During your first years in the US in F-1 or J-1 status, you are a non-resident for tax purposes. In the future, F-1/J-1 students who remain in the US for more than 5 tax years and J-1 scholars who remain in the US for more than 2 out of the last 6 tax years will become resident aliens for tax purposes.
If you earned income, you need an ITIN or SSN to file your tax forms. If you have neither, please check these sites for more information on how to apply for a SSN or ITIN.
Non-Resident Tax Filing
The International Center can provide currently enrolled F-1 and J-1 students with a discount code that covers the cost of filing your 1040NR and 8843. You can access this code through this link. The discount code has limited uses, so file early to get the full discount. You can also complete your State tax forms (Form 540 or 540NR) with Sprintax for an additional cost.
Do not use other tax software like Turbotax, H&R Block, or FreeTaxUSA, as they should only be used by US Citizens, Permanent Residents or resident aliens for tax purposes. Remember, if even you earned no income during 2024, you still need to complete tax form 8843.
As an alternative to Sprintax, you can file your non-resident tax filing documents in the following ways:
- If you had no income during 2024, you can use this tool to help you complete the 8843.
- Set an appointment at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. The IRS sponsors this free service to assist with tax filing. The closest VITA site is on-campus.
- Hire a tax preparer or certified public accountant who specializes in non-resident taxes.
- Complete tax forms on your own. Follow IRS guidance here and here.
Sprintax
The International Center has partnered with Sprintax to provide you with tax preparation software to complete your non-resident tax forms (see steps below).
If you plan to use Sprintax software, we recommend attending one of their free webinars. Find registration links below.
Create or Log into your Sprintax Account
Access the UCI Sprintax Page here. Check steps 1 to 8 below for additional guidance in completing your tax forms through Sprintax.
Step 1: Residency Status
Step 2: Getting to Know You
Step 3: Let’s Talk Money
Step 4: Offset Your Expenses
Step 5: About Your College
Step 6: Living in the US
Step 7: E-File Your Federal Tax Return
Step 8: Submission
In the Review Your Order Page, enter discount code from this link to get a full discount off your 1040NR and Form 8843 filing fees. It will not cover the fees for any other forms or services (i.e. State forms, ITIN application, or Post Filing service). This discount code has limited uses. If the code does not work it likely means all codes have been used up. Please contact the International Center at internationalcenter@uci.edu if you have any issues using the discount code.
Sprintax Webinars
During the tax season, Sprintax offers free webinars on how to file your non-resident for tax purposes forms.
- Tuesday January 14th @ 9am PT – Register here
- Wednesday January 22nd @ 12pm PT – Register here
- Thursday February 6th @ 10am PT – Register here
- Tuesday February 18th @ 9am PT – Register here
- Tuesday March 4th @ 1pm PT – Register here
- Wednesday March 19th @ 11am PT– Register here
- Wednesday March 26th @ 10am PT – Register here
- Thursday April 3rd @ 12pm PT– Register here
- Thursday April 10th @ 9am PT – Register here
- Monday April 14th @ 10am PT – Register here
Sprintax also has the following resources for those who plan to file through Sprintax:
- FAQ page
- 24/7 Live Chat Help
- Email at hello@sprintax.com
- Sprintax Youtube channel
Remember the Deadline to Submit 2024 Tax Forms is Tuesday, April 15th 2025!