Filing Taxes in the United States
Every international student is required to file a tax return as a condition of their F-1 visa. It is important to note, however, that not every student will be required to pay taxes to the American government. International students are entitled to a number of benefits and exemptions, so many will not owe anything. In fact, if you paid too much tax throughout the year, you may be entitled to a refund check.
Please Note: TurboTax and H&R Block DO NOT
When do I need to file my tax return?
Your federal tax forms must be postmarked by April 15th .
Other forms, such as state tax returns and Form 8843, have different deadlines.
Who can help me file my taxes?
For more information about tax services, please visit Messiah's Tax Help Page by clicking here .
What will I need in order to prepare my tax return?
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) OR Social Security Number (SSN)
If you don’t have an ITIN, you’ll need to apply for one in conjunction with filing your tax return by filling out a W-7.
If you had any US sources of income, you may also need the following documents:
How much does it cost to file my taxes?
There is no cost associated with submitting your taxes to the IRS. If you choose to use a professional tax service, they will have fees associated with filing your taxes. For information about free tax assistance, please click here
I did not work in the US this year. Do I still have to file taxes?
YES. Every international student is required to file a tax return as a condition of their F-1 visa.
All students and scholars in F-1 status (physically present in the U.S. during the past year) who are nonresidents for tax purposes MUST file the IRS Form 8843
How do I file Form 8843?
Part I (must be completed):
#1a: Enter the type of visa (F) that you used to enter the U.S. and date you entered (acess your I-94 record by clicking here
#1b: Input your current nonimmigrant status. Your status should be the same as #1a unless you have changed status while in the U.S.
If you requested a change of status (for example, you entered the U.S. in R-2 status and without leaving changed to F) while in the U.S., enter your current non-immigrant status (F) and the date that your change of status was approved (see your I-797 Approval Notice form for the accurate dates).
If you have only ever been in F status, all you need to do is enter your current non-immigrant status as you stated in #1a; no date is required.
#4a: Count the number of days you were physically present in the U.S. in each of the listed calendar years. Make sure to enter the actual number of days you were present (excluding days when you were outside of the U.S.).
#4b: Substantial Presence Test – enter the number of days you were present in the U.S. during the tax year (January-December of the tax year). This should be the same number that you entered in the first blank on #4a.
Part II: Do Not Complete
Part III (must be completed by all F-1 Students):
#9: Enter: Messiah University, One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; 717-766-2511
#10: Enter: Amy Nicols, Messiah University, One University Avenue, Suite 3050, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, 717-796-1800 ext. 2172
#s11 – 14: Answer each question according to your individual situation.
Part IV and V: Does not apply to those present in the U.S. in F-1 status.
Make sure to sign and date page 2. (Note: If you are submitting this form with a federal tax return, then you are not required to sign.)
Mail the completed form (with or without the federal tax return) to:
Department of the Treasury
Please Note: Each individual Form 8843 must be sent in a separate envelope to the above address. No other forms of any type (except the federal tax return if applicable) should be included in this envelope.