How to Prepare the Tax Forms You Need When You Start a New Job in the U.S.
🎉 Starting a New Job in the U.S.? Congratulations!
If you’re a nonresident beginning a new job or starting CPT/OPT, you’ll need to complete certain tax forms to make sure the right amount of tax is withheld from your paycheck.
Filling out these forms correctly will help you:
✅ Avoid paying too much tax
✅ Claim any tax treaty benefits available to you
✅ Stay compliant with the IRS
To make this process simple, here’s a guide to the key tax forms you’ll need when you start working in the U.S.
📄 1. Form W-4 — Employee’s Withholding Certificate
This form tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck.
📝 When to fill it out:
As soon as you start your new job.
⚠️ Tip: Many nonresidents are exempt from FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). If this applies to you, inform your payroll department right away.
🌍 2. Form 8233 — Tax Treaty Withholding Exemption
If your home country has a tax treaty with the U.S., you may be eligible to exempt part or all of your income from federal tax.
📝 When to file:
Immediately when you start working — before your first paycheck.
Form 8233 applies if you receive:
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Wages for personal services
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Scholarships or fellowships
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Compensation as a nonresident employee
🧾 3. Form SS-5 — Social Security Number Application
You’ll need a Social Security Number (SSN) to start work, open a bank account, and file taxes.
If you don’t have one yet, use Form SS-5 to apply at your local Social Security Administration office.
If you lost your SSN card, you’ll also need this form to request a replacement.
🌐 4. Form W-8BEN — Certificate of Foreign Status
If you receive U.S.-sourced income (like interest, dividends, royalties, or rent), this form helps you:
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Confirm your nonresident status
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Claim any tax treaty benefits
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Avoid excessive withholding
📝 Who fills it out:
Foreign individuals receiving certain types of passive income in the U.S.
🏢 5. Form W-9 — Request for Taxpayer Identification Number
⚠️ Note: This form is only for U.S. residents and businesses.
If you are a nonresident, do not fill out Form W-9. Use W-8BEN instead.
✅ Stay Organized and Compliant
When you start your job, make sure you:
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Complete W-4 and 8233
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Apply for your SSN (Form SS-5)
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Fill W-8BEN if you earn U.S. income from non-employment sources
Keeping your tax forms accurate from the start will save you time, stress, and money later on.
💡 J1 Summer Tax Back Can Help!
Preparing U.S. tax forms as a nonresident can be confusing — but we make it easy.
With J1 Summer Tax Back, you can:
✅ Generate all required forms online (W-4, 8233, W-8BEN, SS-5, W-7)
✅ Ensure correct tax withholding and treaty benefits
✅ File 100% IRS-compliant forms quickly and securely
📂 Start your job right — stay tax compliant from day one with J1 Summer Tax Back.