Filing Taxes
DSOs are not trained in the complexities of the United States Tax Regulations.
ISSS is not legally allowed to answer any tax questions.
Please use the Sprintax services we've emailed you about, and get your questions answered there.
Tax Obligations
As an international student or scholar, much of your U.S.-sourced income is subject to taxation. It is a federal obligation to file a tax return if you earned U.S.-sourced income as a nonresident alien. A tax return is a compilation of various tax forms that compares what an international student or scholar paid in taxes against what the U.S. government calculates the student/scholar should have paid in taxes during the prior calendar year.
If you did not earn income in 2024, you will need to file Form 8843 if you were present in the U.S. as a nonresident for tax purposes on an F, J, M or Q visa.
Are you an On-Campus International Student Employee?
Do you work as a student employee for Texas State University and need assistance? Reach out to our on-campus support.
https://www.txst.edu/payroll/are-you-a/international-employee.html
Tax filing period: January 27, 2025 to April 15, 2025
International students are advised to file their taxes as soon as possible. Many international students may qualify for a tax refund. A tax refund may provide financial assistance during difficult times. Therefore, the sooner students file their taxes, the sooner students may determine eligibility to receive a tax refund.
Students are advised to file taxes prior to departing the US. Filing taxes and tax compliance while outside the US may be difficult.
Refer to this resource for assistance with filing taxes outside the US: Help With Filing Your US Tax Return From Outside the USA.
Helpful Information
How do I know if I have to file taxes?
Visit the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) website for Foreign Students and Scholars.
For more information on Tax Form 8843 - No Income International Student.
Review Income Tax Withholding policies for Scholarships and Fellowship Grants Paid to Nonresident alien students and scholars
Health Insurance Requirement for Tax Purposes
Sprintax Nonresident Tax Webinars (AAP)
In these tax webinars, international students, scholars and professionals will be run through
everything they need to know about nonresident tax for the 2024 tax season.
Topics will include who must file, tax residency, FICA, State returns, implications of misfiling as well as how to use Sprintax to prepare a compliant tax return.
Dates and Times:
Tuesday March 4th @ 4pm ET – Register here
Wednesday March 19th @ 2pm ET– Register here
Wednesday March 26th @ 1pm ET – Register here
Thursday April 3rd @ 3pm ET– Register here
Thursday April 10th @ 12pm ET – Register here
Monday April 14th @ 1pm ET – Register here
Sprintax Nonresident Tax Overview Webinars for OPT/CPT (A)
Topics covered will include residency for tax purposes, tax liabilities when on OPT/CPT
and pre-employment tax forms when on OPT/CPT. The Sprintax team will also provide an
overview of Sprintax Forms which can be used to prepare your pre-OPT/CPT employment tax
documents.
Dates and Times:
Unavailable at this time.
DISCLAIMER
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is NOT permitted to assist any student or scholar with any IRS tax form preparation or tax-related questions. The available tax information provided by ISSS is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer, or a local IRS field office.
For TXST international students to receive the Spring 2025 tax code, which allows you a free tax return, check your February I-Newsletter that was sent to your TXST email.