All nonimmigrants are required to file some sort of tax form, even if they owe no taxes or earn no income in the U.S. during their stay. Foreign nationals in the United States are required to comply with all laws governing them during their stay in the U.S., including the filing of appropriate tax forms. While the immigration regulations are the laws that first come to mind, the tax regulations cannot be ignored.
The IRS holds you accountable for understanding and complying with your federal income tax responsibilities. IRS requirements may feel unfair, or complicated, but failure to comply with the law could result in fines or in denial of immigration benefits.
The Office of International Services cannot offer tax advice. We cannot assist you in completing your tax forms. Please refer to Sprintax to address your tax questions.
Who Must File Tax Forms for the 2023 Tax Season?
If you were physically present the U.S. in F or J status anytime between January 1 - December 31, 2023, you are obligated to file the Form 8843 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - even if you had no income. If you earned any U.S. income in 2023, you may need to file a federal tax return with the IRS. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also need to file a state tax return.
Tax Filing Deadline:
April 15th, 2024 is the last day for residents and non-residents who earned U.S. income to file Federal tax returns for the 2023 tax year.
Resident or Non-Resident for Federal Tax Purposes:
Generally, most international students & scholars who are on F, J, M or Q visas are considered non-residents for tax purposes. International undergraduate students on J-1 & F-1 visas are automatically considered non-residents for their first 5 calendar years in the U.S., whilst scholars/researchers on J visas are automatically considered non-residents for 2 out of the last 6 calendar years in the U.S. If you have been in the U.S. for longer than the 5 or 2 year periods, the Substantial Presence Test will determine your tax residency.
How to File:
We have teamed up with Sprintax to provide you with easy-to-use tax preparation software designed for non-resident students and scholars in the U.S. Catholic University staff are not qualified nor permitted to provide individual tax advice.
After you login to Sprintax, you will be asked a series of questions about the time you have spent in the U.S. and in which visa category, looking back over a period of years. Sprintax will then determine your tax status. If it determines that you are a "nonresident alien" (NRA) for federal tax purposes, you can continue to use it to respond to a series of guided questions. Sprintax will complete and generate the forms you need to print, sign, and mail to the IRS. If it determines you are a resident alien for federal tax purposes, you won't be able to continue using the software.
Step by Step Guide on How to File Your Non-Resident Tax Forms (F and J)
1) Gather the documents you may need for Sprintax
| Document | Description | |
| ✔ | Passport | |
| ✔ | Visa/Immigration information, including form I-20 (F status) or form DS-2019 (J status) | |
| ✔ | Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (If you have one) | This is not needed if you had no income and the 8843 is the only form you have to file. |
| ✔ | W-2 | This form reports your wage earnings if you worked. If you had more than one employer you should get a W-2 from each employer. It is issued by the end of January for the previous year. Make sure all employers from last year have an up-to-date address for you. |
| ✔ | 1042-S |
This form is used to report:
If you received this type of income, the 1042-S will be mailed to you by March 15th by the payer. NOTE: Only NonResident Aliens receive this form. If your tax status changes to a Resident Alien you will not get a 1042-S. Login to Sprintax to check your tax status if you are not sure. |
| ✔ | U.S. entry and exit dates for current and past visits to the U.S. | In addition to passport stamps, you can review or print your U.S. travel history here. |
| ✔ | 1099 | This form reports miscellaneous income. Can be interest on bank accounts, stocks, bonds, dividends, earning through freelance employment. |
| x | 1098-T | This form is NOT needed and can NOT be used for a nonresident tax return because NRAs are NOT eligible to claim education expense tax credits. |
2) Create a Sprintax Account
You will receive an email from our office providing you with a link to Sprintax to set up your account as well as your unique code to use on Sprintax. This unique code will cover the costs of the federal tax return and 8843 at no cost to you. Open your new Sprintax account by creating a User ID and password or if you have an existing account on Sprintax you can log in using your existing credentials.
3) Follow the Sprintax Instructions
If you did not earn any US income: Sprintax will generate a completed Form 8843 for you and each of your dependents (if you have any).
With U.S. income: Sprintax will generate your "tax return documents", including either a 1040NR-EZ or a longer form 1040 NR, depending on your circumstances.
4) (With U.S. income only) If required, complete your state tax return
After you finish your federal return, Sprintax will inform you if you need to complete a state tax return. If so, they will give you the option to use Sprintax for an individual fee. However, it is your choice to use them or to do the state tax return on your own.
5) Read the instructions for filing / mailing your returns
Remember to read the mailing instructions that Sprintax provides.
You will be required to download, print and sign your federal tax return and either E-File through Sprintax or mail it to the IRS. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to E-file your Federal tax return.
If you have a state filing requirement, you must also mail this to the tax authorities. Finally, if you only need to file Form 8843, this also need to be E-Filed or mailed to the IRS.
Need Sprintax Support?
If you need help while using Sprintax, contact them:
24/7 Live Chat Help
Refer to their FAQs
Email at hello@sprintax.com
Sprintax Education Tax Video and Blog:
You also have access to the Sprintax youTube account where there are a number of educational videos on non-resident taxes to provide further clarity on the subject of using Sprintax and non-resident tax. There is also a Sprintax Blog which goes through tax related topics and can be of use to you.
DISCLAIMER: The Office of International Services and the school are NOT permitted to assist any student/scholar with any IRS tax form preparation or tax related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office.