Important Update for Indian Students in the US: Tax Filing 2025-26

If you are an Indian students living or studying in the United States, tax season will show up each year whether you expect it or not. A lot of students feel confused because the U.S. tax rules for F-1 and J-1 students are not explained clearly when you land. Some hear advice from seniors, some read random blogs, and most people end up mixing things up.

This guide helps you understand the U.S. tax rules for F-1 and J-1 students in 2026. We will also answer a lot of tax-related queries which comes to your mind as an Indian student living in the U.S.

Who needs to follow U.S. tax rules as an F-1 or J-1 student in 2026?

As an F-1 or J-1 student, you must file taxes in 2026 if you stayed in the United States at any time during the year in 2025.

For the first few calendar years in the US, most F-1 and J-1 students are treated as non-resident aliens for tax purposes. That phrase sounds complicated, but it only means you are not taxed like a US citizen. It does not matter how many months you stayed. Even a short presence in the country during the year creates a basic filing requirement.

So, if you study, enter the country for classes. Or if you lived in the US during 2025, you would need to file something in 2026.

What tax forms do F-1 and J-1 students need to file in 2026?

Most students only handle two forms. Form 8843 is for everyone. Form 1040 NR is for those who earned money.

Form 8843

Form 8843 is required even when your income is zero. It is a simple form that tells the IRS that you were present in the US as a student on a non-resident status. Dependent on F 2 or J 2 file.

Form 1040NR

If you earned money from campus jobs, CPT, OPT, internships or stipends, then you also file Form 1040 NR. This is the non-resident tax return. You cannot file the regular form that US citizens use. They are not the same.

Most universities help students with tools that prepare these forms correctly. So you do not end up filing the wrong document.

Are F-1 and J-1 students exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes?

Most F-1 and J-1 students do not pay Social Security and Medicare taxes during their early years of study.

These taxes are often called FICA taxes. Students who are still considered nonresident aliens usually do not have to pay for campus jobs, CPT, OPT, and some authorized training positions.

Sometimes employers deduct these taxes by mistake. If that happens, you can ask for a correction. Many students do not notice these deductions, so it helps to check your pay slip from time to time.

Do F-1 and J-1 students pay tax on scholarships or stipends?

Scholarships used for tuition are usually not taxed. Money that is used for living costs can be taxable.

If your scholarship covers fees and required academic charges, it mostly stays tax free. If part of the scholarship goes into your bank account for living expenses, then that part may

count as taxable income. Stipends and assistantships often fall in this category. Your university usually provides documents for this.

Also Read : Guide To The US Student Visa Process

What is the tax filing deadline for F-1 and J-1 students in 2026?

The deadline for filing 2025 taxes is 15 April 2026. The US tax year runs from January to December. Students who earn money must file by this date. Students who only need to file Form 8843 should also submit it around the same time.

Filing late can create problems later during visa renewals or immigration checks, so it is better to mark the date early.

What documents should students collect before filing taxes?

You need your visa details, ID documents, and any income forms that show what you earned or received.

A simple folder with these items helps:

• passport

• visa page

• I 20 or DS 2019

• Social Security Number or ITIN if you have one

• W 2 forms from employers

• scholarship or stipend letters

• travel dates in and out of the US

Having documents ready makes the process easier and prevents mistakes.

What mistakes do students commonly make during the tax season?

The biggest mistakes are skipping Form 8843, filing the wrong tax return and waiting until the last minute to start. Other common errors include using tax apps made for US citizens,

filing as a resident instead of a non-resident, ignoring deductions of FICA taxes, or copying what a friend did.

Student situations differ a lot, so guessing often leads to problems. Starting early solves most of these issues.

Can tax problems affect your US visa or future stay?

Tax problems can create complications later, especially when you apply for OPT extensions or future visas.

The tax process and the immigration system are separate, but they connect when your long-term history is checked. Not filing or filing the wrong forms can become a concern in some cases. Keeping your record clean now avoids stress later.

How can Indian students get help with US tax filing?

Universities and non-resident tax tools are the easiest options for students who feel unsure. Most international student offices run tax information sessions between January and April.

They also provide access to tools designed for F-1 and J-1 filings. These tools ask simple questions and create the correct forms based on your answers. Along with this, platforms like University Living help students settle faster in a new country by sharing practical guidance on life abroad.

Taxes are a small part of the bigger student journey, and staying organized makes everything else smoother.

How complicated is US tax filing for F-1 and J-1 students?

It feels confusing the first time, but once you understand which form applies to you, the whole process gets easier.

Most students follow the same pattern. I’ll simplify it for you:

• No income means you file Form 8843.

• Any income means you file Form 8843 and Form 1040 NR.

• Wrong deductions can be corrected.

• Deadlines must be respected.

Once you go through it once, the next year feels much simpler.

Do all Indian students on F-1 or J-1 visas must file a form?

Yes, all Indian students must follow U.S. tax rules for F-1 and J-1 students. If you were physically present in the United States for any part of the year, you must file at least Form 8843.

Even students with zero income need to file. This form protects your non-resident status and keeps your records accurate.

Final thoughts for 2026 tax filing

The U.S. tax rules for F-1 and J-1 students may look heavy at first, but they follow a clear structure. You only need to know which form applies to your situation. If you keep your documents in one place and start early, tax season becomes manageable.

While you focus on forms and deadlines, remember that your living situation in the US also matters. University Living supports Indian students with trusted student accommodation options. We provide simple guidance and practical help as you settle into life abroad.

Take care of your tax forms. We will help you take care of everything else that makes your student life easier.

Frequently Asked Questions