How to File US Taxes as a Non-Resident or J1 Visa Holder

If you worked in the United States on a J1 visa, a student visa, or any other non-immigrant visa, you are required to file a US tax return — even if you only worked for a few months. Many people don't realize this, and it can cause problems down the line.

The good news is that the process is straightforward once you know which forms to use and where to go. This guide walks you through everything step by step.

Do you need to file?

If you earned any income in the United States during the tax year, the answer is almost certainly yes. This includes wages from a summer job, tips, or any other compensation. Even if your employer withheld taxes from your paycheck, you still need to file — and you may be entitled to a refund.

Which forms do you need?

Form 1040-NR

This is the main tax return form for non-resident aliens. It replaces the standard Form 1040 that US citizens and residents use. You will file this form to report your US income and calculate any tax owed or refund due.

Form 8843

This form is required for all non-residents who were present in the US on certain visa types, including J1 and F1. It establishes your non-resident status for tax purposes. Even if you had no income, you may still need to file Form 8843.

W-2

Your employer will send you this form by the end of January showing how much you earned and how much tax was withheld. Keep it — you will need it to complete your return.

Step by step: how to file

1. Gather your documents — W-2 from your employer, your passport, your visa, your entry and exit dates, and your Social Security Number or ITIN.
2. Choose a filing service — Use Sprintax (sprintax.com) or Glacier Tax Prep. Both are designed specifically for non-residents and will guide you through the correct forms.
3. Create an account on the filing platform — This is where most international students hit their first problem.
4. Verify your account with a US phone number — Most tax platforms require SMS verification with a US number. If you don't have one, you won't be able to complete the signup process.
5. Complete your return — Follow the prompts, enter your W-2 information, and review your return before submitting.
6. Submit electronically or by mail — Non-residents can e-file Form 1040-NR. The deadline is typically April 15, with an automatic extension to June 15 for those living outside the US.

The phone verification problem

Step 4 catches a lot of people off guard. Tax platforms like Sprintax, as well as the IRS online tools, often require you to verify your identity with a US phone number via SMS. If you're using your home country number, this won't work.

The same issue comes up with other financial platforms you might need during your time in the US — Venmo, Cash App, online banking, and more. All of them ask for a US number to send you a verification code.

What if you miss the deadline?

If you miss the April 15 deadline, file as soon as possible. The penalty for not filing is generally worse than the penalty for filing late. If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for filing late — but you have a limited window to claim it.

Can you get a refund?

Many J1 and student visa holders are entitled to a refund because their employers withheld too much tax. J1 participants are typically exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes, so if those were withheld from your paycheck, you can claim them back by filing the correct forms.

Summary

• File Form 1040-NR if you had US income as a non-resident
• File Form 8843 regardless of income if your visa requires it
• Use Sprintax or Glacier Tax Prep — not TurboTax
• You will need a US phone number to verify your account on most tax platforms
• The deadline is April 15, with an extension to June 15 for overseas filers
• You may be entitled to a refund, especially if Social Security or Medicare taxes were withheld

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified tax professional or use an accredited tax preparation service.