Understanding U.S. Taxes as an International Student: What You Need to File and Why
If you are an international student studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you may be surprised to learn that you still need to file taxes, even if you did not earn income. U.S. tax laws apply to nonresidents, and staying compliant is part of maintaining your visa status.
This guide breaks down what you need to file, when to file it and why it matters, even if you’re not working.
Do international students need to file U.S. taxes?
Yes. All F-1 visa holders must file at least one tax form every year they are in the U.S., even if they did not earn any income through international student job opportunities.
There are two main reasons:
- It’s a legal requirement under U.S. tax law for nonresidents.
- It helps maintain accurate immigration records and avoid visa issues in the future.
Filing taxes does not mean you owe money. In many cases, students who work part time with or receive international scholarships may be eligible for a refund.
What tax forms do international students need?
The forms you need depend on whether you earned any U.S. income during the previous tax year.
If you had no income
You must file Form 8843. This form confirms your nonresident status and documents your time in the U.S. It does not require a Social Security number or taxpayer ID.
Each person on an F-1 visa, including dependents on F-2 visas, must file their own Form 8843.
If you earned income
You must file:
- Form 8843, and
- Form 1040-NR, the nonresident income tax return
You will also need a W-2 form from any on-campus job or a 1042-S form if you received a taxable scholarship or grant. These forms are usually provided by your university or employer in January or February.
Do not use the standard Form 1040 that U.S. citizens and residents file. That form is not for F-1 visa holders unless you pass the substantial presence test, which most students do not during their first five years in the U.S.
When is the deadline to file taxes?
The deadline to file U.S. taxes is typically April 15 each year. If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline may shift to the next business day.
It’s a good idea to file early, especially if you’re requesting a refund or need a tax transcript later for immigration or financial aid purposes.This is an important part of fulfilling ongoing U.S. student visa requirements.
Can international students file taxes online?
Yes. Many international students use online services designed for nonresidents, such as:
- Sprintax
- Glacier Tax Prep
- Taxback
These tools help guide you through the correct forms and reduce the risk of filing mistakes. Some universities offer free access or discounts for students.
If you earned income and do not have a Social Security number, you may need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you file.
What happens if you do not file?
Failing to file taxes as an F-1 student can lead to:
- Issues with future visa renewals or change-of-status applications
- Loss of potential tax refunds
- Trouble requesting future ITINs or Social Security numbers
Even if you did not earn income or don’t have work authorization for international students, not filing Form 8843 can be viewed as noncompliance with your visa terms. Filing shows that you are following U.S. regulations and protecting your immigration record.
MPOWER Financing supports your education and your compliance
While MPOWER Financing does not provide tax filing services, it does help you stay compliant with the financial requirements of your visa. With a no-cosigner education loan, you can cover tuition and living expenses without unauthorized work.
An MPOWER loan can help you:
- Avoid taking on unapproved off-campus jobs that could affect your tax status
- Show proof of funding in your visa application
- Pay for health insurance, housing and other essentials that reduce your financial stress
Staying organized financially makes it easier to focus on academics and file accurate tax forms each year.
Filing taxes keeps your record clean
U.S. tax rules can be confusing, but filing as an international student is usually straightforward once you understand the basics. Whether or not you worked, you’re still responsible for filing the right forms on time.
Set a reminder for tax season, keep copies of all your school and income documents and reach out to your university’s international office if you need help.
