Tax Information for International Students

Taxes

Tax Information for International Students

This webpage provides general information to assist you with tax questions. Please note that the staff in the Office of International Affairs are not tax experts. Please direct all questions to the proper tax professional.

Do I need to file taxes?

If you were in the United States at any time last year, even if you did not earn any income, you are responsible for completing specific tax forms and submitting them to the IRS.

  • No income earned last year: complete and submit IRS form 8843. Complete the top portion, part I, part III, then print and sign the document and mail to the address listed on the instruction page (3), titled “When and Where to File”.
  • Yes, income was earned last year: in most cases, you must submit federal and state income taxes along with IRS form 8843.  Please consult your tax professional for assistance with forms and questions.
  • Arrival in the US in January of the current year: no action is needed this year, however, next year you need to submit the required forms.
Resident vs. Non-Resident – Use Caution

Please note that the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) use the terms "resident" and "nonresident" to mean different things. This is enormously confusing to student and scholars and can impact your tax filing significantly. Please call an International Tax Specialist if you are unsure whether you should file as a resident or nonresident for tax purposes.

A Note on the IRS and Tax Scams

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the U.S. government agency responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws. The IRS will never contact you by email, text, or social media. If the IRS needs information, they will contact you by mail.

Every year numerous “tax scams” via phone or email are circulated to students. Never provide your personal information to anyone over the phone or email if you feel uncomfortable.  Protect your information!

More information on scams can be seen on the IRS webpage:  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts

Reporting Requirements for Dependents

F-2 and J-2 dependents, regardless of age, are expected to file the tax form 8843 annually in the United States, even if they have no income from a U.S. source. In the case of F-2s (who cannot work in the United States), the completion of a tax form is simple. A J-2 dependent, who may get permission to work in the United States, is taxed on his or her earnings.

Important Dates

April 15: The last day on which residents and nonresidents who have earned wages from U.S. sources may file their U.S. federal income-tax returns for the previous year.

June 15: The last day on which nonresident students and their dependents who have no wage income from U.S. sources in the previous year may file their Form 8843 and/or 1040NR-EZ or 1040NR returns.

Payroll & Benefits Tax Specialist

Information about income taxes for visiting scholars can be obtained from an international tax specialist at Payroll and Benefit Services. You will need to schedule an appointment to see an international tax specialist through their scheduling application on their website.

Resources

IRS (for general tax information) 1-800-829-1040                                                                        

To Order Forms from the IRS: 1-800-829-3676

International Affairs cannot give you any tax advice or help you with any tax issue. If you are not employed by UCCS, but need tax assistance, you can consult a commercial tax preparer or use one of the few tax software programs available, such as:

Related Websites

Resources for Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN)