Filing U.S. Taxes

Tax forms must be completed (even if a tax treaty exempts you from paying any U.S. taxes) if you were in the United States during any part of the previous year on any visa other than a tourist visa. Every year you will have to submit at least one form—Form 8843—regardless of whether or not you worked last year. You may also be required to fill out additional forms.

If you didn't work at any point last year, then you will need to complete Form 8843. Form 8843 must be completed by everyone in your family, including your dependent children and is due by June 15.

If you did work at any point last year, you must still submit Form 8843 along with your tax returns by the April 15 deadline.

Yes, you will need to file a federal tax return and submit the Form 8843 by the April 15 deadline.

We recommend using Sprintax or any qualified tax professional to help you navigate filing your U.S. taxes. Learn more about finding a tax professional.

The first step with filing taxes is to figure out if you are a resident or nonresident for tax purposes. Generally, if you were in the U.S. fewer than 5 months throughout the previous year, you are a non-resident and if you were in the U.S. 5 months or more you are considered a resident.

If you were present in the United States during any part of last year on a visa other than a B visa, you will need to complete Form 8843 at a minimum.

Federal tax forms are due to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) every year by April 15. Massachusetts state tax forms (if necessary) are also due to the Department of Revenue by April 15 each year.

Please note that if you had no U.S. based income, you will have until June 15 to file your Form 8843.