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International Student and Scholar Support

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Social Security and Taxes

Income is taxable in the United States. If you were present in the United States at any point during the previous calendar year, you should file for taxes when filing season begins (February through April of each year). As a South Carolina resident, you need to file federal and state taxes. Even if you did not earn income, you need to report your lack of income to the federal government. The filing deadline, also know as "Tax Day," is typically April 15th of each year or is a date close to April 15th.

Tax season is now! Request a code and receive instructions for filing taxes with Sprintax.

 

Sprintax Tax Support

It is important to be aware that, as a nonresident present in the US during 2024, you’re legally required to file a tax return if you received US income during 2024 by the 15 April 2025 deadline. And even if you didn’t work or receive income in the US, you’re still obliged to file a Form 8843 with the IRS.

2025 Sprintax Tax Support Request

The ISSS office has partnered with Sprintax to help you file your federal taxes… for free! This service is ONLY for current USC students, scholars, or alumni who are actively approved and utilizing OPT or post-completion Academic Training.

Below you can find Sprintax resources to help explain the US tax system for nonresident international students and scholars.

Sprintax Free Educational Tax Webinars:
You will find below, a list of the free, educational tax webinars that Sprintax will be making available to nonresidents prior to and during the US tax filing season. You may register using the registration links below for a session that works well for you:


Understanding Taxes as an International Student

Introduction

In the United States, all adults present in the country are responsible for filing taxes. As an international student, this includes you, regardless of whether or not you have employment.

All Students

If you were present in the U.S. during the previous calendar year, you need to file your taxes. It does not matter if you had employment--all students need to file. Are you worried about how to do this? Never fear! ISSS offers assistance for all F-1 and J-1 students through the tax filing program, which is customized for international students. This information will be available February through April of each year. 

After 5 Year of Residence in the United States

If you have been in the U.S. for 5 years or more, you may qualify as a resident for tax purposes. This means that our tax program may not work for you, and you may need to pursue your own tax filing assistance through Turbotax or another similar company. 

Living in South Carolina

South Carolina has a state income tax in addition to the federal income tax. As a South Carolina resident, you will be responsible for filing both federal income taxes and state income taxes for the previous calendar year if you earned income. 

Students With Scholarships

Student athletes and others who receive taxable scholarships should make sure to include all information about their scholarships when utilizing the tax service provided by ISSS.

Students Who Did Not Earn Income in the Previous Calendar Year

You should still file a Form 8843 with the federal government certifying that you did not earn income.

The advisors at ISSS are not tax specialists. All information on this page is intended to be general advice for informational purposes only.


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