Taxes for International Students

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Who should file tax?

Individuals on F or J status who didn't earn any income, and were physically in the US between January 1st - December 31, 2025, are obligated to file a Form 8843 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Individuals on F and J status who earned any taxable US source income (stipend/wages, loan, scholarship, etc.) must file a Form 1040-NR or Form 1040 return with IRS based on the Tax Residency Status.

It is important to note that when working in the United States, taxes will be deducted from every paycheck. At the beginning of each year, you should receive an official form(s) from your income source (e.g. employer) showing total wages earned and taxes paid. You must obtain these forms first in order to file your tax return. If you do not receive these forms from your income source i.e. employer by February, please contact them directly to obtain a copy. See the table below to learn the different types of forms: 

TYPE OF INCOME FORM SENT FROM THE EMPLOYERS
On-campus employment Form W-2, Wages and Tax Statement
Graduate assistantships Form W-2, Wages and Tax Statement
Fellowships Form W-2, Wages and Tax Statement
FAU scholarships Form 1042-S, Foreign Person's U.S. Sources Income Subject to Withholding - to acquire about this form please contact directly the FAU Tax & Compliance Services at tax@fau.edu 
Any paid Practical Training (both CPT and OPT)

Form W-2, Wages and Tax Statement, or

Form 1099, MIscellaneous Income


If you paid too much tax, the U.S. government will give you money back (known as a "tax refund"). If you did not pay enough tax, you will be asked to pay what you owe.

When is the deadline to file tax?

The deadline for the 2025 Tax Return is Monday, April 15, 2026.

If you need more time to prepare your federal tax return, visit the IRS's Extension of Time to File your Tax Return to learn how to request for an extension of time to file. Submitting this request by the April tax filing deadline gives you an extension to file until October 15.

What Form Do I Need to Fill Out?

Below are the forms you should fill out and send to IRS for your tax return. Depending on your source of income, you will determine (using chart below) which forms you should file:

DIFFERENT SCENARIOS FORM TO FILL OUT

Visa F1/J1 + Less Than 5 Years in US + Did not receive any Income 

  Form 8843

Visa F1/J1 + Less Than 5 Years in US + Received Income (Wages/Scholarship/Stipend)

  Form 1040-NR and From 8843

Visa F1/J1 + Less Than 5 Years in US + Received Income (Wages/Scholarship/Stipend) + Tax Treaty

  Form 1040-NR, Form 8843, and Form 8833

Visa F1/J1 + More Than 5 Years in US* + Received Income (Wages/Scholarship/Stipend)

  Form 1040


*F or J students receive 5 'exempt' years. Not exempt from tax, but of counting physical days of presence in the U.S. towards the Substantial Presence Test. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are considered a "non-resident for tax purposes' unless you meet the criteria for one of the tests for determining your tax residency status for tax purposes.

How do I file taxes?

You can file taxes through the electronic Filing Option or Mailing Option to IRS.

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  • Sprintax is the leading online federal e-filing and state tax return self-preparation software for US nonresidents.
  • FAU students and scholars on F and J visas can access Sprintax, a professional tax software with step-by-step guidance and live chat support — for a discounted rate when using a special code!
  • The first 1000 users can file their taxes at at a rate of only $2.95 with the code: F25FLAU1000
  • Register and sign in through this Sprintax Link to get started.

Other Tax Filing Options  
IRS Free File Option or Fillable Forms
  • Use IRS Free File if your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less.
  • If you are comfortable doing your own taxes, try Free File Fillable Forms.
  • IRS telephone assistance to answer general tax questions (1-800-829-1040).
Free Return Preparation Sites
  • The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help and e-file for taxpayers who qualify.
Commercial Software
  • Use commercial tax prep software to prepare and file your taxes.
  • Transmitted through IRS-approved electronic channels.
Authorized IRS e-file Provider
  • Tax professionals accepted by IRS electronic filing program are authorized IRS e-file providers.
  • They are qualified to prepare, transmit and process e-filed returns.
Paper Form and Mailing Option
  • Once you fill out the appropriate forms, you must mail them to the IRS office. The IRS address will be listed on the tax return form or its instruction page.

 

Note:  The state of Florida does not have a separate state income tax, but some states do. If you were previously employed in another state with a state income tax, you may be required to file an additional tax form. Check the www.irs.gov website for information on taxation for that state.

Tax Workshops 2025/2026

Sprintax Nonresident Tax Webinar

These webinars are offered by a tax return software company - Sprintax. In these tax webinars, international students, scholars ,and professionals will be run through everything they need to know about nonresident tax for the 2025 tax season. Topics will include who must file, tax residency, FICA, State returns, implications of misfiling as well as how to use Sprintax to prepare a compliant tax return.

Sprintax Nonresident Tax Overview for OPT/CPT

In this tax webinar, OPT/CPT participants will be run through preparing for their employment from a
tax perspective. Topics covered will include residency for tax purposes, tax liabilities when on OPT/CPT
and pre-employment tax forms when on OPT/CPT. The Sprintax team will also provide an overview of
Sprintax Forms which can be used to prepare your pre-OPT/CPT employment tax documents.