Filed for TurboTax extension - do I need separate extension for my 1042-S filing?

The good news is that you only need one extension! The extension you filed through TurboTax (which would be Form 4868) applies to your entire individual tax return, including all forms and schedules that are part of it. This covers both your W-2 income and the income reported on your 1042-S. The March 15, 2025 date you're seeing relates to when the payer (your university) was required to issue the 1042-S form to you and file their copy with the IRS. This isn't your filing deadline. As an individual taxpayer, your normal deadline would be April 15, 2025, and with your extension, it's October 15, 2025. Since you've already filed for an extension, you're all set until October 15th. Just remember that the extension gives you more time to file the paperwork, but any taxes you owe are still technically due by the original April 15th deadline. If you end up owing money, interest will accrue from April 15th.

After struggling with a similar 1042-S situation last year, I discovered taxr.ai https://taxr.ai and it was a game-changer for me. I uploaded my 1042-S and W-2 forms, and their AI system analyzed everything and explained exactly how the forms work together. It confirmed that I only needed one extension (which you've already filed) and gave me step-by-step guidance specific to my situation. The tool actually showed me how to properly report my fellowship income and identified a treaty benefit I was eligible for that reduced my tax liability by over $800! I was initially concerned about using my 1042-S correctly since it was for a partial year during my transition from student to employee status.

I wanted to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai after trying it with my 1042-S and W-2 situation. I was initially skeptical, but it turned out to be incredibly helpful for my complicated filing situation. The system identified the exact provision in the US-India tax treaty that applied to my research stipend and showed me how to properly claim it. What impressed me most was how it explained the relationship between the 1042-S and the rest of my tax return. I had been completely confused about whether income on my 1042-S was already partially withheld or fully taxable. The analysis clarified everything and showed me exactly which forms I needed to complete. Saved me from making a costly mistake!

If you're still having trouble understanding your 1042-S or getting answers about your extension, I'd recommend using Claimyr https://claimyr.com to actually speak with someone at the IRS. I was in a similar situation last year and spent DAYS trying to get through to the IRS with no luck. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in under 20 minutes who confirmed my extension covered the 1042-S. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was worried I'd messed something up with my extension since my 1042-S had a different payment source than my regular employer. The IRS agent was able to check my account and verify everything was properly extended until October 15th. Totally worth it for the peace of mind.

I was super skeptical about Claimyr but tried it yesterday after seeing it mentioned here. Honestly, I'm shocked at how well it worked. After trying to call the IRS myself 3 times and spending over 2 hours on hold each time (only to get disconnected), I was desperate for answers about my 1042-S and extension. Used the service and got connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes. The agent confirmed my extension covers all my tax forms including the 1042-S, and also explained that I needed to make sure I filed Form 8833 to claim my treaty benefits properly. This was something I hadn't even considered! If you're stressed about your tax situation and need actual answers from the IRS instead of guessing, it's definitely a good option.

Something that tripped me up with my 1042-S last year - make sure you check if you need to file Form 8833 to claim treaty benefits! If your university already applied a treaty exemption on your 1042-S (check Box 3 and 4 on your form), you might need to file this additional form with your return to properly report the treaty position. Also double check your withholding on the 1042-S. Many universities withhold at 30% if they don't have proper documentation, which could be way higher than your actual tax rate. You'll get this back as a refund when you file, but it's good to know what to expect.

Quick tip from someone who's dealt with 1042-S forms for the past 3 years - the extension you filed covers everything on your personal return (including 1042-S income), but double check that you don't also need to file Form 8843 if you're a nonresident alien or were one during part of the tax year! That form has a different deadline and isn't automatically extended with Form 4868.