Federal & State Tax Returns

As an international student at Elgin Community College, you will likely need to file a federal tax return each year, even if they have not earned income in the U.S. through employment. You may also need to file a state tax return. 

• Every international student, along with their dependents, are legally obligated to file Form 8843 separately. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has more information about Form 8843, including how to file it. Visit the IRS website for more information on filing the Form 8843.
• If you worked or received a stipend, grant, or allowance in the U.S., in the last calendar year, then you will need to file Form 8843 and most likely Form 1040-NR.

Prepare with Sprintax™

Staff in the Center for Global Engagement are not qualified tax preparers and are not permitted to advise or file taxes on your behalf. Therefore, Elgin Community College has partnered with Sprintax, to make the tax-filing process easier for you. Sprintax will guide you through every step of your tax filing. Their tax experts will help you prepare the necessary documents and even check if you're eligible for a tax refund.

Last year, over 350,000 international students, scholars, and non-residents used Sprintax, with eligible students receiving an average federal tax refund of over $1,000! 

Take advantage of this resource and make tax time stress-free! Check your student email for a Sprintax code to save on filing your taxes. This code is sent directly from the Center for Global Engagement to international students in the early spring semester annually. 

Instructions:

1. Create a Sprintax account or login to your existing account.
2. Answer some simple questions.
3. Sprintax will prepare the necessary tax return(s).
4. Download and print your tax return(s).
5. Sign and send the forms to the relevant tax department per the instructions provided in the return pack. 

Additional Tax Preparer Assistance

Visit Tax Assistance Program (TAP) or contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office for tax preparer assistance.