Taxes: 2025 Filing

If you were physically present in the United States at any time between January 1 and December 31, 2025 in F or J immigration status, you are legally required to file U.S. tax paperwork.

Even if you earned NO income, you must file Form 8843 with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
If you earned U.S.-source income (On-campus job, CPT, OPT, Assistantship, Scholarship with tax withholding, etc.), you are required to file a federal tax return, and possibly a state tax return, in addition to Form 8843

Tax Filing Deadline - April 15, 2026

Failure to file required tax forms by the deadline may result in penalties and long-term immigration consequences.

IMPORTANT LIMITATION OF KIC ASSISTANCE

Please note that staff at KIC are NOT tax experts and cannot provide individual tax advice or answer most tax-related questions.

KIC staff cannot:

Determine your tax residency status
Advise you on which forms you should file
Review your tax return for accuracy
Answer questions about refunds, deductions, treaties, or IRS notices

For this reason, KIC partners with qualified nonresident tax support services (NoRTH and Sprintax) to ensure you receive accurate and appropriate guidance.

TAX FILING OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU

OPTION 1: The NonResident Tax Help Group (NoRTH) - FREE SUPPORT

The KIC has partnered again with NoRTH to provide free tax assistance to eligible international students.

NoRTH offers:

Free tax software and step-by-step guides
Remote tax clinics and 1:1 Zoom appointments
Office hours support

Keep in mind:

You must use your MavMAIL (.edu) email to request membership.
In-person clinics at MSU Mankato are ONLY for students who earned U.S. taxable income.
Students with no income may NOT attend in-person clinics but may use NoRTH’s remote services.

To request your free membership please click the button below:

REQUEST YOUR FREE NORTH MEMBERSHIP HERE

OPTION 2: Sprintax - Discounted Access (Limited Uses)

This year, KIC has also partnered with Sprintax, a tax preparation software designed specifically for nonresident tax filers.

Sprintax Access Code: F25MSUM300

This code must be used when you begin filing in Sprintax.
Codes are limited, first-come, first served and one-time use.

Sprintax will:

Determine tax residency
Prepare required federal and state tax forms
Check eligibility for refunds
Provide instructions for mailing or e-filing (if eligible)

IMPORTANT WARNING ABOUT FILING

Many international students incorrectly use TurboTax or other U.S. resident tax websites.

DO NOT USE TurboTax or similar services unless you are 100% certain you are a U.S. tax resident.

Most F-1 and J-1 students are considered NONRESIDENT ALIENS for tax purposes. TurboTax and similar platforms do NOT support nonresident tax filing.

Filing incorrectly can have SERIOUS consequences, including:

IRS penalties and fines
Incorrect tax records that are difficult to fix
Problems with future visa applications
Issues with OPT, STEM OPT, H-1B, or permanent residency
Delays or denials during future immigration benefits processing

The IRS does not excuse mistakes due to using the wrong software. You are legally responsible for filing correctly.

If you are unsure at all, use NoRTH or Sprintax — both are designed specifically for international students.

Disclaimer: The Kearney International Center and the school are NOT permitted to assist any student/scholar with any IRS tax form preparation or tax-related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to NoRTH, Sprintax, a certified tax preparer, or a local IRS field office.