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Tax Information for International
Students and Scholars

Federal and state tax returns are the forms individuals file with the government to report income and calculate taxes. Please keep in mind that International Student Services **cannot** provide tax advice, but we are pleased to provide free tax resources available to assist you this tax season. You may use these resources to address your specific tax questions. April 15, 2026 is the deadline for filing federal and state income tax returns for calendar year 2025.

See international tax return information and FAQs from Purdue's Payroll and Tax Services here. 

Resources to Help Prepare and File Your Tax Returns:

  • Glacier Tax Prep (GTP): 
    This online program can provide step-by-step assistance with federal tax preparation for non-resident aliens.  It can also determine your residency status for tax purposes.

    Click here for detailed instructions to access Glacier Tax Prep     through your Glacier account or through the myISS portal.

    GTP Support: If you have any difficulties using Glacier Tax Prep or have specific tax questions, please use the HELP! link from within GTP. GTP will also host many live Q&A sessions. See a full schedule in your GTP account.

  • Indiana Department of Revenue (IN DOR) Workshop:
    This online workshop will assist you with filing an Indiana state tax return. Please have your federal tax return prepared and ready in advance of this workshop.

    Thursday, March 26 at 2:00 pm - Zoom Link for IN DOR Workshop

    A recording of this presentation will be available later but may not be ready immediately after the online workshop. 

  • MyFreeTaxes:
    This self-help portal can prepare federal and most state tax returns for free, and it’s brought to you by the United Way of Greater Lafayette.

    Get Started with MyFreeTaxes here.     This software through TaxSlayer supports both resident and non-resident alien tax returns. To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria such as income limits, as outlined on their website. This program is not ideal for those with income from brokerage accounts or cryptocurrency, or those who need to file custom treaty benefits.

Do you have a unique or complicated tax situation?

You may seek resources at www.irs.gov, www.in.gov/dor (or other state websites) or contact a paid tax professional for assistance.

Form 8843:

To the best of our knowledge and belief, internationals in F or J visa status who were not paid in Calendar Year 2025 do NOT need to file an income tax return of any sort. However, to the best of our knowledge and belief, all such internationals (whether student, faculty, staff, spouse or dependent of one of these individuals) who were physically present in the US during 2025 need to file Form 8843 to report your presence in the US. You can find the Form 8843 here or in Glacier Tax Prep. 

Beware of Scams:

The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Know the telltale signs of a scam and how to know if it’s really the IRS. Also, check here for a list of common scams that target taxpayers. 

Did you receive a $1400 Recovery Rebate Credit payment from the IRS?

It may have been sent in error. Contact tax@purdue.edu for general guidance.