Filing taxes in the US as an F1 student visa holder is an essential legal responsibility, albeit it may seem complex. Being knowledgeable about your duties, exemptions, and the correct filing process will help you stay in compliance with IRS requirements and avoid penalties. It makes no difference whether you had a scholarship, work on campus, or earned zero dollars; you are still required to do something every tax year.
Forms, deadlines, exclusions, common mistakes, and useful resources are all part of this lesson that will teach international students on an F1 visa what they need to know about filing their US tax return.
What is an F1 Visa?
An F1 non-immigrant student visa is available to foreign nationals who want to attend an approved American school, university, or other educational institution full-time. Working on an F1 visa is subject to several restrictions, such as:
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Positions available on campus (up to 20 hours per week throughout the school year)
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Other Paths to Certification (OPT)
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Curriculum-Based Practical Training (CPT)
You may need to file a tax return if you earn money from these activities if they are taxable in the United States.
Must F1 Visa Recipients File a Tax Return?
Yes, I understand. Every F1 visa holder must file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service, regardless of whether they earned any money that year.
You are mostly responsible for two things:
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Form 8843 must be filled out by every F1 visa holder, regardless of their income level.
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Fill out Forms 1040-NR or 1040-NR-EZ if you have any income that is taxable in the US.
Penalties and delays in future visa applications could arise from non-submission.
What Kinds of Tax Documents Must Formula One Students Fill Out?
Let’s take a look at the main tax forms that Formula One pupils need to fill out:
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Form 8843 – Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition, even if you do not have any income.
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Signifies that the substantial presence test (pertaining to residency status) does not apply to you.
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Form 1040-NR – To report their income, most F1 visa holders use the U.S. Nonresident Alien Money Tax Return.
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All forms of financial support, including scholarships and stipends, must be reported.
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W-2 Form – If you have received payment from your employer, this form serves as both a pay stub and a tax document.
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Details your total revenue, including any taxes paid.
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Form 1042-S – Income From U.S. Sources That Must Be Withheld from Foreign Individuals.
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Earnings from scholarships and grants, among others, may be reported using this form.
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1042-S and W-2 forms are both available to you.
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Do F1 Students Qualify as Residents or Nonresidents for Tax Purposes?
For tax purposes, most foreign nationals on an F1 visa are considered nonresidents for the first five years they are in the US. U.S. residents and nonresident aliens submit separate tax returns (Form 1040-NR).
To be considered a resident alien for tax purposes, you must fulfil the Substantial Presence Test after five years. After that, you may begin filing your Form 1040 just like any other US citizen.
Typical Ways Students with F1 Visas Make Money
Formula One drivers may have many sources of income that are required to be revealed:
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Dining halls, libraries, and on-campus part-time work
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Work authorisation (CPT or OPT)
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Stipends and room and board are the only kinds of expenses that could trigger taxation on a scholarship
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(If allowed) Internships and co-ops
If you had taxes withheld from your paycheck, you may be eligible for a return when you file.
Tax Treaties Covering Individuals with F1 Visas
Due to U.S.-international tax treaties, F1 visa holders may be able to take advantage of income exclusions or avoid paying taxes twice.
One example is:
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Indian students may be eligible for tax exemptions on certain types of income.
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Some scholarship opportunities are not available to students from China.
When filing for treaty benefits, be sure to include Forms 1040-NR and 8833. Always check the tax treaties between the United States and your native country before submitting.
Can F1 Students Get Tax Credits?
A large number of tax advantages in the United States are not available to F1 students. This includes:
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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
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Tax Credit Opportunities for U.S.
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Continued Education Credit
But if you’ve converted to resident alien status, you could be eligible. Nonresident aliens will have limited access to tax deductions and credits until that time comes.
US Tax Deadlines for F1 Students
During the tax year, which starts on January 1 and ends on December 31, F1 students are required to file their tax returns by the specified time.
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April 15, 2025, is the deadline for filing tax returns for the year 2024.
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Form 8843 (no income) is usually due on June 15th.
A Definitive Manual on Federal Student Aid Tax Returns
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
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Passport, Visa, and I-20
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Enrolment Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN)
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W-2 or 1042-S documents
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Income tax returns (Form 1098-T, if relevant)
Step 2: Assess Your Personal Tax Position
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Use the Substantial Presence Test to find out whether you are a nonresident foreign.
Step 3: Gather the Necessary Tax Paperwork
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Simply submit Form 8843 if you do not have any funds.
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Please send Forms 8843 and 1040-NR together with your income.
Step 4: Use Tax Software or File by Hand
Some more options for F1 pupils are:
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Sprintax (approved by the IRS and suitable for Formula One)
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Glacier Tax Prep, a service that certain universities provide
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Submitted manually (requires transmission to the IRS)
Step 5: Submit by the Specified Deadline
If you meet the requirements, you may submit your applications to the IRS either online or by regular mail.
What Happens In the Event That You Do Not Submit?
Not filing a required tax return might lead to:
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Sanctions or fees
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Visa concerns
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Issues with future requests for U.S. immigration
Your ability to modify your immigration status in the future or your current status may be affected if you fail to complete Form 8843, regardless of whether you earned any money.
Advice on How to Complete the F1 Visa Tax Return
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Keep an extra copy of all documents for at least three years.
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Be prompt in submitting your work to avoid penalties.
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Use software developed for nonresidents and authorised by the IRS.
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Don’t use TurboTax if you don’t live in the United States.
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For help, contact your school’s international office.
Important Questions Regarding the F1 Student Visa Tax Returns
1. Can first-year students file their taxes electronically?
Online filing is an option for nonresident aliens using Sprintax and other IRS-approved platforms. Forms should be delivered after printing.
2. Can students enrolled in F1 programs get their money back?
I completely agree! If you are entitled for treaty exemptions or if too much was withheld from your paycheck, you may request a refund.
3. Is it necessary to have a Social Security number?
Your ability to earn money depends on your Social Security number. In such case, you may need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Number).
4. What would happen if my job was illegal?
Your visa forbids you from working without authorisation. Consult a tax or immigration attorney before submitting any paperwork.
In Conclusion
With the right information and tools, filing your F1 student visa tax return is not as daunting as it first seems. Timely completion of the necessary paperwork is essential for maintaining your visa status and complying with U.S. tax requirements, irrespective of your income level.
Always consult your school’s international student services office and rely on trustworthy resources like Sprintax or Glacier if you need help with correct filing. As a necessary evil for any foreign student studying in the US, tax filing is everything but enjoyable.