U.S. Taxes
Each UIC international student, scholar, and employee present in the U.S. during calendar year 2022 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 2022 tax filings is Tuesday, April 18, 2023. 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
Each year, OIS typically provides the UIC international community with discounted access to Sprintax, a specialized non-resident tax preparation software. Details regarding Sprintax access for 2022 tax filings will become available in early spring 2023.
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
U.S. Tax Webinar for the UIC International Community
FAQs Heading link
Here are some frequently asked questions about U.S. taxes and tax support for the UIC international community.
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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.