Tax Information
Forms you need:
If you were not employed:
- Exemption Statement Form 8843
If you were employed:
- Exemption Statement Form 8843
- One of these federal income tax forms:
- If married with dependents in the US: Form 1040NR
- No dependents: Form 1040NR EZ
- Pennsylvania state form PA-40
Even if no money was earned in the past year, F-1 students are required to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Please click on the links provided for the various forms and more information.
- If you had a job, you will need a W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) in order to file your income tax returns. Your employer will send it to you sometime in late January.
- In addition, you may receive year-end statements from any bank or financial institution where you have accounts. Once these are received, you can complete your forms.
- IMPORTANT:
- The deadline for filing Forms 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ and PA-40 is April 15th.
- The deadline for filing Form 8843 is June 15th.
- The forms can be completed online by typing into the colored boxes, but cannot be submit electronically. You need to print them, sign your name, and mail them to the address on each form.
Additional information:
For a list of forms and additional information, please visit the IRS website.
In addition, some countries have tax treaties with the United States. The IRS has a complete list and explanation of tax treaties here.
While there are some commercial websites offering information for international student tax returns, you may wish to seek advice from a professional tax preparer if you have a more complicated situation or specific questions.