Are international students required to file an income tax return each year with the U.S. government?
International students who are working in the U.S. (either on or off-campus) are subject to federal and state income taxes, which are normally withheld from each paycheck. If you were employed at any time and taxes were withheld, you must file federal and state income tax returns. Forms are available at many post offices as well as from OIP. Tax forms are filed with the Internal Revenue Service (federal tax forms) and with the Franchise Tax Board (state income tax) between January 1 and April 15. You must enclose a copy of your W-2 forms (summary of income earned and taxes paid) for the calendar year, with both returns. Your employer must provide you with your W-2 forms before January 31. In addition, all F, J, and M visa holders are required to file Form 8843 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) even if they did not work in the U.S. For those students who did not work in the U.S. , the Form 8843 must be filed before June 15.
