Tax Filing for International Postdoctoral Fellows
The Belfer Institute has partnered with Sprintax, a specialized tax preparation software for international scholars, to help you navigate the tax filing process.
Sprintax software will help determine your tax status—specifically whether you are classified as a nonresident or resident for federal tax purposes. Nonresident scholars cannot use standard tax preparation software designed for U.S. residents. Sprintax is specifically tailored to generate your tax return and provides the option to file your taxes electronically for international scholars.
Who Must File Taxes
If you did not earn any US Income: Sprintax will generate a completed Form 8843 for you and each of your dependents (if you have any). You can also locate detailed instructions HERE.
If you did earn US Income: Sprintax will generate your “tax return documents”, including form 1040NR, depending on your circumstances.
If you earned income as a nonresident J visa holder, you are legally obligated to file a federal tax return with the IRS. Failure to do so would violate IRS regulations and could affect your ability to return to the US on future visas. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be required to file state tax returns.
After you finish your federal return, Sprintax will inform you if you need to complete a state tax return. If so, you will have the option to use Sprintax for an additional fee. However, it is your choice to use them or to do the state tax return on your own.
Nonresident Tax Status
Most international postdocs, students, and faculty on F, J, M, or Q visas are considered nonresidents for tax purposes:
| Visa Type | Nonresident Status Duration |
|---|---|
| International Students (J-1 & F-1) | First 5 calendar years in the US |
| Postdoctoral Fellows/Scholars (J Visa) | First 2 out of 6 calendar years in the US |
If you’ve been in the US for longer than the five or two year periods, the Substantial Presence Test will be used to determine your tax residency status. This test considers the number of days you have been physically present in the US.
Key Dates
- Tax Filing Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Applies to residents and nonresidents who earned US income
- Deadline for filing Federal & State tax returns for the 2025 tax year
Important Documents Checklist
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | ✓ Yes | Standard identification document |
| Visa/Immigration Information | ✓ Yes | Form I-20 (F status) or Form DS-2019 (J status) |
| Social Security or ITIN | ✓ Yes | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (if you have one) Not needed if you had no income and 8843 is the only form to file |
| W-2 | ✓ Yes | Reports wage earnings if you worked • File if you had more than one employer • Should receive one W-2 from each employer by end of January • Ensure employers have current address |
| 1042-S | ✓ Yes | This form is used to report: • Stipend, scholarship, fellowship income and travel grants (not tuition reduction or exemption) • Income covered by a tax treaty • Payment for other services Mailed by March 15 by the payer Note: Only nonresidents receive this form. If your status changes to a Resident Alien, you will not get a 1042-S. |
| US Entry/Exit Dates | ✓ Yes | Current and past visits to the US Review passport stamps or print I-94 travel history here |
| 1099 | ✓ Yes | Reports miscellaneous income: • Interest on bank accounts, stocks, bonds, dividends • Earnings through freelance employment |
| 1098-T | ✗ No | NOT needed and can NOT be used for nonresident tax return NRAs are not eligible for education tax credits |
Filing Process: Sprintax
Einstein postdoctoral fellows will receive instructions on how to access Sprintax along with a unique code via an official Belfer Institute email. If you are a postdoctoral fellow at Einstein and did do not receive these instructions, contact the Belfer Institute at belferinstitute@einsteinmed.edu.
Support Resources
- Sprintax 24/7 Live Chat Help
- Comprehensive FAQs such as:
- Educational Tax Videos and Blog
- Nonresident Tax Webinars
Additional Resources
The National Postdoctoral Association has a list of resources about taxes on their website.
Avoiding Tax Scams
Tax scammers often use pressure and a sense of urgency to gain access to your personal and financial information.
IMPORTANT: The IRS will not send tax refunds or try to contact you by email or text. Learn more about common scams and how protect yourself.
DISCLAIMER: The Belfer Institute, Office of International Services Office (ISO), and the collage are NOT permitted to assist any postdoctoral fellow/student/faculty with any IRS tax form preparation or tax related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer or the IRS.