Taxes

Important: All F-1 students must complete and submit required U.S. tax forms every year – even if they did not work, earn income, or receive a paycheck in the United States.

If you are an international student in F-1 status, you will have U.S. tax filing responsibilities each year that you are physically present in the United States. All F-1 students must complete and submit the required U.S. tax forms every year, regardless of whether they worked or earned money in the United States.

U.S. taxes are based on the calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. Tax forms for the previous year are generally completed and submitted in the spring of the following year.

You Must File Every Year

Your tax filing requirements depend on your individual circumstances. For example:

• If you did not work and had no U.S. income: You will still need to complete and submit Form 8843.
• If you worked or received U.S. income: You will likely need to complete additional federal and/or state tax forms.
• If you received a scholarship, fellowship, or other payments: These may have tax implications and may require additional forms.

Not working does not mean you have no tax filing responsibility. Every F-1 student who is physically present in the United States during a calendar year must review and complete the appropriate tax forms for that year.

The International Advising Office uses Sprintax to help international students determine their U.S. tax filing obligations and identify the tax forms they may need to complete and submit. Sprintax provides tax preparation resources specifically designed for nonresident students.

During Winter Term each year, the International Advising Office offers a series of tax-filing support appointments. These appointments are designed to help students understand the tax-filing process and navigate available resources, including Sprintax.

The International Advising Office cannot prepare or file your taxes for you and cannot provide individual tax advice. We can help you understand the general process and use available resources, but you are ultimately responsible for completing and submitting your own tax forms by the applicable deadlines.

All current F-1 students are required to complete the “US Taxes as an F-1 Student” course in Homebase. This course provides more detailed information about:

• Your annual tax filing responsibilities
• The difference between federal and state taxes
• What documents are required to file taxes
• Common tax forms, including Form 8843 and Form 1040-NR
• Tax documents you may receive from an employer or Union College
• Tax assistance appointments offered by the International Advising Office

Complete the required “US Taxes as an F-1 Student” Homebase course to learn more about your responsibilities and how to get support with the tax filing process.