WHO should file taxes?
If you are an F-1 student or F-2 dependent, you are required to file taxes each year, even if you have NOT worked in this tax year. You will file your taxes as a non-resident unless you have lived in the U.S. for any part of five calendar years. If you have lived in the U.S. for more than 5 years on an F-1 visa you should review the Substantial Presence Test as it may impact your filing. DEADLINE FOR FILING TAXES IS APRIL 15.
Required: Form 8843
Required: 1040-NR (used by most F-1 students)
NonResident Tax Help
The NonResident Tax Help (NoRTH) International Tax Clinic is open to assist members with their tax returns!
NoRTH provides free tax services to individuals with a school, nonprofit, or government email address. Augsburg students using their Augsburg.edu email are eligible for free membership. If you have any questions about membership, please feel free to contact NoRTH at support@nrtaxhelp.org.
NoRTH provides free tax software, tools, guides, and video demos that are available on demand 24/7. They also provide individual support through email as well as through remote office hours sessions. Appointments for their events are available from January through mid-April.
To request your free membership please click on the following link: NoRTH Membership Request
You can also visit their website and find further information at: NonResident Tax Help Group: https://www.nrtaxhelp.org/
WHAT DOCUMENTS do YOU need to have availABLE?
ALL OF YOU should have the following documents:
- Passport, Visa, and your current I-20 and
- I-94 (get a copy of your electronic I-94 record)
- U.S. Entry and Exit Dates for current and all past visits to the U.S (at least the last 5 years)
- Form 1098-T (look under Student Finances: Current Balance: Tax Forms – left hand side bar, often issued by Financial Aid)
- Your VISA type: from 2016 through the current year
- Country of Residence Address
MOST OF YOU will have the following documents:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (if you have been assigned one)
- Forms W-2 (these forms are issued by your EMPLOYER(S) and is the entity that pays you, like our HR/Payroll office)
ONLY A FEW OF YOU will have these available:
- Forms 1099 (if you work as an independent contractor, these forms will be issued by the companies that hired you)
- Form 1042-S (this form is for students who have full scholarships, like ELCA scholarships and others (ask Administrative Accounting)
- Driver’s License (if applicable)
When and where to file taxes?
Tax filing deadline is typically April 15..
After completing filing your Federal Taxes, you should mail 1040NR form and 8843 form to the address indicated in the instructions.
To complete your Minnesota State Tax filling, you will need to complete State form M1 and a copy of your Federal forms (1040NR and 8843).
If you use NoRTH, they will assist you with paper or e-filing.
HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO PAY?
Your tax rate will also depend on your filing status (Single, Married filing jointly, Married filing separately, Head of household) and how long you have been un the US. Keep in mind that as an international student other tax regulations may apply to you.
If you want to CHANGE the amount of your withholdings to avoid owing taxes at the end of the year (meaning increase/decrease what you pay in taxes each pay period), please fill out the W-4 Federal/Minnesota State Tax Withholding forms (2 different forms). Student workers can contact the HR office at Augsburg if they have questions.
2025 Federal tax rates
OPT students are taxed on their wages at graduated rates from 10% to 37% (it depends on income level).
| Income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,926 to $48,475 | 12% |
| $48,476 to $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,351 to $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,301 to $250,525 | 32% |
| $250,526 to $626,350 | 35% |
| $626,351 or more | 37% |
The tax percentage withheld on most scholarships and grants for F-1 and J-1 visa holders is 14%.
The ISSS Office does not provide tax services nor are they qualified to provide detailed tax advice. All students must file taxes, and there are different instructions based on if you have earned income, if you did not earn any income, international treaties, and more.
Additional questions, can be sent to isss@augsburg.edu.