Tax Filing Guide 2026: What International Students and Scholars in F and J Status Need to Know

Learn who must file, what forms are required, and how to stay compliant with IRS deadlines for the 2025 tax year — plus how Resoly can help you find the right tax solution if issues arise

Every year, thousands of international students and scholars arrive in the United States to pursue education, research, or exchange programs under F and J visa status. Along with cultural adjustment, one important responsibility often overlooked is U.S. tax compliance.

If you were present in the U.S. during 2025 under F-1, J-1, or dependent status, you are required to file specific tax forms with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — even if you didn’t earn any U.S. income. Understanding your obligations early can help you avoid penalties, ensure peace of mind, and keep your visa status in good standing.

This guide explains what forms you must file, key deadlines for 2026, and what tax relief resources are available if you encounter difficulties.

Who Must File Taxes in 2026

If you were in the U.S. on F or J status at any time during 2025, you are required to comply with IRS tax filing rules. Your filing obligation depends on whether or not you earned U.S.-sourced income.

1. If you earned U.S. income in 2025:
   You must file Form 1040NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return) and Form 8843 (Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition).
   📅 Deadline: April 15, 2026.
2. If you did not earn any U.S. income in 2025:
   You still need to file Form 8843 — even if you had no income.
   📅 Deadline: June 15, 2026.

Failing to file these forms can result in compliance issues, future visa complications, and unnecessary tax debt that could have been avoided.

Understanding Form 1040NR and Form 8843

Form 1040NR: For Nonresidents with Income

Form 1040NR is used by nonresident aliens to report U.S. income such as wages, scholarships, or assistantships. The IRS uses this form to calculate how much tax you owe or how much refund you’re eligible for.

Even if your U.S. income was minimal or taxed at the source, you still need to file this form to remain compliant.

Form 8843: For Everyone in F or J Status

Form 8843 is not a tax return — it’s a statement explaining your presence in the U.S. and exempting you from being considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes. Every individual in F or J status, including dependents, must file it regardless of income.

How to File: Using GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP)

Most universities, such as the University of Miami’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), provide access to GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP) — an online software designed to simplify tax filing for international students.

Here’s how it works:

• You receive a unique GTP access code from your university.
• GTP guides you through a series of questions to determine your tax residency status.
• If you qualify as a nonresident, GTP helps you complete Form 1040NR and Form 8843.
• You print and mail your completed forms to the IRS — electronic filing is not allowed for Form 8843.

Remember: never share your GTP access code. It’s intended only for you and your dependents. Sharing it violates university licensing agreements and could affect access to these resources in the future.

Why Compliance Matters

Filing your U.S. taxes correctly is about more than avoiding penalties — it helps protect your visa status, future visa renewals, and even eligibility for certain benefits like tax refunds or future immigration processes.

Failure to comply may result in:

• IRS penalties or interest on unpaid taxes
• Unresolved tax debt
• Delays in obtaining future U.S. visas
• Problems with residency applications

For those who discover past mistakes or missed filings, seeking a tax relief solution early is key. That’s where Resoly can help.

How Resoly Supports International Students and Scholars

At Resoly, we specialize in helping individuals manage their IRS obligations — from tax debt resolution to compliance support. While universities provide filing tools like GLACIER, they are not trained to offer personalized tax advice or handle IRS problems that arise later.

If you find yourself with unexpected IRS letters, missed filings, or potential tax debt, Resoly’s AI-powered tax solution can help you:

• Understand what went wrong and how to fix it
• Settle outstanding IRS balances through tailored tax relief programs
• Navigate complex IRS correspondence with professional guidance
• Restore compliance and avoid future issues

Whether you’re an international student, scholar, or recent graduate, staying proactive about your taxes helps you protect your financial and immigration future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common issues that lead to unnecessary IRS problems among international students:

• Assuming you don’t need to file because you earned no income
• Filing the wrong form (such as Form 1040 instead of 1040NR)
• Missing deadlines
• Ignoring IRS notices
• Failing to keep copies of your forms and proof of mailing

By avoiding these errors, you can stay compliant and avoid any risk of accumulating tax debt that might require later relief efforts.

Take Action Now

The IRS filing season begins in early 2026. Don’t wait until the last minute. Gather your income documents (W-2s, 1042-S, or scholarship letters), check your visa status, and start the filing process early.

If you run into issues — such as confusion about forms, missing deadlines, or receiving an IRS notice — reach out to Resoly for help. Our experts and AI-driven tools can guide you toward the right tax relief or tax solution based on your specific situation.

Conclusion

Filing U.S. taxes as an international student or scholar may feel complex, but with the right information and resources, it’s completely manageable. Remember:

• If you earned U.S. income in 2025, file Form 1040NR and Form 8843 by April 15, 2026.
• If you didn’t earn income, file Form 8843 by June 15, 2026.

Universities can help you with general guidance through tools like GLACIER, but for personalized support, Resoly is here to help you navigate any IRS challenges, prevent tax debt, and find the best tax relief options available.