REMINDER:Two Weeks to April 18 Tax Filing Deadline

The IRS deadline for filing 2016 tax returns is almost here. If you are filing a 2016 tax return and haven't started yet, we recommend you start preparing your return ASAP.  It will take some time to gather your required documents and create the return, so it is a good idea to allow plenty of time to complete it. Visit our website to determine your tax residency status and learn what you need to file

Need more time to file? Learn about tax filing extensions and how to apply.

Note: OIA does not have tax experts and therefore cannot, by law, answer specific tax questions or help you prepare your tax forms. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to meet your tax obligations with the IRS and do so accurately.

Do I Have to File? 

ALL F-1 and J-1 international students (and their F-2/J-2 dependents) who were present in the U.S. during any portion of 2016 are required to file tax forms with the U.S. federal government (IRS). This is true whether or not you worked in the U.S., earned any income in the U.S., or received a scholarship during 2016.  If you were in the U.S. in F-1/J-1 for at least one day in 2016, you are required to file tax forms with the IRS.  Filing your tax paperwork with the IRS is an important part of maintaining your F-1/J-1 immigration status.

What Do I Have to File?

Although every F and J international visitor must file some kind of tax paperwork with the IRS, the specific tax forms that must be prepared may vary, depending on your individual residency status for tax purposes and employment status. Visit our website to determine your tax residency status and learn what you need to file

Additional Resources and Filing Help:

Sprintax Non-Resident Filing Software:
To support our international population, OIA pays for software licenses that allow our non-residents with taxable income to file federal taxes through third-party vendor for free or a reduced cost. If you are a current UChicago student or scholar in F-1 or J-1 status and meet the eligibility requirements, OIA will subsidize the cost of one federal return with Sprintax.