How to Prepare for the 2024 U.S. Tax Season — A Nonresident Alien’s Tax Guide
📅 October 28, 2024
⏱️ 3-minute read
😅 Let’s be real: tax season isn’t exactly the highlight of your year…
But if you’re living, studying, or working in the U.S. on a nonresident visa, filing your taxes correctly isn’t optional — it’s a visa requirement and a key part of staying compliant with the IRS.
The good news? A little preparation now can save you a huge headache later. Here are 5 smart moves every nonresident alien should make before April 15, 2025 — the filing deadline for your 2024 tax return. 🗓️
1️⃣ Organize your documents early 📂
Before you can even start your tax return, gather everything you’ll need in one place.
✅ Essential documents checklist:
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Passport
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Visa and immigration docs (e.g. Form DS-2019 for J visas, Form I-20 for F visas)
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Income forms: W-2, 1042-S, and/or 1099
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SSN or ITIN (if you don’t have one yet, J1 Summer Tax Back can help you apply!)
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Copy of your last year’s tax return (if you filed one)
💡 Pro tip: If something’s missing — say your W-2 or 1042-S — contact your employer, school, or sponsor early. Don’t wait until April!
2️⃣ Figure out which forms you need 🧾
Every nonresident alien in the U.S. must file at least one tax form — even if you didn’t earn income.
Here’s the breakdown:
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No income: File Form 8843 (required for all F, J, M, or Q visa holders).
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Earned U.S. income: File Form 1040-NR (Federal return) + Form 8843.
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Possible State tax return: Depending on where you lived or worked.
🎯 Example:
If you worked on-campus or had a taxable scholarship, you’ll likely receive a W-2 or 1042-S. These forms show your income and tax withheld — and you’ll need them to complete your 1040-NR.
💡 Tip: J1 Summer Tax Back helps you determine whether you owe a state return and ensures you file both federal and state correctly.
3️⃣ Determine your tax residency status 🧭
This is crucial — your tax residency decides which forms you file and which rates apply.
👤 Most international students on F-1, J-1, M, or Q visas are nonresidents for tax purposes during their first few years in the U.S.
🧮 You become a resident for tax only if you pass the Substantial Presence Test (SPT) — which counts your U.S. days over several years.
💡 Not sure? J1 Summer Tax Back automatically checks your residency status before generating your forms — no math required.
4️⃣ Don’t wait until April ⏰
Filing your taxes last minute = stress, errors, and potential delays in refunds.
Start organizing now so you can:
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Avoid IRS penalties for late filing
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Get your refund faster
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Fix missing documents before the rush
💬 Tip: You can start preparing your return as soon as your W-2 and 1042-S arrive (usually by late January).
5️⃣ Get help from experts 💡
U.S. taxes are complex — especially for nonresidents. Forms, treaty rules, and residency calculations can get messy fast.
That’s where J1 Summer Tax Back makes life easier.
Our software and team help nonresidents like you:
✅ File the right forms (1040-NR, 8843, W-7/ITIN, etc.)
✅ Determine your treaty benefits
✅ Calculate your maximum legal refund
✅ Stay 100% IRS compliant
We walk you through every step with simple questions — no jargon, no confusion. And when you’re ready, you’ll have a fully prepared 1040-NR ready to e-file.
🌟 Benefits of filing with J1 Summer Tax Back
💻 File online — no paperwork chaos
📊 Automatically determine your tax residency
📑 Generate all required forms (Federal & State)
💵 Maximize your refund
🕓 Save hours of stress
💬 Get support from our 24/7 live chat team
🧾 Ready to make this tax season stress-free?
Start your nonresident tax return today with J1 Summer Tax Back — the trusted choice for international students, scholars, and J-1 participants.
Stay compliant. Get your refund. Keep your visa status clean.