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international student taxes

Foreign students on the F-1 visa have special filing requirements for U.S. federal income tax returns and California state taxes. Please read the following information in regards to filing your taxes.

Taxes are due April 15th!

US federal taxes

The University of Texas, Austin has an outstanding web page on F-1 visa taxes. We suggest that you START HERE and use their guide to file your Federal Taxes.

What kinds of forms do I need to file?

Form 8843 - All F-1 foreign students MUST file this form.
It is a "Statement for Exempt Individuals" that exempts international students from being treated as residents for tax purposes.

Form 1040NR - If you earned income in 2007, you must file this form. If you have earned less than $3400, you will most likely get a refund of your taxes by filing this form. Select one of the following:

Form 1040NR-EZ is typically for students with no dependents or deductions. 1040NR-EZ Instructions.
Form 1040NR-Long Form is typically for student with dependents with additional deductions and credits. 1040NR Instructions

What if Social Security and Medicare taxes were withheld from my paycheck?

Foreign students do not need to pay Social Security or Medicare. If you see on your W-2 form that these have been withheld, you may qualify for a refund.

Form 843 - This is a "Claim for Refund" used by international students to claim a refund for Social Security and Medicare taxes held in error by their employers.

Where can I get more federal tax information?

Internal Revenue Service is the US government site.

International Student Taxes is a commercial web page that will charge you fee to help you file your taxes.

california state taxes

If you earned income in 2007, read the 540NR instructions below to determine if you must file CA taxes. Look at your form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and see if there is any amount in box 17 to determine if CA taxes were withheld. If so, you may qualify for a refund.

What kinds of forms do I need to file?

Form 540NR - If you earned income in 2007, you must file this form. You may be able to file online. Check e-file first. If not, you can download and file one of the following paper forms:

Form 540NR-Short is filed by most international students with no dependents. 540NR-Short Instructions.
Form 540NR-Long Form is filed by international students with dependents and additional deductions and credits. 540NR-Long Instructions.

For either form, you will need the California tax table

Where do I file my CA forms?

Franchise Tax Board
PO Box 942840
Sacramento 94240-0002
Where can I get more California state tax information?

California Franchise Tax Board Home Page

California Franchise Tax Board Forms

last updated 04/07/2008