It is important to be aware that, as a nonresident student in the U.S., you are legally required to file a tax return if you received U.S. income during 2023. In fact, even if you did not work or receive income in the U.S., you are still obliged to file a Form 8843 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

DISCLAIMER: The Office of International Affairs is NOT permitted to assist any student/scholar with any IRS tax form preparation or tax related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office.

Thomas Jefferson University has partnered with Sprintax to help you with your U.S. taxes. Sprintax is a tax return preparation software program designed primarily for nonresident alien students, scholars, trainees, researchers, and other educational immigration statuses to determine residency status and prepare their U.S. federal income tax filings. 

Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents and check if you are due a tax refund. 

1. Gather applicable documents and information you may need.
   • W-2, Wage and Tax Statement: reports U.S. earnings
   • 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding- reports stipend, scholarship, or fellowship income; travel grants; or income covered by a tax treaty
   • 1099: reports miscellaneous income, including freelance earnings or interest on bank accounts
   • Passport- Form I-20 (for F visa holders) or DS-2019 (for J visa holders)
   • Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
   • A copy of last year’s return, if you were in the U.S. and filed a tax return
2. Create a Sprintax account or login to your existing account. You will receive a Sprintax Access Code so you can file your federal return and Form 8843 at no cost to you. The code can be found in the International Services Portal or through the monthly newsletter
3. Follow the Sprintax Instructions. Sprintax will help you determine if you are a nonresident or resident for tax purposes. If you are a nonresident, the software will generate your completed federal tax return or Form 8843.
4. Complete your state tax return, if applicable. Sprintax will figure out if you need to file a state return. Not everyone has to do one, but if you do, Sprintax will create your state return where you are responsible for the filing cost.
5. Read and follow the instructions for filing/mailing your returns carefully. 

• Sprintax - hello@sprintax.com
• Payroll_GeneralQuestions@jefferson.edu if you received income from Jefferson 
• Internal Revenue Services (IRS) - 800-829-1040
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue - 215-787-8201
• New Jersey Department of Treasury - 800-323-4400