Sprintax: A Guide for International Student to File Taxes in the US

Tax season in the U.S. can be overwhelming, especially for international students, scholars, and other nonresidents. If you’re unsure about tax filing requirements, deductions, and IRS compliance, you’re not alone! But don’t worry—Sprintax is here to make the process seamless, ensuring you file correctly and maximize your refund.Use the code ROAM100F524 to save $5 on your filing!
Amanda Binu

Why Do International Students Need to File Taxes?

Every nonresident in the U.S. is required to file tax documents with the IRS, whether they earned income or not. If you worked while studying in the U.S., you must file a federal tax return (Form 1040-NR) and possibly a state tax return. Even if you didn’t earn income, you still need to file Form 8843 to maintain compliance with U.S. tax laws.

If you were physically present in the U.S. at any point during the 2024 tax year (January 1 - December 31), you have a tax filing obligation. Even if you didn’t earn any income, you are still required to submit Form 8843, which serves as a declaration of your nonresident status.

International students on F-1, J-1, M-1, and Q visas are generally considered nonresidents for tax purposes for their first five years in the U.S. This means they are exempt from FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) for five years, covering 2021-2025 if they arrived in 2021. After this period, the IRS applies the Substantial Presence Test, counting your days in the U.S. over a rolling three-year period to determine if you should file as a resident. Failing to file your taxes correctly could affect your future visa applications, so it’s crucial to stay compliant. That’s where Sprintax comes in!


What Forms Do You Need?

  1. Your tax filing requirements depend on your income sources:
  2. Form 1040-NR: The primary federal tax return for nonresidents who earned income in the U.S. This includes wages (W-2), taxable scholarships (1042-S), and investment income (1099 series).
  3. Form 8843: Required for all nonresidents, even if no income was earned, to declare tax-exempt status. No ITIN or SSN is needed for this form.
  4. State Tax Return: Filing rules vary by state, and some nonresidents may be required to submit a separate return. Sprintax helps determine if you need to file state taxes.

Common Income Documents

Your employer or financial institution will provide the necessary documents for tax filing. Make sure to collect:

  • W-2 Form (Received by January 31, 2025): Reports wages, salaries, and taxes withheld.
  • 1042-S Form (Received by March 15, 2025): Reports taxable scholarships (for expenses other than tuition) or income from teaching, research, or other services.
  • 1099 Series: Includes 1099-NEC (for independent contractor income), 1099-DIV (dividends from investments), and 1099-INT (interest earned).
  • Certain types of income do not require filing: scholarships that only cover tuition, financial support from family, and income earned outside the U.S.

Why Choose Sprintax?

  • Sprintax simplifies the tax process for international students by:
  • E-filing federal taxes directly with the IRS (for eligible individuals).
  • Maximizing deductions by applying tax treaties and exemptions to lower tax bills.
  • Providing 24/7 live support via chat and webinars throughout tax season.
  • Ensuring 100% IRS compliance, protecting your future visa applications.

In fact, Sprintax users claimed over $100 million in refunds last year!


Avoiding Tax Mistakes and Penalties

Filing incorrectly or failing to submit Form 8843 can impact your visa status. Noncompliance may result in fees, penalties, or issues with future immigration applications. If you mistakenly filed as a resident using TurboTax (which does not support nonresident filings), you’ll need to file an amended tax return using Form 1040-X to correct the error.


State Tax Considerations

Each state has different tax laws, and you may need to file a state return if you earned income in a taxable state. Sprintax can help determine your state tax obligations and prepare the necessary forms.


How to Get Started - Filing with Sprintax is simple:

  • Create an account and answer a few questions about your U.S. residency status.
  • Upload your tax documents (W-2, 1042-S, 1099s, etc.).
  • Sprintax applies tax treaty benefits and deductions to maximize your refund.
  • E-file your federal return or download your completed forms to sign and mail.

Need Help? Sprintax Offers 24/7 Support!

From live chat assistance to tax workshops and educational YouTube videos, Sprintax provides comprehensive support throughout tax season. Don’t wait until the deadline for the year 2025 —April 15th—to file! Get started with Sprintax today and ensure a hassle-free tax season!


Personal Finance
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