U.S. Taxes
Each UIC international student, scholar, and employee present in the U.S. during calendar year 2024 must file at least one tax document with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in order to meet their tax filing obligation and properly maintain immigration status. Individuals who earned U.S.-based income must file additional documentation.
The general deadline for federal and Illinois state 2024 tax filings is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. If you have earned income in a state other than Illinois, please confirm your filing deadline for each state.
While the Office of International Services cannot directly advise individuals on their specific tax filing obligations, the office has organized two valuable resources for the UIC international community:
Non-Resident Tax Preparation Software Heading link
The Office of International Services provides members of the UIC international community with discounted access to Sprintax as an option for meeting the tax filing responsibilities required of visa holders in the U.S. With a Sprintax account, you can access an expansive online tax education library, receive help filling out tax forms, and file your federal tax return for free and your state return (if needed) for an additional cost.
Discounted access to Sprintax for tax year 2023 has ended. If needed, you can still log into Sprintax via their homepage to access educational resources and complete tax forms. Please note, however, that the cost to file amended or missed returns will be at your own expense.
Discounted access to Sprintax for tax year 2024 will become available in early spring 2025. Please watch OIS email newsletters and announcements for more details.
U.S. Tax Webinars for the UIC International Community Heading link
During this online webinar, a local tax professional will provide an overview of non-immigrant tax responsibilities and filing requirements. Please note that this session is general in focus and not intended to provide one-on-one tax preparation services or advice nor will it cover how to use the Sprintax tax preparation software. The webinars are open to UIC international students, exchange visitors, employees, and alumni on authorized periods of practical training.
Upcoming Tax Webinars Heading link
U.S. Tax Webinar for the UIC International Community, Feb. 27
U.S. Tax Webinar for the UIC International Community, April 2
FAQs Heading link
Here are some frequently asked questions about U.S. taxes and tax support for the UIC international community.
Am I a nonresident or resident for tax purposes?
Generally, most international students and scholars who are in the U.S. on F or J visas are considered nonresidents for tax purposes. However, if you have been in the U.S. for a significant period of time, you may have accumulated enough days of physical presence to be considered a resident for tax purposes. The official process to determine whether a visa-holder qualifies as a resident for tax purposes is called the Substantial Presence Test. You can learn more about the Substantial Presence Test on the IRS website and the Sprintax Blog. Members of the UIC international community can log into Sprintax and take the Substantial Presence Test for free.
However, it is important to note that Sprintax is designed to file nonresident tax returns only. If you determine that you qualify as a resident for tax purposes, you should not use Sprintax to file your U.S. tax return. Instead, you must use forms and tax prep help (advisor or online software) designed for resident filings.
I didn’t earn any money in the U.S. during the past year, do I still need to file a tax return?
Yes, you need to file at least one tax form with the IRS (Form 8843) if you were physically present in the U.S. during the previous year, even if only for one day. This is true even if you didn’t work or earn U.S.-based income. Sprintax can help you determine which forms you need to complete and how to send them to the IRS.
When and where can I find my tax form(s) W-2 or 1042-S?
Each year, employers will issue your tax forms for income received in the previous calendar year by January 31st. If you work at UIC and you opted into receiving your tax forms electronically, you should be able to access any income tax forms issued to you here on the HR website. Otherwise, they will be mailed to your current residential address on file with HR. OIS does not have access to your tax forms, so if you have trouble getting accessing these forms or need to request re-issuance, please contact the Payroll Office. If you are employed outside UIC, you will need to contact your employer’s HR or payroll staff to assist.
Taxes that I think I am not required to pay are being taken out of my paychecks, what should I do?
Work with your employer’s HR or payroll staff to ensure that your tax withholding information is completed correctly (i.e. Form W-4). If you are employed at UIC, you need to complete a Foreign National Tax Status Review through Payroll & Benefits if you have not already. Their office will assist you to ensure that your tax withholding information is accurate for employment at UIC.
I missed the tax-filing deadline, can I still file my tax return?
Yes, you can still file a tax return beyond the deadline and should do so as soon as possible. Please be aware that you may be subject to additional fees for late filing or be charged interest on late payments for any taxes owed that are past due.
I think I made a mistake on my tax return submission, what should I do?
If you made mistakes on a previously submitted tax return, such as filing as a resident when you were a nonresident, you will need to file an amended tax return to correct the information. If you are a nonresident for tax purposes, you can file amended tax returns with Sprintax, but please note that the OIS discount code will not apply to amended returns. You may wish to seek the guidance of a tax professional for more complicated tax-filing scenarios