Do F1 International Students need 1042-S forms when Filing Taxes in 2025?

Thanks for the explanation! I'm in a similar situation but also received a stipend from my university. Would that require a 1042-S? I'm really confused because my university hasn't sent me one yet.

The stipend from your university would likely be reported on a 1042-S if it qualifies for treaty benefits or is exempt from withholding. Universities are required to issue these forms by March 15, so if you haven't received it yet, I would definitely contact your school's international student office or payroll department right away. They should be able to tell you if one was issued for you or if your stipend was reported differently (sometimes on a W-2 instead). If you're certain you should have received a 1042-S, don't file without it as you'll need the information to properly report that income. Most universities also make these forms available electronically through their student portals.

Did it work with Sprintax or is it a separate filing system? I already paid for Sprintax but now I'm wondering if I made the wrong choice...

Sounds interesting but I'm skeptical. How does it handle state tax returns for F1 students? That's always been the most confusing part for me because each state has different rules for non-resident aliens.

It works alongside tax preparation software like Sprintax - I actually used both. I uploaded my documents to taxr.ai first to understand my situation and identify any missing forms, then used that guidance while completing my Sprintax filing. So you definitely didn't make a wrong choice with Sprintax! It actually does address state tax returns as well. The analysis includes state-specific guidance based on where you lived and worked. In my case, it identified that my state had special provisions for international students and explained how to claim those on my state return. The detailed explanation made the whole process much clearer.

Wait how does this actually work? Does it hack the IRS phone system or something? Seems too good to be true when I've spent literal hours trying to get through.

I'm very skeptical. The IRS phone system is notoriously impossible to navigate. How would this service do any better than just calling directly? Sounds like a scam to me.

It's completely legitimate - no hacking involved! They use an automated system that navigates the IRS phone menus and holds your place in the queue. Their system continuously redials and waits on hold so you don't have to. When an agent finally picks up, you get a call back to connect with them. The service exists because the IRS is severely understaffed and their phone systems are overwhelmed. On average, only about 1 in 10 calls get through during tax season. Claimyr just increases your chances by using technology to persistent through the hold times and menus. I was skeptical too until I tried it and actually got through to resolve my missing 1042-S issue.

Do you know if having a TA position would trigger needing a 1042-S? My department gave me a TA position but I only received a W-2.

For a TA position, it depends on how your university classifies the payment. If you're being paid as an employee for services provided, then a W-2 is the correct form. If part of your compensation is classified as a scholarship/fellowship, or if you're claiming tax treaty benefits on that income, then you would also receive a 1042-S for that portion. Some universities split TA compensation - the portion for actual teaching is reported on a W-2, while any tuition remission or stipend might be on a 1042-S. I'd recommend checking with your department's administrative office or the international student office to confirm whether they should have issued both forms or if the W-2 covers everything in your case.

You probably needed to indicate in Sprintax that you didn't receive any scholarship/fellowship or treaty benefits. There should be an option to specify that you don't have a 1042-S. I had the same issue and just had to select "No" when it asked if I received any scholarships or fellowship grants.