore these informative blog posts from Sprintax:

● How to Prepare for the Tax Season
● Everything Nonresidents Need to Know About the W-2 and 1099 Forms
● Sprintax Blog - Should nonresidents in the US report Cryptocurrency on their tax return?

Did you receive a $400 stimulus check or direct deposit? Please review your required steps to return it:


Filing From Your Home Country? If you need to file from outside the U.S., Please read Sprintax' blog post on this topic