NONRESIDENT TAX GUIDANCE PROGRAM
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WHO NEEDS TO FILE A U.S. TAX RETURN?
All international students! As an international student in the US, it’s very important that you comply with US tax law and understand the tax filing requirements of your visa. If any of the following circumstances apply to you during calendar year (January 1 – December 31) 2025, you MUST file a US tax return:
- You had no earnings
- You worked in the US
- You received a stipend, grant or allowance in 2025
If you were working, you would’ve been subject to Federal and State taxes and therefore must file a tax return each year. If you did not work or receive income in the US you’re still legally obliged to file a tax return to declare no earnings.
The IRS Tax Filing Deadline in 2026 for the 2025 Tax Year: April 15, 2026
NONRESIDENT TAX GUIDANCE
Filing taxes in the US can be complex due to intricate tax laws. Our aim is to guide you in determining what to file and the resources available for assistance. This helps ensure compliance with visa status regulations.
The US federal and state governments tax income, scholarships, and various financial gains. Taxes are typically withheld from you paycheck before payment, and individuals must file reports by a specific deadline after the tax year ends to reconcile payments made with government expectations. If your payments fall short of the total tax due, you’re responsible for paying the shortfall. Conversely, if you’ve overpaid, you’ll receive a refund from the federal and/or state revenue department.
NOTE: The IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, phone call, text message, or social media.
NO EARNINGS IN 2025?
File Form 8843 to declare no earnings and ensure you remain in compliance. If you or your dependents were present in 2025 but did not work or receive income in the US, each are still legally obliged to file this form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to file tax paperwork?
Yes! Every international student in the United States is required to file tax paperwork, even if they have not worked.
Can I use another software program (like TurboTax) to help me with my tax paperwork?
No- if you are considered a Non-Resident for Tax Purposes. The discounted Sprintax software provided by GSE is the only tax software that UGA’s non-resident international students should use. Other programs may give you incorrect paperwork and require amended tax returns at a later date. GSE is only able to provide support to non-residents for tax purposes who utilize Sprintax software.
What if I filed incorrectly or used resident software (like TurboTax)?
While making a mistake on your return is not necessarily a big deal, it is important that you rectify the situation by filing an amended tax return, where appropriate. If you realize that you made an error on a tax return you already filed, or you have come across new information (for example you received an additional W-2 or 1042-S), simply file an amended nonresident tax return to make a correction.
Nonresidents who file their tax returns with form 1040 (which is for U.S. citizens and residents) instead of the return for nonresidents (Form 1040NR) may claim credits or take deductions to which they are not entitled. This means their tax return will be inaccurate and they could get into trouble with the IRS later on.
NOTE: most of the online tax filing solutions like TurboTax and H&R Block do not support NRA tax returns. If you filed online, most certainly you filed as a resident alien.
Why do I have to pay to file my taxes?
Nonresidents often must use specialized tax software or services that handle nonresident tax forms (Form 1040-NR). These are not covered by free federal or state programs because they require:
Complex residency and treaty analysis (to determine if you qualify for exemptions or benefits under your country’s tax treaty with the U.S.)
Accurate completion of nonresident forms, which differ from the forms used by U.S. citizens or residents.
Additional review or verification to ensure compliance with visa and immigration requirements.
Because of this, filing services and professionals charge a fee to cover the cost of maintaining these specialized systems, software, and support staff. While the cost may seem high, using a qualified service ensures your forms are filed correctly, helping you avoid future visa or tax issues.
Can I get help using Sprintax after I purchase my code?
Yes! After registering for NTG and purchasing a Sprintax code, you will receive information on how to sign up for Sprintax workshops held either in-person or Zoom. Note that GSE Staff ARE NOT tax professionals. We are able to assist with general questions related to Sprintax.
The Sprintax software is telling me I am a resident for tax purposes. What do I do?
You will need to file resident forms. Unfortunately, GSE cannot assist students who need to file resident tax forms. You can use UGA VITA or you a software like Turbo Tax.
Why are my tax return results different from my friend's?
Each student’s situation is unique. Tax return results can vary due to income differences, tax treaty details, and days present in the USA. GSE strongly advises you from comparing your results with others, as it will often lead to confusion and unnecessary concern.
I received email communication from the IRS about my refund. Is this real or is this a phishing attempt?
Scammers often send fake IRS or UGA emails, appearing genuine with “irs.gov” or “irsservices@uga.edu” addresses. These phishing attempts use subject lines like “Tax Refund Payment” and ask for personal details via a link—avoid clicking these links.
If you get such an email, don’t click any links. Instead, save the email using “save as” and forward it as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov. Remember, the IRS won’t initiate email contact without consent. While they may email if you’ve provided your address, they won’t include links for refunds or request sensitive details like SSN or bank info. For further queries, contact the Nonresident Tax Guidance Program at gsetax@uga.edu.
Where do I go to mail my forms?
Here is a list of mailing locations in Athens. You can buy envelopes and postage at these locations. We also recommend getting a tracking number, so you will know if your forms were delivered. The IRS will not contact you to confirm receipt of forms.
IRS Free File Website – ONLY if you are considered a RESIDENT for tax purposes
IRS Free File Website – ONLY if you are considered a RESIDENT for tax purposes
ITIN REQUEST INSTRUCTIONS
ITIN REQUEST INSTRUCTIONS
FORM 8843 INSTRUCTIONS
FORM 8843 INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO ACCESS YOUR W-2 FORM AT UGA
HOW TO ACCESS YOUR W-2 FORM AT UGA
TAX FILING WEBINARS PROVIDED BY SPRINTAX
Limited space available, reserve your ticket today. Each student number is valid for one student ticket per event.
Sprintax Nonresident Tax Webinar (EAP)
In these tax webinars, international students, scholars and professionals will be run through everything they need to know about nonresident tax for the 2025 tax season.
Topics will include who must file, tax residency, FICA, State returns, implications of misfiling as well as how to use Sprintax to prepare a compliant tax return.
- Session on the way!
Sprintax Nonresident Tax Overview for OPT/CPT
Topics covered in these webinars will include residency for tax purposes, tax liabilities when
on OPT/CPT and pre-employment tax forms when on OPT/CPT. The Sprintax team will also
provide an overview of Sprintax Forms which can be used to prepare your pre OPT/CPT
employment tax documents.
- Sessions on the way!