Non-Resident Alien Taxes
To determine if you are a resident or non-resident for taxes, we recommend using Sprintax Returns - Tax Filing. This is different from Sprintax TDS/Calculus, which is typically used for W&M and VIMS international employees doing hiring paperwork with W&M Payroll.
You should be able to access the feature within Sprintax Returns - Tax Filing for determining your tax status for free. Then, if you are a non-resident for taxes, see the information below.
Students and scholars who earned no U.S. income in 2023
If you are a non-resident tax alien, and you earned no U.S. income during 2023, complete Form 8843. It's easy and only takes 10 minutes!
Federal tax forms for 2023 must be filed by April 15, 2024
Virginia tax forms must be filed by May 1, 2024. If you also lived or worked in other states, their deadlines may vary.
Form 8843
- Blank Form 8843 (pdf)
- 8843 tips for W&M international students (pdf)
- 8843 tips for W&M international scholars (pdf)
- Complete the 8843 and mail it. Save a copy for at least 7 years (for audit purposes).
Students and Scholars who earned U.S. income in 2023
If you are a non-resident for tax purposes and you earned income during 2023 you will need to file federal and state taxes. We suggest you use the online tax program from ISSP to complete your forms.Documents to get started
- Passport, I-94 record, and DS-2019 or I-20
- Any statements you received summarizing any income. Examples:
- W-2, a tax statement sent by your employer that states how much you earned and how much tax you paid.
- 1042-S, a tax statement for students who received assistantships and scholarships
- 1099, a tax statement for miscellaneous income.
- Last year's U.S. tax return (if you have one)
- List of dates of trips outside the U.S. since you arrived to the U.S. Check the stamps in your passport, or your travel history from CBP if you do not remember these.
- Information about any scholarships, assistantships, stipends, or other income you earned or received.
Options for Assistance
1. Sprintax Returns - Tax Filing
The Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs (ISSP) has purchased discount codes for Sprintax Tax Preparation for international students, scholars, and OPT alums to help prepare federal tax forms. You can only use one code, so if you use ISSP's code, you can't use another.
Sprintax Tax Preparation availability will be advertised through the international student list serv. State tax preparation must be purchased separately, or you can complete these forms yourself.
To use Sprintax Returns - Tax Filing, create an account, or sign in to an existing account.
2. Tax Forms (if you prefer not to use software)
- 1040NR (and instructions)
- 760 (pdf), or 760 (online)
- 760PY (pdf) or 760PY (online) if you lived in VA for less than half of the tax year.
- Instructions for Form 760 (pdf) or Instructions for 760PY are available, and additional supporting forms.
If you lived or worked in another state during the tax year, you may also need to file tax forms for that state.
3. Williamsburg VITA Tax Assistance Volunteers
- The VITA Tax Program is a free service of volunteers trained by the IRS who help older and low to moderate income earners file federal and state taxes. However, they may have limited experience with non-resident (international) taxes. There are limited locations.
- AARP tax resources are available, though they may have limited experience with non-resident (international) taxes.
4. Virginia State Taxes
If you need assistance with Virginia taxes, Sprintax Returns - Tax Filing can assist, for a fee.
Taxes for other States
If you resided in another state during part of 2023, you may have to file state taxes for that state.
The Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs cannot assist with tax filing or tax advising. For liability reasons, we cannot help you prepare your forms nor answer specific tax questions.
