International Student Tax FAQs

When it comes to filing your US taxes, we recommend using a service or getting professional help. We have partnered with Sprintax, and they provide a fast and low-cost filing service.

If you run into any questions, you can always call the IRS directly for help: 1-800-829-1040.

If you really think you can do it on your own, without a service, here is some information to get started. Please note: we are not giving any tax advice, simply providing a useful resource of forms.

Which form should I file?

Form Name	Description	Form Help
Form 1040NR-EZ	U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. Most international students use Form 1040NR-EZ to file their tax return and tax advantage of the tax treaty benefits.
Form 1040NR	U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (long form of nonresident tax returns. Allows additional deductions and credits for certain categories of nonresident aliens)
Form 8843	Statement for Exempt Individuals (exempts international students from being treated as residents for tax purposes). All international students nonresident for tax purposes MUST file Form 8843!
Form 843	Claim for Refund (used by international students to claim a refund for Social Security and Medicare taxes held in error by their employers. Nonresident students are NOT subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes)
Form 8316	Information Regarding Request for Refund of Social Security Tax Erroneously Withheld on Wages Received by a Nonresident Alien on an F, J, or M Type Visa. Must be attached to Form 843 to apply for a refund from Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld in error.
Form W-7	Application for Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) (most commonly used by international students without a Social Security Number claiming a tax treaty benefits and by spouses of nonresident aliens on F and J visa)
Publication 519	U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens - a complete guide to filing your 2010 tax returns for non-resident and resident aliens.

If you have any questions or need help, please call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, and they should be able to assist you. For more complicated tax returns, you may want to hire the services of a CPA (certified public accountant).

How does the process work/ How to file?

• Step 1 - Find out which forms you need to file, and download them from the list above.
• Step 2 - Complete the forms with your information and details.
• Step 3 - Print off the forms and mail to the IRS

PLEASE NOTE - The IRS does not allow electronic filing (efile) for nonresident aliens, so all international students will need to send in your tax return by mail. You will need to send your forms into:

How much does it cost?

Nothing! There is no cost to submit your taxes to the IRS - there will only be a cost if you use a service, like Sprintax, or if you need the help of a certified public accountant (CPA) who will charge for their services.