Student Tax Guide
Intro:
If you’re an international student in the U.S., taxes are probably not the first thing on your mind — until someone says, “Did you file Form 8843?” At Lily Tax, we work with international students throughout San Diego (UCSD, SDSU, USD, and more) to make U.S. tax filing simple and understandable — especially in your language.
Do I Have to File Taxes as an International Student?
Yes — even if you didn’t earn income.
Most students on F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas need to file:
- Form 8843 — even if you had no income
- Form 1040-NR — if you earned wages, scholarships, or stipends
For example: If you worked on-campus, received a taxable scholarship, or had an internship (CPT/OPT), you’re required to file. Filing late or incorrectly can delay visa renewals or cause IRS trouble later.
Common Questions from Our Mandarin-Speaking Students
🟢 “What if my scholarship covers room and board?”
🟢 “I don’t have a Social Security Number — can I still file?”
🟢 “Do I need to report money my parents sent from China?”
🟢 “Do I qualify as a resident or nonresident for tax purposes?”
These are all normal, and we’ve answered them for hundreds of international students in San Diego — in fluent Mandarin, with the patience and clarity that tax software just can’t offer.
How Lily Tax Helps
We provide:
- Bilingual document prep and explanation
- E-filing or print-filing options (depending on IRS rules)
- Support with ITIN applications if you need one
- Answers to visa-sensitive questions like Substantial Presence Test
You Study. We Handle the Paperwork.
Whether you’re in your first year or graduating from SDSU this spring, don’t let tax season sneak up on you. Let Lily Tax file your return accurately, legally, and stress-free — in English or 中文.
📞 Book a student tax appointment today — affordable rates, expert guidance.