Tax Information for International Students

As an international student who has been in the United States during the 2005 calendar year, you will need to file one or more tax forms. Tax laws that apply to internationals are not the same as those that apply to U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents. International students who are filing tax forms for the first time often find it to be a very confusing process. While we are not tax experts, we do want to assist you with this responsibility. If you have not received income then you do not have to pay taxes, but you do have to file a Form 8843.

Important Dates

• 4/15/2006: filing date if you earned U.S. income; you MUST file Federal and State tax forms and Form 8843
• 6/15/2006: filing date if you earned no U.S. income; F-1’s (in the U.S. less than 5 years), you must file Form 8843

Federal Forms

• Form 1040NR is 5 pages long and can accommodate all types of income and expenses
• Form 1040NR-EZ is only 2 pages long and is limited to specific situations
• Form 1040NR – U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 1040NR-EZ – U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens
• Form 8843 – all F-1 students must file this form each year regardless of whether or not you earned income in the U.S.

• Visa/immigration Status (see Form I-94 - the white card in your passport)
• U.S. Entry and Exit Dates (see Form I-94 and Passport)
• Form I-20, if F- status
• Social Security of Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Address Information (i.e. current U.S. and permanent foreign address)
• Academic Institution Information
• Forms W-2, 1042-S and/or 1099 (if any)

Resources

IRS
Forms and publications: 1-800-829-3676
1 Poston Road, Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843-566-0209

SC State - Charleston Service Center 3 South Park Circle
Suite 202
Charleston, SC 29407
843-852-3600

All forms must be mailed to:
International Revenue Service
Philadelphia, PA 19255

Remember to keep a copy of everything you submit to the IRS.

Note: Staff members of International Education and Programs are not tax professionals. While our office offers help to our students, we cannot provide individual tax advice.

^ go to top