Taxes

Students who intern in the United States through IAESTE pay income tax just like any other American worker. The U.S. tax year ends on April 15 and all J-1 visa holders have a legal obligation to file U.S. tax returns for each year they have worked in the country. But, did you know that most participants are entitled to a Federal and State income tax refund? Some trainees can receive over $850!

You can choose to file your taxes yourself or use a tax service to help. The process of completing U.S. tax forms can be confusing, so here are a couple options to help you and below you will find resources to use as you proceed.

If you choose to file your taxes yourself, you will need to go to www.irs.gov and download either form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ. 1040NR is considered the long-form for non-residents. Generally, it is used by non-residents who have U.S. property and businesses to add to their tax filing. 1040NR-EZ is used by most non-residents. It is a shorter form. If you file taxes yourself, without the help of a tax specialist, you should feel comfortable calling the IRS for advice. They are available to help with questions by calling 1.800.829.1040. (You will not get in any trouble by calling them.)
AIPT strongly suggests you contact a tax specialist since the process can sometimes be complicated and confusing, especially if English is not your first language. It is also important to locate a tax professional who is knowledgeable with non-resident tax matters. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to have the following information handy:

Your W-2 Form
I-94 Form
Passport
DS-2019 Form
Social Security Number
Current U.S. Address
Permanent Address
Address of Visa Sponsor:

AIPT
10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 250
Columbia, MD 21044-3519

Free Resource:
The Internal Revenue Service provides assistance if you would like to file your U.S. tax returns on your own. Visit www.irs.gov for more information.

Fee for Service:

Global Tax Services is a nonresident tax software designed to assist nonresident aliens (J-1 exchange visitors) in filing tax returns.

LBF International Tax provides services to help you file or to guide you as you file your own U.S. tax return.

Tax Back International specializes in tax returns for visa holders. Tax Back International will deduct a fee from your refund. If you are not eligible for a refund, you pay nothing.

Tax Back International helps Americans Abroad and IAESTE Outbound participants too. They can file returns in several countries, click the link above to see if you are eligible.