International Student Tax (File for F-1 Tax Returns)

Are you starting or returning to college in the US this year? New people, fresh experiences, and a whole world of exciting opportunities await you as an international student. You’ll get to experience new cultures and meet people from all walks of life.

Though taxes are probably the last thing on your mind when you’re heading off to college, it’s wise to get familiar with some US tax basics as an international student or scholar. The most important thing to know is that international students and scholars are required to file a US 1040NR to report income you receive in the US. This includes international teachers, researchers, trainees and participants in a Cultural Exchange Program on a J, F, M, Q visa. Even if you don’t earn any income, you still need to file a Form 8843.

Luckily, Sprintax can help you easily file your 1040NR! Sprintax is the official Non-Resident tax partner of TurboTax – they make it easy to file your tax return online. Our friends at Sprintax designed their tax preparation tool to meet the needs of international students and scholars in the US. After you sign up for an account, they’ll ask you simple questions to help you prepare your form 1040NR and check for allowable exemptions, expenses and deductions and over 65 international tax treaty agreements that could equal a tax refund!

Sprintax can also help you apply for an individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN, by preparing and submitting a Form W-7 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS.)

So what are you waiting for? Get started here.