Filing Taxes as an International Student - Understanding your U.S. Tax Obligations

It is important to be aware that, as a nonresident in the US, you’re legally required to file a tax return if you received US income during 2023 by the 15 April 2024 deadline. Even if you didn’t work or receive income in the US, you’re still obliged to file a Form 8843 with the IRS.

The Office of International Affairs has arranged access to Sprintax for you. Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents and check if you’re due a tax refund.

Sprintax was used by over 170,000 international students, scholars and nonresidents last year, and the average Federal refund received by eligible students was over $1,185.

If you are employed by the Texas A&M University-San Antonio and have questions about your automatic tax withholdings, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (210) 784-2058 or email at PayrollServices.

The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31.

The 2023 Tax deadline is April 15th, 2024.

Please contact the Office of International Affairs for the unique log-in code.  These codes are for Texas A&M University–San Antonio international students ONLY.  

Once you complete the preparation process in the Sprintax software, you may need to print, sign and mail your documents to the IRS. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to E-file your Federal tax return. However, this will depend on certain eligibility criteria. You can learn more about eligibility in this Sprintax blog.

If you have any questions, the Sprintax team will be happy to help via their 24/7 Live Chat.

Other Sprintax Resources:

1. Free Webinars:
   • Thursday December 7^th @ 2pm ET – Register here
   • Wednesday January 24^th @ 3pm ET – Register here
   • Thursday February 8^th @ 1pm ET – Register here
   • Tuesday February 20^th @ 12pm ET – Register here
   • Tuesday March 5^th @ 4pm ET – Register here
   • Wednesday March 20^th @ 2pm ET – Register here
   • Wednesday March 27^th @ 1pm ET – Register here
   • Thursday April 4^th @ 3pm ET – Register here
   • Wednesday April 10^th @ 12pm ET – Register here
   • Monday April 15^th @ 1pm ET – Register here
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2. Sprintax OPT/CPT Tax Webinars:
   • Tuesday December 5^th @ 2pm ET – Register here
   • Tuesday January 16^th @ 12pm ET – Register here

• SprinTax YouTube Videos

Important note: The staff at OIA are not trained in taxation, and therefore cannot answer specific tax questions or help you prepare your tax forms. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to meet your tax obligations and do so accurately. The above information is not a legal advice it is information provided to you. U.S. tax laws can be complex and confusing. Laws that apply to international students are not the same as those that apply to U.S. citizens.