Free, high-quality tax guidance for international students and scholars is hard to find. Our tax situations are often more complex than those of U.S. citizens. And oftentimes, what information that does exist online is vague, and of very poor quality. I hope to change that.

My goal with these guides is to empower you with the information to file your own federal tax returns. Although tax preparation in the United States has a reputation as being terribly difficult, it doesn't have to be. You shouldn't have to pay someone hundreds of dollars to prepare your taxes. And furthermore, most international students are eligible for special tax benefits under international tax treaties. By learning how to file your own tax returns, you'll get to claim these benefits – that your country has negotiated for you on your behalf.

Important Disclaimers

I am not a Certified Public Accountant, or Tax Attorney. I am not qualified to file tax returns on your behalf, and all the content provided in this guide is for informational purposes only. I believe everyone can do their taxes with some patience and research, but if you believe you need professional tax guidance, then you should consult a certified professional. The best way to get tax help is by contacting your University's Tax office, or International Students Office.

This guide is completely independent—no sponsors, no ads, no affiliate links. If you search 'How do I file a 1040-NR as a nonresident alien?' online, most results are just thinly veiled ads from tax software companies or firms offering vague, low-quality advice. That’s not the case here. This guide exists purely to help international students navigate their taxes without any hidden agenda.

About the Author

I'm an international student who arrived in the U.S. on a F-1 visa, studied for several years, and eventually transitioned into a H-1B visa. I've been through every tax situation: from filing as a non-resident alien, to filing as a resident alien, and I hope my experience could help other students in my shoes.

Photo Credit

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