Filing taxes as an international student? We’ve got you.
International students often file as non-residents, with different forms and requirements. We'll break down the rules, help you determine your residency status, and guide you through filing the forms you need.
Filing taxes as an international student? We’ve got you.
International students often file as non-residents, with different forms and requirements. We'll break down the rules, help you determine your residency status, and guide you through filing the forms you need.
Do international students need to file taxes? Here’s how to know.
If you’re studying in the U.S. on an F-1, J-1, or other temporary visa, how you file your taxes depends on whether the IRS classifies you as a resident or a non-resident and whether you earned income.
International students typically file:
To document your visa status and days in the U.S. International students file this even if they had no income.
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For non-residents to report income earned in the U.S. (like wages, internships, stipends, or contract work).
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Years in the U.S. | IRS Classification |  US Income?  | US Income? | Forms to file |
|---|
0-5 years | Non-resident | No | Form 8843 only | No |
0-5 years | Non-resident | Yes (i.e. W-2, 1099, taxable scholarship) | Form 8843 and Form 1040-NR | Yes (i.e. W-2, 1099, taxable scholarship) |
+5 years | Likely resident | No | No return required | No |
+5 years | Likely resident | Yes (i.e. W-2, 1099, taxable scholarship) | Form 1040 only (standard U.S. tax return). | Yes (i.e. W-2, 1099, taxable scholarship) |
Been in the U.S. for more than 5 years?
The IRS may consider you a resident for tax purposes even if you're still on a F-1, J-1, or other temporary visa. This means you'll likely file a standard Form 1040, not Form 1040-NR.
Learn MoreWHY STUDENTS CHOOSE US
Made for international students — and the unique rules you face.
File the required international student tax forms online.
We guide you step by step through Form 8843 and Form 1040-NR. No guesswork required.
Apply tax treaty benefits automatically (when eligible).
We help identify available tax treaty benefits and guide you through applying them correctly.
Report scholarships and stipends the right way.
Get clear guidance on how to report scholarships, grants, and stipends to avoid common filing mistakes.
Designed for international students and first-time filers.
File with confidence using simple, guided steps built specifically for international students.
The only major tax provider offering online, DIY filing for international students
Most international students are limited to mail-in forms or third party services. We let you file your international student taxes fully online and on your own time, with guided steps built for non-resident returns.
Feature | TaxAct | TurboTax | TurboTax | H&R Block | FTUSA | Forms to file |
|---|
DIY filing of Form 1040-NR (online) | Yes | Yes | Yes — via Expat Tax Service | No | No | Yes |
Support for Form 8843 (with 1040-NR) | Yes | No | Yes — via Expat Tax Service | No | No | No |
Designed for F-1/J-1 non-resident students | Yes | No | No — built for expats, not students | No | No | No |
Typical federal filing cost | Yes | - | Starts at $119 for expat services | - | - | - |
What tax benefits can international students receive?
Here's what you can claim:
Refunds of taxes withheld from your pay
Tax treaty benefits (if your country has one)
Correct tax treatment for scholarships and stipends
Tools made for international students
Our international student tools and guides help you make sense of U.S. taxes — before you file.
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