Navigating U.S. Tax Season!

As we begin the filing season for 2025 taxes, we want to help you understand your tax obligations and feel confident about the process.

Whether this is your first tax season in the United States or you’ve filed before, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides tax-related resources to help you navigate the U.S. tax filing process, including a code to complete one federal tax return online for no cost. You can find key information and resources on the ISSS Tax Information website.

ISSS collaborates with partners to help you navigate U.S. taxes, such as UFCU and Sprintax. On Feb. 20, ISSS hosted a UFCU Financial Wellness Lunch where Cedric Carson, CPA, shared guidance to help international students better understand their responsibilities and common tax terminology. The event underscored the value of asking questions early and preparing ahead for tax season.

Sprintax will be hosting live tax webinars during March and April designed to help you with the U.S. tax filing process. You’ll find the full schedule at the end of this blog.

All International Students and Scholars Need to File Taxes

International students and scholars who are classified as nonresidents for tax purposes must file a U.S. tax form each year, even if they earned no income. Students and scholars in this category must file Form 8843 annually by June 15. Individuals who earned U.S.-based income — salary, wages, scholarships, grants, etc. — must file additional forms by April 15. Visit the Filing a Tax Return page on the ISSS website for full details.

Tax Residency Status Drives the Filing Process

Your immigration status does not determine your tax residency status. Many F-1 and J-1 students are considered nonresidents for tax purposes under U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules, such as the Substantial Presence Test. Your tax residency determines which forms you must file and whether you qualify for tax treaty benefits.

Common Tax Forms You May Receive

You may receive several types of IRS forms, depending on your income and circumstances. The ISSS Tax Form Glossary explains common forms such as W-2, 1042-S, 1099-MISC, 8843, and 1040-NR.

Some students who are not eligible for a Social Security Number may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes. Learn more on the ISSS ITIN Information page.

Tax Treaties and Potential Benefits

The U.S. maintains tax treaties with many countries. These may provide tax exemptions or reduced rates for eligible students or scholars. Visit the Tax Treaties section of the ISSS Tax Basics for New Students and Scholars page.

Using Sprintax to File Your Federal Tax Return

ISSS provides free access to Sprintax for one federal filing per student or scholar. Sprintax helps with Form 8843, Form 1040-NR, tax residency, and tax treaty evaluations. Learn more about this tax filing service on the ISSS Nonresident Tax Preparation Software page.

Social Security and Medicare Tax Refunds

Most F-1 and J-1 nonresidents for tax purposes are exempt from Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes. If these taxes were withheld by mistake, request a correction from your employer. If they cannot issue a refund, follow the IRS steps on the ISSS Getting a Refund of Medicare and Social Security Taxes page.

Support Throughout Tax Season

Tax season doesn’t have to feel stressful. By attending tax workshops, preparing early, and using official resources — including Sprintax and our online guides — you can file confidently and accurately.

Use the registration links below to participate in one of these upcoming Sprintax Webinars (with Q&A):

Sprintax also offers YouTube videos that can be accessed anytime.

This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.