International Programs

Understanding Your U.S. Income Tax Obligations

February 20, 2026

Greetings, international students! 

All international students and scholars have a federal tax filing requirement even if you do not have U.S. source income. Below is some information about taxes. Please note, the staff at SVC are not trained in taxation and therefore cannot answer specific tax questions or help you prepare your tax forms. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to meet your tax obligations and do so accurately.

Income Tax FAQ

Do I need to file taxes in the US? 

Yes! F-1 international students who were present in the U.S. during any portion of the past calendar year may be required to file certain tax forms with the U.S. federal government. This is true whether or not you worked in the U.S., gained income in the U.S., or received a scholarship during the past calendar year (2025). Even if you didn't earn any money in 2025, you still have a legal requirement to file Form 8843 by the April deadline.

Filing Basics

  • Everything is Taxed: If you earned money in 2025 (on or off campus), you likely owe federal and state taxes.
  • Withholding: When you start a job, you'll fill out paperwork so your employer can take a portion of your pay for taxes automatically.
  • The "Tax Return": This is a US government form that you will submit that compares what you already paid and what you actually owe.
  • Refund: If you paid too much, the US government sends you money back!
  • Owing: If you didn't pay enough, you'll owe the difference.
  • Deadline: You must submit your Tax Return form to the US government by April 15 each year.  This is called “filing your tax return.”

When do I prepare and file my Tax forms?

  • January – March: You will receive your official payment documents (like Form W-2 or 1042-S) from your school or employer. You must have these before you can file your taxes. 
  • The forms provide information about the amount of money you were paid and what amount was withheld from your payment for tax purposes.
  • Late February – Early April: This is the best time for most students to complete and submit their paperwork to the IRS.  This is also called “filing your return.”
  • April 15, 2026: This is the final deadline to file your 2025 tax returns with the IRS.

Why does filing matter?

  • It's the Law! Filing taxes is a federal requirement: The IRS expects all international students and their dependents to file tax documents every year, even if you earned $0.
  • Protect Your Visa: Failing to file is a violation of your visa obligations. It can lead to fines, penalties, or even negatively impact your current immigration status.
  • Future Immigration Benefits: If you apply for a Green Card or an H-1B visa later, you will likely need to provide copies of your past tax filings as proof of compliance.
  • Missed a Year? If you forgot to file in the past, the IRS recommends filing those returns now. You can find forms for previous years on the IRS website.
  • Avoid Extra Costs: Filing late when you owe money can result in expensive interest and monthly penalties.

Which forms do I need to file?

Your forms depend on whether you earned money in the U.S. last year: 

  • Option 1: I had NO U.S. income
    Required Form: Form 8843
    Who it’s for: Students with no jobs, no taxable scholarships, and no other U.S. income.
  • Option 2: I DID have U.S. income
    Required Forms: Form 1040-NR (the full tax return) AND Form 8843.
    Who it’s for: Students who earned wages, tips, or taxable scholarship money in the U.S..

Remember: Even if you didn't work, you and any dependents (spouses or children) must still file Form 8843 to remain compliant with your visa

Questions? Email International Programs!

If you have any questions about travel, extensions, or work authorization, you can reach out to International Programs and ask!  We wish you good luck with the rest of the semester!

—The International Programs Team