U.S. Income Taxes
The Office of International Affairs can provide basic information and direct you to get qualified assistance. We cannot provide tax advice or assistance with preparation. Please review the information below and seek help from a knowledgeable tax professional.
In the United States, the International Revenue Service (IRS) administers an annual collection of taxes. This is generally done by April 15th each year or the nearest business day.
Understand U.S. taxes
- Claim the benefits of a
All F-1 and J-1 students should file some form.
Everyone who was in the U.S. for even one day in a calendar year
- If you were physically in the U.S. in F or J status even one day in any year, you are obligated to send at least one form, Form 8843, to the U.S. tax agency Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if you had no income.
- If you earned income through work, a or in other ways (such as lottery or gambling winnings), you will file additional form(s). In general, if you received a taxable scholarship, UNA has already charged you for taxes on the taxable amount. Your tax professional will help you determine which form to file.
- - after or other changes such as Permanent Residency, your tax status may change.
Read here for help in understanding .
Where you can get help
The Office of International Affairs pleased to make it possible for you to get tax assistance through Sprintax at the very low price of $9.95. If you were to purchase Sprintax on your own, it would cost $50 or more, so this UNA rate is a great value!
If you would like to purchase an access code, you can do that.
International Student Services will receive notification of your purchase by email and then send a unique code to your UNA email within one business day. Please allow one business day for reply as the code is not automatically sent.
Turbo Tax, Tax Act, and H&R Block are examples of software you can purchase to prepare your own return. Most free software is only free for a standard tax return for a US citizen or US permanent resident. It is not common for them to file for non-resident aliens for tax purposes. MAKE SURE YOU ARE FILING THE CORRECT FORM for your tax status. Your tax status can change after multiple years in the United States or with a change of visa status.
Documents you may receive from UNA, your employer, your bank or your medical insurer
Form shows the amount of earnings you have made and the taxes that were paid to the U.S. federal and Alabama state governments on your behalf
The shows the amount(s) related to tuition and fees. UNA produces 1098-T for every enrolled student with a Social Security Number on file. Most F and J students are NOT eligible claim education credits.
The demonstrates that you have health insurance to avoid tax penalty. For international students on the university plan, this form is produced by Aetna and mailed to you.
The reports income and amounts withheld. You may receive this from UNA if your scholarships cover room and board. You may receive this from your bank if you earn interest on an account, such as a savings account.
Links to Common Forms (Which Form to File)
If you were physically in the U.S. in F or J status for even one day during a calendar year, you are obligated to send at least one form, Form 8843, to the U.S. tax agency IRS (Internal Revenue Service), even if you had no income.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has this by yourself.
Link to form:
You may be able to use this form if your only income from U.S. sources is wages, salaries, tips, refunds of state and local income taxes, scholarship or fellowship grants, and you do not claim any dependents.
You may need to file Form 1040-NR if you were a nonresident alien engaged in a trade or business in the United States.
Link to form: