Did you know that as an international student, you are still responsible for filing a yearly tax return? It’s true! Even students who did not work or receive any taxable income must still file paperwork with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

For students who didn’t work in the year 2012, the form you are responsible for is called the 8843 and it is very simple to complete. This one page form collects basic information such as your name, address, visa type, amount of time spent in the United States in the last five years and the school that is responsible for your visa (that’s UMass Boston!). ISSS has made it even easier by posting an easy guide on our website for download. You can access it here:

http://cdn.umb.edu/images/oita/Taxes8843.pdf

Many students ask, “What will happen if I don’t file an 8843?”. If you apply for a green card in your future, you will be asked to show that you have followed all IRS regulations during your time in the US, including filing 8843 forms each year you were present. If you have plans or even just a thought about staying in the US later in your life, it is an easy step to take.

If you have any questions about the 8843, please email isss@umb.edu.