#1 – What is subject to income tax?
Non-residents are subject to taxation on income earned in U.S., including compensation for services, scholarships, prizes and awards, honorarium payments, and reimbursement of expenses.
#2 – What do I have to do?
All international students MUST file either Form 1040NR or Form 8843. An international student is required to file Form 8843 if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You do not have any income subject to tax (or income less than $12,000 for Indian students who are able to claim the standard deduction).
- Your scholarships do not exceed the tuition and books expense; AND
- You do not have any tax withholdings
Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ
Form 1040NR is for those students:
- Who had an income in the US, and/or
- Whose scholarship exceeded the cost of tuition. VITA offers appointments on Saturdays to help students and scholars file Form 1040NR.
#3 – Can I use free online software?
Free online software (ex. Turbo Tax) is NOT designed to handle the special rules for international students; therefore, using the software will give you the wrong tax liability, which could result in PENALTIES! Moreover, free online software offers free federal tax return but requires additional fees to file a state tax return. DO NOT USE THEM!
#4 – Where can I go for help? Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).
All international students must file taxes for 2023 by April 15, 2024 whether you have income or not. Make an appointment today with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), a student organization that will help you with your taxes for free!
VITA offers appointments to help students file Form 8843. You must sign up in advance. All appointments are in Violette Hall 1010. Click Here to Schedule a Form 8843 Appointment:
Last Name A-M: February 07th from 7-9 PM (Wednesday)
Last Name N-Z: February 21st from 7-9 PM (Wednesday)
Makeup: March 20th from 7-9 PM (Wednesday)
Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ
VITA offers appointments on Saturdays to help students and scholars file Form 1040NR. You must sign up in advance. All appointments are in the Violette Hall 1400 area. Click Here to Schedule a Form 1040NR Appointment
February 10th from 8 AM – 2 PM (Saturday)
February 24th from 8 AM – 2 PM (Saturday)
March 23rd from 8 AM – 2 PM (Saturday
Forms for State of Missouri Tax Returns can be found at dor.mo.gov.
Please check the Beta Alpha Psi website (bap.truman.edu/vita/) for information about free income tax preparation.