Tax Season is Here - What You Need To Know As an F-1 Student

Hey there!

Tax season is here, and we know filing as an international student can feel unfamiliar—but don’t worry! In this email, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get started.

As an F-1 visa holder in the U.S., filing taxes is mandatory—even if you didn’t earn any income in 2024. All international students must file Form 8843, which confirms your nonresident tax status. If you worked in the U.S. last year—whether through an on-campus job, internship, or other employment—you’ll also need to file Form 1040-NR to report your income.

What About Scholarships & Stipends?

If you received a scholarship, you might be wondering whether it’s taxable. Scholarships used for tuition and required fees are generally tax-free. However, any portion used for room, board, or other non-qualified expenses could be considered taxable income. If your university withheld taxes on your scholarship, they will issue you a Form 1042-S, which reports any taxable portion.

Understanding W-2s and 1099s

If you worked for a U.S. employer, you’ll likely receive a Form W-2, which reports your wages and any taxes withheld. If you worked as an independent contractor or received freelance income, you may receive a Form 1099-NEC instead. These forms are essential for correctly reporting your income on your tax return, so make sure you have them before filing.

Not a current international student? Fill out this quick survey so we can send you tailored content based on where you’re at in your international student journey.

Social Security & Medicare Taxes

Good news! F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for fewer than five years are considered nonresidents and do not have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. If these taxes were incorrectly withheld from your paycheck, contact your employer to request a refund. If they can’t resolve it, you may need to file Form 843 with the IRS to claim a refund.

How to File Your Taxes

Filing might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! You can complete Form 8843 and Form 1040-NR yourself and mail them to the IRS, or you can use Sprintax, a tax preparation service designed specifically for nonresidents in the U.S. Sprintax walks you through the process step by step to ensure accuracy.

Bonus: As a Roam member, you can save $5 on your federal filing with code ROAM100F524 at checkout!

Some universities also offer free tax assistance, so check with your international student office to see if help is available - you might be able to get a code that makes filing with Sprintax free.

Don't Miss the Deadline!

Filing incorrectly—or missing the deadline—can lead to penalties, fees, and even complications with future visa renewals. The tax deadline is April 15, 2025, so don’t wait until the last minute.

If you need help, Sprintax offers 24/7 live support, educational tax videos, and blog content to guide you through the process. Click here to check out our blog post about filing taxes with Sprintax.

Get ahead of tax season and stay compliant!

Best,
Ansh Mundra & Amanda Binu
The Roam Growth Team