Outside the U.S.? Here’s How to File Your Nonresident Tax Return Easily

Outside the U.S.? Here’s How to File Your Nonresident Tax Return Easily


📅 February 7, 2025 – ⏱ 4 minute read

💡 Left the U.S. but still need to file? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of nonresidents file from abroad—and yes, you can do it smoothly (and get your refund) with a bit of prep. Here’s your quick, emoji-powered guide. ✈️🧾

📚 Table of Contents

1️⃣ File your 1040-NR early
2️⃣ Figure out what you need to file
3️⃣ Use a registered delivery service
4️⃣ Keep your U.S. bank account open
5️⃣ How to prepare your nonresident tax documents

1️⃣ ⏰ File Your 1040-NR Early!

Even abroad, you must file by the 2024 tax-year deadline: April 15, 2025. Filing is required by law—and it protects future visa/green card plans.
Why early?

  • International mailing can add days or weeks 📦

  • Early filing = faster refunds 💸
    Have this ready:
    📘 Passport • ✈️ U.S. entry/exit dates • 🪪 I-20 (F) / DS-2019 (J)
    🔢 SSN/ITIN • 🧾 W-2 / 1042-S / 1099 • 🏦 U.S. bank details (for refund)

👉 No income last year but you were in the U.S.? You still file Form 8843.

2️⃣ 🧩 Figure Out What You Need to File

  • Had U.S. income? File Form 1040-NR (federal). You may also need a state return, depending on where you earned income.

  • No U.S. income? File Form 8843 to stay compliant.
    Income includes wages, tips, taxable scholarships/stipends, and certain fellowships.

3️⃣ 📮 Use a Registered Delivery Service

If you’re mailing your return, print, sign, and send using a trackable service. That way you can confirm delivery to the IRS.
💻 Eligible to e-file? Awesome—skip the paper and speed things up.

4️⃣ 🏦 Keep Your U.S. Bank Account Open

Refund logistics from overseas can be tricky:

  • The IRS doesn’t direct-deposit to foreign accounts.

  • Some non-U.S. banks won’t cash U.S. Treasury checks.
    ✅ Solution: Keep a U.S. bank account open so your refund lands fast via ACH.

5️⃣ 🧠 How to Prepare Your Nonresident Tax Documents

You can file on your own (it’s free, aside from postage), but mistakes can mean penalties and delays.
With J1 Summer Tax Back, you get:
✅ Residency-status check (nonresident vs. resident for tax purposes)
✅ A fully compliant 1040-NR, state return, and Form 8843
✅ E-file for federal when eligible; paper filing guidance when required
✅ Treaty checks to maximize your legal refund
✅ Friendly help when you need it

🗓 Handy Deadlines

  • April 15, 2025 → Most filers (had income)

  • June 15, 2025 → Form 8843 only (no income)
    Tip: File early to avoid last-minute international mailing hiccups. ✈️

🎯 Final Thoughts

Filing from abroad doesn’t have to be stressful. Get organized, file early, and keep that U.S. bank account open. And if you want it done right—J1 Summer Tax Back has your back. 💪💼