The information provided is a reminder to participants about basic information needed to file taxes and other resources available to them.  AJ1 is not a tax expert and cannot provide tax advisory services.

​

• All individuals who have earned income in the U.S. are required to file a tax return for the year during which they worked.    As an Exchange Visitors (J-1 visa) you are considered nonresident aliens and, as such, will need to file Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (click to download) and instructions can be found here. 

​

• If a nonresident J participant earns any US income, they will need to file a federal tax return with the IRS by law. Failure to file a Federal tax return will breach IRS regulations and may inhibit participants from returning to the US on any future visas. Depending on the individual circumstances, you may also need to file a state tax return(s).

​

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the U.S. government agency that collects taxes. You can get forms, instructions, and information from their website.   

​

• Please be advised common tax preparation software (e.g., TurboTax) does not support filing with a Form 1040NR.  Such software may make exchange visitors appear to be filing erroneously as U.S. residents and doing so, intentionally, or unintentionally, may make the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suspect them of tax fraud.

​

• Most programs will have you earning income over two separate calendar years, and you will need to file an income tax return for both years.  For example, if your program dates are June 1, 2025 through May 30, 2026, you will file returns for both 2025 and 2026.

​

• Your host property is required to issue your tax forms (W-2) no later than January 31, for the prior calendar year (January through December). Before the end of your program, be sure to discuss with the property how you will receive your W-2 at the end of the year.  Electronic forms or paper are acceptable.

​

Tax Filing Deadline for the 2025 calendar year is April 15, 2026.

 

There are TWO WAYS TO FILE YOUR TAX RETURN

Complete and file your own tax return 
To complete and file your own tax return, you will need the following:

• W-2 form:  You will receive this from your host organization soon after the calendar year ends. Contact your host organization if you do not receive it by January 31.

• 1040NR form (Non-Resident Alien tax form):  Your federal tax return. You can download the form and instructions at irs.gov.

• State/local income tax forms:  These forms are different for each state. You can find more information at irs.gov

​

Use a company to file the tax returns on your behalf​

There are many companies that provide tax filing services. Carefully check any provider’s credentials to make sure he or she will file your returns properly.  Please make sure you tell them beforehand that you are a J-1 participant and be mindful of any fees they may charge. 

 

Please be cautious of individuals or companies offering to file tax forms on their behalf, known as  “ghost preparers” (who file the returns but refuse to sign as the preparer).   Be vigilant on  common tax scams and how to report them.   USA.gov provides further information at https://www.usa.gov/irs-scams.

 

AJ1’s preferred tax provider is Sprintax, To access their website, please click here.  Sprintax has provided a discount code for our participants which will take $5 off the price to file the Federal Tax Return.  The code is AJ140F524. Another option is taxback.com

​

​​​​​Following are additional resources you may consult as you plan to file your taxes

• IRS Help Line

• Taxation of Non-Resident Aliens

• Sprintax You Tube Videos

• Sprintax Blog

• Sprintax Blog on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

​​

AJ1 is not qualified or authorized to provide tax advice.  The information provided here is a tax reminder to participants about basic information needed to file taxes and the resources available to assist. 

​