F-1 Taxes
Tax Filing Requirements for F-1 International Students
All F-1 international students and their dependents in the U.S. must file tax forms every year, even if you didn’t earn any income.
If you did not earn income in 2024: You must file Form 8843 only.
- Download it from the IRS website here
- Fill it out on your computer using Adobe Acrobat
- Print it, sign it, and mail it.
Mailing Address Options:
You can send the form using any United States Post Office Certified Mail Service to:
- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY —INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE—P.O. BOX 1303—CHARLOTTE, NC 28201-1303, USA
- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY—INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CENTER—AUSTIN, TX 73301-0215
- Approved Private Delivery Service: AUSTIN-INTERNAL REVENUE—SUBMISSION PROCESSING CENTER—3651 S IH35—AUSTIN, TX 78741, USA
Each person (including dependents) must mail their own Form 8843 in a separate envelope. If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, leave that box blank.
If You DID Earn Income Last Year:
You must file the following federal forms:
- Form 1040-NR
- Form 8843
- Form W-2
- Form 1040-V (only if you owe money)
For state taxes you should file the same documents except for the 1040-V and add
- State tax form (based on where you live) (Iowa) (See Instructions)
- You must post your Iowa tax return with the required documents (a copy of your Federal Tax Return and the W2 form) to the address below. Confirm your IA 1040 form is properly signed on page 6 and that SSN on your tax return and all your W-2 forms is correct. In case it is not you will need to obtain a valid W-2 form(s) from your employer(s). Your tax return must be received by April 30th. We recommend you mail your return as soon as possible, using the United States Post Office certified mail service or an approved delivery service that will provide proof of your mailing date, to the following address:
- IOWA INCOME TAX– DOCUMENT PROCESSING—P.O. BOX 9187—Des Moines, IA 50306-9187, USA
Deadlines:
- Federal Tax Return – April 15
- Iowa State Tax Return – April 30
Students Who Worked at MIU:
- W-2 forms are mailed in January. Most students can also access them in their ADP profile.
- If you didn’t receive your W-2, open an HR ticket and select “Payroll > Tax Forms.”
Checking Your Refund Status
Federal Refund:
Check the status online using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or call: IRS Refund Hotline: 1-800-829-1954—IRS TeleTax System: 1-800-829-4477
You’ll need:
- SSN/ITIN
- Filing status
- Exact refund amount
Iowa State Refund:
Takes 8–12 weeks. Check status at Where’s My Refund (Iowa). Call: 515-281-3114 or 1-800-367-3388
Sprintax: Suggested Filing Tool for F-1 Students
MIU suggests using Sprintax to prepare your tax forms. Sprintax automatically generates all required documents, including Form 8843 and Form 1040-NR.
Sprintax Fees (2025):
- Federal Return (1040-NR): $54.95
- State Return (Iowa): $49.95
- Post-Filing Support: $29.95