Taxes
Taxes
Every year, all people living in the United States - even non-residents - must file taxes. The government normally begins "tax season" in late January and allows until April 15 to file taxes. There are penalties for filing late, so make sure to read the following information very carefully.
This year's tax filing deadline is Tuesday, April 15, 2025
UD has partnered once again with Sprintax Tax Preparation to provide FREE FEDERAL tax preparation assistance for international community members using this code: UDEL1000F24
All people who have lived in the U.S. in the past year are required by law to report tax information to the U.S. government. This reporting process is commonly known as “filing taxes.”
The importance of filing taxes cannot be underestimated. The way you handle your international student tax affairs can have a major impact on future Green Card and visa applications (adopted from the Sprintax blog: https://blog.sprintax.com/f1-visa-tax-return-guide-international-students/#tax-obligations)
All international students and scholars must submit a form to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if you had no income!
If you did pay taxes on money you earned, these are only estimated amounts. Usually your employer over-estimates the amount of tax you will owe. In these cases, you may end up receiving money back from the government.
Additionally, if you earned income as a nonresident F or J visa holder, you are legally obligated to file a federal tax return with the IRS. Failure to do so would violate IRS regulations and could affect your ability to return to the US on future visas. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be required to file state tax returns.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the U.S. agency responsible for the collection of income tax. Most people need to pay federal income tax and state income tax. There may be a tax treaty between your country and the U.S. The treaty may exempt your income from taxation, but does not exclude you from being required to file taxes. Learn about tax treaties.
Your employer(s) will send you a W-2 form, showing the amount of money you have earned and the amount of tax withheld. The W-2 form is used in the preparation of your tax return. You may also receive other forms related to tax issues like health insurance (Form 1095-A), taxable investments or independent contract income (Form 1099), and others.
In addition to federal income tax you may be subject to state income tax. For most people who work for the University, you will be subject to State of Delaware income tax. If you reside in a state other than Delaware, you may be subject to income tax in your state of residence.
Sprintax provides free federal tax preparation assistance. They can also assist international students and scholars with state tax preparation for a fee.
Please understand that the CGPS staff members are not tax specialists and cannot provide tax advice.
Generally you will be directed to file federal and state taxes, since both the federal and state governments' estimated taxes are withheld from your paycheck. In some states, like Pennsylvania, you also must file local taxes with your town or borough.
Tax Preparation Assistance
The University of Delaware has arranged free access to Sprintax Tax Preparation, which will guide you through the tax preparation process, prepare the necessary documents and even check if you are due a refund. Use this code UDEL1000F24 to access the service at no charge for the Federal tax return.
For more details on this tax service, check your UD email and contact CGPS at oissprograms@udel.edu or (302) 831-2115 with any questions or concerns.
Federal Tax Information
State Tax Information
- Delaware – Personal Income Tax Forms
- Maryland – Tax Information for Individual Taxpayers
- Pennsylvania – Personal income tax information
CGPS suggests that you start with Sprintax Tax Preparation. If you are determined to be a resident for tax purposes, they will direct you to a resident tax service.
In the U.S. there are many private companies that provide tax filing services for a fee. Some of these companies provide online services only. Others have locations in or around Newark where you can meet with a tax preparer. Please note that none of these companies are endorsed by CGPS.
Tax Preparation Companies with Offices in Newark
H&R Block – Local office can help with 1040NR filings for non-residents
- Jackson Hewitt – Local office can help with 1040NR filings for non-residents
Other Online Based Services
Tax Act – Can help with 1040NR filings for non-residents and Form 8843 for exempt individuals
Turbo Tax – Only for resident tax filing, DOES NOT help prepare 1040NR non-resident forms
- The IRS website provides E-filing if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is less than $60,000
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
VITA offers free tax help to people who generally make $53,000 per year or less, people with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Visit their website for office locations.
Please note that filing federal income tax forms is the personal responsibility of each international student and scholar. CGPS immigration advisors and other staff members are not tax experts. We can refer you to relevant resources but cannot help prepare tax documents or answer tax-related questions. Please be aware that you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your income tax returns.
It has been brought to the attention of CGPS that some international students and scholars have been targets of phone and email scams, where people claim to be officials from the U.S. government, IRS, and other agencies in order to gain access to personal and financial information for harmful purposes. Read about scams CGPS is aware of and how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.
Please be aware that when necessary, the U.S. government will contact you in writing by regular mail. They will NEVER ask you to disclose your SSN/ITIN, personal identification and financial information by email or phone.
“Phishing” is the act of committing fraud by tricking people into sharing their financial information online by posing as a legitimate company. You should be suspicious of any organization requesting your personal or financial information online via email or phone. The links below are very helpful to help explain phishing scams and how you can avoid them. If you are unsure about an email, phone call, letter, or other correspondence you receive, you should not reply. Please contact CGPS if you have concerns.
Information on tax phishing scams
Reporting immigration scams
How to recognize a government imposter
ISSS Disclaimer: The information contained on this web site is provided as a service to international students, faculty, staff, employees, and administrators at the University of Delaware, and does not constitute legal advice on any immigration, tax, or other matter. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of official counsel. For assistance on your immigration status, we encourage you to contact an ISS advisor for specific guidance at oiss@udel.edu.