25 Tax Tips for Nonresidents to Maximize Your US Tax Refund in 2025
đź’ˇ How to maximize your refund as a nonresident in the US
Taxation in the U.S. can be complicated—especially for nonresidents. If you’re unsure how to file correctly and want to make sure you get every dollar you’re owed, this guide is for you.
Here are 25 practical tax tips to help you stay compliant and maximize your U.S. tax refund in 2025.
1 Remember: You must file a nonresident tax return
If you worked or earned income in the U.S. on a J-1, F-1, M, or Q visa, you are required to file a nonresident income tax return (Form 1040-NR).
With J1 Summer Tax Back, you can easily prepare and e-file your tax return online—no printing or mailing required.
2 File even if you didn’t earn income
Even if you had no U.S.-sourced income, you still need to submit Form 8843 if you were in the U.S. under a J or F visa.
3 Report self-employment, investment, or crypto income
If you earned income from freelancing, trading cryptocurrency, or investments, it must be reported on your tax return.
Crypto gains are taxed at 30% for nonresidents.
4 Determine your tax residency status
Your tax rate depends on whether you’re a resident or nonresident for tax purposes.
If you’re unsure, J1 Summer Tax Back helps you determine your residency status instantly.
5 Know your U.S. tax obligations
Nonresidents are generally taxed only on income from U.S. sources—like wages, scholarships, or stipends.
6 Gifts or inheritances may have tax implications
While most gifts or inheritances aren’t taxed to the recipient, some may require reporting depending on the source and amount.
7 Understand how scholarships are taxed
Scholarships used for tuition or books are tax-free, but amounts used for room, board, or travel are taxable.
8 Report your on-campus income
If you worked on-campus, those earnings must be included in your U.S. tax return.
9 Follow the rules for off-campus work
Off-campus employment requires USCIS authorization, and you may owe Social Security and Medicare taxes if you’re not exempt.
10 Know how self-employment is taxed
If you worked as a freelancer or contractor, you may owe both income tax and self-employment tax.
11Keep organized records
Collect all your forms—W-2, 1042-S, 1099—and receipts. Good organization helps you claim eligible deductions and avoid errors.
12 File both federal and state returns
Depending on where you lived or worked, you may need to file both federal and state tax returns.
J1 Summer Tax Back can help you prepare both.
13 Check your tax treaty benefits
Your home country may have a tax treaty with the U.S. that reduces or eliminates your tax liability.
We’ll help you apply any treaty benefits automatically.
14Understand deductions vs. credits
Nonresidents can claim limited deductions (like state taxes paid). Most credits don’t apply unless specified by treaty or special status.
15Get your SSN or ITIN
You’ll need a Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN before filing your U.S. tax return or claiming treaty benefits.
J1 Summer Tax Back can help you apply for an ITIN if needed.
16 File early
Filing early reduces stress and helps you get your refund faster.
17Don’t miss the deadline
The federal tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025 (June 15 if you’re outside the U.S.).
18 If you miss the deadline, still file
You may face penalties, but filing late is better than not filing at all.
19 You may be due a refund!
If too much tax was withheld from your pay, you could be entitled to a refund.
20 You can still claim your refund after leaving the U.S.
Even if you’ve returned home, you can still file online and get your refund.
21 File an amended return if you made a mistake
You can correct errors by filing an amended return with the IRS.
22 Why use J1 Summer Tax Back
Our platform is designed specifically for nonresidents and J-1 visa holders.
We simplify the entire process so you can file stress-free and stay compliant with the IRS.
23 Don’t use resident software
Avoid tools like TurboTax—they’re designed for U.S. residents, not J-1 or nonresident visa holders.
J1 Summer Tax Back is tailored for international students and seasonal workers.
24 E-file your return for faster results
You can file directly online with J1 Summer Tax Back—no paperwork, no waiting.
25 Claim a refund for FICA taxes (if withheld by mistake)
If you’re on a J-1, F-1, M-1, or Q visa, you’re exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes.
If these were withheld, you can file Form 843 to get them back.
🧮 Need help filing your taxes?
With J1 Summer Tax Back, you can:
âś… File online from anywhere
âś… Determine your residency status
âś… Apply treaty benefits automatically
âś… Prepare both federal and state returns
âś… Chat live with our support team 24/7