Do J-1 Exchange Students Need to File Form 8843 for Short Programs?

Yes, you need to file Form 8843 for both tax years separately. For your 2023 tax year (covering August-December 2023), you should file Form 8843 by the regular tax deadline of April 15, 2024. Then for your 2024 tax year (January-May 2024), you'll need to file another Form 8843 by April 15, 2025. Each tax year is treated separately in the US system. Even though you haven't earned any income, J-1 visa holders are still required to file Form 8843 to establish your status as a nonresident alien for tax purposes. It's a relatively simple form that basically documents your presence in the US. If you wait and try to file both years together in 2025, you'll technically be late for your 2023 filing. However, since Form 8843 is just an informational return (not an actual tax return if you had no US income), there's typically no penalty for filing it late. But it's still best practice to file on time.

Hey there! I went through exactly the same situation last year. After stressing about my taxes, I found this amazing tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai). It's specifically designed to help international students figure out their tax filing requirements. I was confused about Form 8843 timing too, and the site guided me through the whole process. You basically upload your documents and answer a few questions about your visa status and time in the US, and it tells you exactly what forms you need to file and when. The interface was super straightforward - much easier than trying to decipher the IRS instructions! Since you don't have any US income, your situation should be pretty simple, but the tool will confirm what you need to do and help you avoid mistakes. It saved me hours of confusion!

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai that someone mentioned earlier. I was having so much trouble with the university tax software that kept freezing up, so I gave this a shot. It was SO much easier than I expected! I completed my Form 8843 in about 10 minutes. The questions were really clear and specific to J-1 visa holders. It even explained why I needed to file for 2023 even though I was only here for part of the year. The best part was that it walked me through exactly what to do with the completed form - where to sign, where to mail it, etc. No more trying to decipher complicated IRS instructions! Definitely recommend for any international students struggling with this.

If you need to talk to the IRS about your specific situation (which can be helpful for international students with unique circumstances), I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent DAYS trying to get through to the IRS on my own when I had questions about my J-1 tax requirements. With Claimyr, I got through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. They basically hold your place in the phone queue and call you when an agent is ready. The IRS agent I spoke with was actually really helpful and confirmed exactly what forms I needed to file for my specific situation. Sometimes getting official confirmation directly from the IRS gives you peace of mind that you're doing everything right.

I need to apologize to everyone here. I was the skeptical one about both the tax tool and Claimyr. Well, I tried Claimyr yesterday because I was desperate to get an answer about my specific J-1 status before the filing deadline. I honestly can't believe how well it worked. I was studying in the library when I got the call that they had an IRS agent on the line. Took maybe 20 minutes total instead of the 2+ hours I spent last week trying to call myself (and never getting through). The agent answered my specific questions about Form 8843 and confirmed I was filling it out correctly. I was 100% wrong about this being a scam. Sometimes good services actually exist! Sorry for doubting, and thanks to whoever recommended it. Saved me tons of stress right before exams!

Quick tip from someone who's been on a J-1 for three years: Make a calendar reminder NOW for next year's filing. As an international student, it's super easy to forget the US tax deadlines since they might be different from your home country. Also, keep copies of everything you file! I learned this the hard way when I needed to prove I had filed previous years' forms for a visa extension. The IRS doesn't send confirmation when you mail in Form 8843, so your only proof is your own copy.

Another international student here! Important note: if you received ANY kind of scholarship, grant, or stipend that covered your tuition or living expenses, you might need to file forms beyond just the 8843. Some scholarships are considered taxable income even if you never saw the money directly. When I first came to the US, I only filed Form 8843 but later found out my tuition waiver was technically reportable. Had to file an amended return which was a huge hassle.

This is such a helpful thread! As someone who just started on a J-1 visa this January, I'm learning so much from everyone's experiences. One thing I want to add that might help other newcomers: check if your home country has a tax treaty with the US! Some countries have agreements that can affect how you file or what forms you need. My international student advisor mentioned this but I haven't looked into it deeply yet. Also, does anyone know if there are different requirements for J-1 research scholars versus J-1 students? I have friends in both categories and I'm wondering if we all follow the same rules for Form 8843. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it makes navigating this so much less scary when you can learn from people who've actually been through it!