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The Ultimate International Student Freshman Survival Guide 📅 January 2025⏱️ 6-minute read 🌍 Welcome to your American adventure! Congratulations — you made it! 🎓 You’ve been accepted to a U.S. college or university and are about to begin one of the most exciting chapters of your life. Out of more than 1.1 million international students…

Nonresident Alien Tax Withholding Explained: A Complete Guide for U.S. Employers 📅 Updated: November 2025⏱️ 6-minute read 🧭 Quick overview Hiring international employees in the U.S.? Then you’ve probably heard the term “nonresident alien” (NRA) — and you know tax withholding for NRAs can be a bit tricky. Before you onboard your next J-1, H-1B,…

FICA Tax Explained for Nonresident Aliens 📅 December 16, 2024⏱️ 5-minute read🎯 Keywords: FICA tax exemption nonresidents, OASDI, Medicare, OPT/CPT, Substantial Presence Test, FICA refund 🧭 Quick overview FICA = Social Security (OASDI) + Medicare funded via payroll withholding. Many nonresident aliens (NRAs) on F-1/J-1/M-1/Q are exempt from FICA during specific periods. Once you become…

Filing Taxes on an H-1B Visa — The Ultimate Guide 📅 December 16, 2024⏱️ 5-minute read ✈️ New job, new city… new tax rules If you’re in the U.S. on an H-1B, you’re moving from student/trainee rules into full employee territory. That means different forms, different rates, and FICA. This guide gives you the essentials—what…

Should Nonresidents in the U.S. Report Cryptocurrency on Their Tax Return? 📅 November 20, 2024⏱️ 9-minute read 😵‍💫 Crypto + nonresident taxes = confusing. Here’s the clear version. If you’re in the U.S. on an F-1/J-1/M/Q visa (or any nonresident status) and you hold crypto, you’ve probably wondered: Is this taxable? Where do I report…

5 Top Tax Tips for Last-Minute Filers 📅 November 20, 2024⏱️ 4-minute read 😅 Left your U.S. taxes to the last minute? Don’t panic! If you’re an international student, scholar, or J-1 participant, you must file a U.S. tax return as a condition of your visa. Missing the deadline can lead to penalties, interest, and…

What is a W-8 form: A complete guide for nonresidents in the US 📅 November 12, 2024⏱️ 4-minute read 🧭 Why W-8 forms matter If you’re a nonresident earning U.S.-source income (scholarships, royalties, bank interest documentation, investment income, stipends, etc.), a W-8 form tells the payer you’re not a U.S. taxpayer and lets you claim…

Why Do I Need an ITIN as a Nonresident Alien? 📅 November 11, 2024⏱️ 3-minute read 🧭 Quick take If you’re in the U.S. without an SSN but need to file taxes, claim a refund, receive a taxable scholarship, or claim a treaty benefit, you’ll likely need an ITIN. Here’s the fast, clear guide. 1)…

Your U.S. Tax Residency Status Explained 📅 October 30, 2024⏱️ 5-minute read 🧭 Resident or Nonresident? That’s the question! If you’re living, studying, or working in the U.S., one of the first things you need to understand is your tax residency status. Why? Because it determines how much tax you pay, which forms you file,…

Tax Guide for Summer Camp Counselors on a J-1 Visa 📅 October 29, 2024⏱️ 6-minute read ☀️ Your Summer Adventure in the U.S. — Don’t Forget Your Taxes! Working as a camp counselor on a J-1 visa is an unforgettable experience — you’ll meet people from around the world, live surrounded by nature, and create…