Can someone at WashU help me prepare my US taxes?

Unfortunately, neither Washington University nor the OISE is able to provide assistance or advice regarding filing taxes. Please see the above resources for more information.

Can I pay someone to prepare my US taxes?

If you are unable to file taxes or are uncomfortable using the resources listed here, you can hire an accountant who understands international taxation. Search for an accountant on one of the following online directories:

If you choose to hire an accountant, ask questions to determine if they understand international taxation and nonresident taxes. Be sure to ask about tax treaties, Nonresident Alien exemptions, and deductions on tax returns.

I am on OPT or STEM OPT and did not get a GLACIER code to use GTP to prepare my tax return. How can I get one now?

We are no longer partnering with GLACIER for tax return assistance. WashU graduates who are working on OPT or STEM OPT can log in to Sprintax with their WUSTL Key.

I graduated last year and am no longer in the US. Do I still need to file US taxes for last year?

Yes, if you were physically present in the US or received US income during the previous calendar year, you would need to file taxes, even if you have returned home and are not in the US currently.

International students and scholars can prepare their tax return from outside the US and mail it to the IRS from abroad. Internationals who are nonresidents for tax purposes can use Sprintax to prepare their tax return from abroad. Log in to Sprintax with your WUSTL Key to prepare and print your tax return, including all forms and instructions for submitting your forms to the IRS and state department of revenue offices. Students can continue to use their WUSTL Key after graduating. If Sprintax determines you are a resident alien for tax purposes, you can follow the instructions above to prepare, print, and submit your tax return using another tax preparation resource.

How do I know if I need to file US taxes?

Every international student and scholar must file a federal tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you were physically present in the US during the previous calendar year, you would need to file taxes, even if you did not earn income. You may also need to file state taxes.

What if I did not work or earn any money in the US?

For the purpose of filing taxes, “income” refers to money earned while working in the US, as well as money received in other ways. For example, if you are the recipient of a scholarship, stipend, or grant in the US, those funds could be considered taxable “income,” and you would have to file a tax return (form 1040NR). If you are a Nonresident Alien and did not have any income in the last calendar year (January 1-December 31), you still need to file Form 8843.

I was not able to travel to the US because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Do I still need to file taxes?

If you received income from the US, you may need to file taxes, even though you were not physically present in the US and were studying from outside of the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You should contact the WashU Tax Office if you have questions about this.

What if I was in the US in a previous tax year and did not file taxes?

You can file taxes for previous years. You should file the prior year tax return as soon as possible. You can download prior year tax return forms at IRS.gov and complete the returns yourself, or you can use Sprintax to prepare the tax returns for previous years. Contact the WashU Tax Office with questions about your tax documents from the university for previous years.

How do I know if I owe the government taxes or if the government will give me a refund for the taxes that were already withheld?

You will not know if you owe money or if you are due a refund from the government until you prepare your tax return.