Taxes
Taxes
As an international student studying in the United States, you are required to comply with U.S. federal and sometimes state tax laws every year.
Do I have to File Taxes?
If You Did NOT Earn Income
You must file Form 8843 if you were present in the U.S. during the tax year — even if you did not work or receive income.
If You DID Earn Income
If you received U.S. income (such as on-campus employment, CPT/OPT wages, or taxable scholarships), you must:
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File Form 8843, and
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File a federal income tax return (usually Form 1040-NR)
You may also need to file an Indiana state tax return if you earned income in Indiana.
When is the Deadline?
The typical deadline to file federal tax documents is April 15 for income earned the previous year.
State tax deadlines are usually similar but may vary.
what documents will i receive?
If you worked or received taxable income, you may receive:
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Form W-2 (wages from employment)
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Form 1042-S (scholarship income or treaty benefits)
These forms are usually issued in January or February.
Do international students pay taxes?
It depends on your income and your country’s tax treaty with the United States.
Many F-1 students are considered nonresidents for tax purposes for their first several years in the U.S. Tax treaties may reduce or eliminate some taxes, depending on your home country.
How do I file?
You will file using a nonresident tax preparation software designed for international students called Sprintax.
Sprintax Calculus helps you prepare the correct federal tax forms required for F-1 and J-1 students.
Sprintax Returns helps you file your tax forms to send to the IRS.
Need help?
The International Student Office can provide general guidance and share available resources. However, university staff cannot prepare or file tax returns on your behalf.
For official tax information, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.
