Updates
- To meet IRS deadlines, your tax form must be postmarked on or before the deadline. Letters and packages are now postmarked with the date they are processed at a postal facility rather than when they are dropped off in a mailbox, and that date could be several days later. This could mean that your tax return will be considered late if you have mailed it on or close to the tax deadline. To avoid this, mail your document at least a week before the deadline or go to the post office to use these in-person options:
- Request a manual postmark (also called a local postmark) to ensure the date matches when your item was accepted. This option is free.
- Use registered or certified mail, methods that provide mailing receipts and tracking.
- Purchase a certificate of mailing for official proof of when an item was sent. Keep your copy; the USPS does not retain one.
- Form 1040NR now allows to you enter your phone number and email address underneath your signature. However, the IRS will NEVER initiate contact via telephone, text, email or social media to ask for personal or financial information.
- Be very careful about calls and emails that appear to come from the IRS. The call could be a “scam” (fake) call or the email could be a phishing email.
- If you receive an IRS notice or letter, be sure to read it and reply if the IRS has asked for your reply. If you used Glacier Tax Prep (GTP) to prepare your tax return form, GTP support may be able to explain why you received the letter or notice. Login to GTP and use GTP HELP to contact the GTP Support Center.
- As was the case last year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is processing refunds very slowly.
Overview of Tax Filing Requirements for F/J Students and Scholars
Here are some key points to remember, but more detailed information about all of these topics is also available. If you are not sure whether you are a nonresident or a resident for U.S. tax purposes, read the information at Determining Tax Residency.
- ALL nonresident F-1/J1 students and J-1 scholars are required to fill out one or more tax forms and mail the form(s) to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The deadline is either April 15, 2026 or June 15, 2026 depending on your situation. For more information see the "deadlines" section of Non-Residents for Tax Purposes
- A tax return form (Form 1040NR) may be required even if you are not required to pay tax. For example, even if some or all of your U.S. income is exempt from taxes because of a tax treaty, you are still required to report that income on a tax return form.
- Even if you are not required to file a tax return form (Form 1040NR), for example because you have no U.S. income or bank or credit union interest only, you are still required to file Form 8843.
- Some students and scholars may also be required to file a state tax return.
- Tax Assistance and Software
- Virtual Federal Tax Information Session, Michigan Tax Webinar and more are available.
- U-M/Ann Arbor and U-M Dearborn international students and scholars can use GLACIER Tax Prep free of charge to prepare their federal (national) tax returns. It will also prepare Form 8843.
- If you are required to file a state tax return, you can use SPRINTAX, which costs $56.99 with the U-M discount (this represents a $3 discount from the regular fee). There also other tax software options for state tax returns.
It is important for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars to comply with all U.S. laws and regulations, including tax laws. Not complying could potentially cause problems for you in the future. Check the IRS Summary of International Student/ Scholar Filing Requirements for more information.