U.S. Yearly Tax Basics
Most international visitors to the United States–including non-resident F-1 and J-1 students–are required to submit tax documentation and information to the United States government on a yearly basis. This is called “filing a tax return.” Even in the event that an individual does not have any income, they will need to submit a Form 8843.
U.S. Tax Law is complex. However, there are key details for DePauw international students to know.
Required: Submitting Tax Documentation to the U.S. Government Every Year
As an international student studying in the United States, it is essential that you comply with U.S. tax law and understand the filing requirements of your visa.
If any of the below circumstances apply to you for the calendar year in question (January-December of 2023, for example), then you will need to submit documentation for that year:
- You worked in the United States
- You received a stipend, grant, or allowance
- You had no earnings
If you work in the United States, you are subject to Federal and State taxes. While most of the Federal and State taxes would have been already withheld through your paycheck or other income disbursement, you will still need to “file a tax return” (submit tax documentation) for that calendar year.
Failure to submit your taxes may impact your ability to get a visa, renew your visa, unable to receive a refund (if this applies to you), or successfully apply for a green card or H1-B.
If you did not work or receive income in the United States but were a student studying at DePauw in that calendar year, you are still obligated to “file a tax return” (the Form 8843) to declare that you have not earned any money in the United States for that year.
Tax Software Provided to DePauw International Students: Sprintax
DePauw has partnered with Sprintax, a company that has developed tax software for non-resident aliens (international students and others), to provide access to their online tax preparation software: Sprintax Returns.
Sprintax Returns will
- guide you through the tax filing process step-by-step;
- help you comply with your U.S. tax obligations as outlined by your visa;
- file an accurate tax return by the deadline;
- avoid IRS penalties and fees;
- Provide online support for questions, as well as access to webinars and information to submit your return
DePauw International Student Affairs will email DePauw international students in February with that year’s DePauw Sprintax Code, which gives them a discount on tax filing. (Federal Tax filing Sprintax fee will be covered; the state fee will not. Students are still responsible for any tax owed directly to the Federal and State governments.
Note: Sprintax Returns is not the same as Sprintax Calculus, through which DePauw students submit employment and scholarship paperwork to DePauw. You cannot file your tax return through Sprintax Calculus.
Most international students at DePauw will not be able to file their tax return through Turbotax or other tax software designed for U.S. residents. There are some international students who have been in the U.S. long enough that they are considered “Resident for Tax Purposes.” To learn more about the Residency request, please refer to this Resident or Nonresident page.