F-status and J-status students/scholars, and their dependents living with them, are required to file U.S. tax forms each year, regardless of whether they earned income.
Failure to do so could result in a violation of their immigration status.
For those who earned money while working in the U.S., filing a tax form could mean a refund.
St. Cloud State has arranged free access to Sprintax Tax Preparation Software, which will guide you through the tax preparation process, prepare the necessary documents and even check if you are due a refund.
All you need to do is:
As a reminder, you have to print, sign and mail your documents once you complete the preparation process in Sprintax.
The Center for International Studies is not able to provide any tax advice or assist with tax preparation. For assistance, please read through the Sprintax Tax Instructions for Students.
If you have any questions, please use the live chat function while logged into the Sprintax Tax Preparation Software and their team will be happy to help.
This software is available only to St. Cloud State F-1/J-1 students, F-1 students on OPT, J-1 scholars, and their dependents.Nonresident students, scholars, teachers, researchers and trainees who are temporarily present in the U.S. (in F, J, M or Q status) may be exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes. (IRS code section 3121(b)(19).)
W-2: A form from your employer(s) that lists the income you received the previous calendar year.
1098-T: A general tuition statement indicating the amount of tuition you paid the previous year; nonresident aliens cannot deduct education credits and should ignore this form.
1099INT: A form indicating any interest earned in the previous year on your checking or savings accounts; you do not need to report this on your taxes and can therefore ignore this form.
1099-MISC: If you were listed by your employer(s) as a contractor or consultant, you may receive this form in place of a W-2; it serves the same function.
The week of April 15, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service began issuing CARES Act stimulus payments to individual taxpayers.
The CARES Act states that “Nonresident Aliens” are ineligible for stimulus payments. http://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3548/text#id1C21ED5E4A7C4A349BD80BDF95C774FF
“Resident Aliens” may be eligible for stimulus payments if they otherwise meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the CARES Act. http://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center
The IRS differentiates “Nonresident Aliens” from “Resident Aliens” using the Green Card or Substantial Presence Test.
Examples of tax returns that international students might file include:
If you believe you may have received the U.S. federal stimulus check in error, we recommend you contact a licensed tax specialist for guidance. For example, a specialist can provide you with guidance on how to file the Form 1040-X, Amended U.S Individual Income Tax Return if necessary.