The Tax Moves Blog

👉 If you’re unsure which form to file, read our detailed comparison: Form 1040 vs 1040NR for J-1 visa holders.

1. Form W-2 — Wage and Tax Statement

If you worked for a U.S. employer during your J-1 program, you should receive a Form W-2 from your employer by January 31 of the following year. This form reports:

• Total wages earned

• Federal income tax withheld

• State taxes withheld

• FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) — which usually should not apply to J-1 visa holders

🔗 Learn how to read and use it in our Form W-2 guide for J-1 visa holders.

Why it matters

The W-2 is the backbone of your nonresident tax return (Form 1040NR). The IRS matches the income and withholding data from this form against your return — if numbers don’t match, it can trigger a CP2000 notice or refund delay.

Common mistake

J-1 visa holders often file before receiving all W-2s, especially if they had multiple jobs. Wait until you have every W-2 before filing.

2. Form 1042-S — Income Subject to Withholding (Scholarships, Stipends, or Treaty Income)

Form 1042-S reports payments made to foreign individuals that are subject to U.S. withholding. You’ll receive it if you were paid a:

• Scholarship or fellowship (often tax-exempt under a treaty)

• Stipend for training or research

• Grant or allowance from a U.S. institution

You might receive both a W-2 and a 1042-S if you earned wages and also received scholarship income.

🔗 See our full Form 1042-S J-1 guide for examples and how to use it on your 1040NR.

Why it matters

The 1042-S determines whether your income qualifies for a tax treaty exemption. Misreporting or forgetting to attach it can make the IRS reject your treaty benefits.

Common mistake

Many J-1 visa holders file with only the W-2, leaving out their 1042-S income — which can cause the IRS to send correction letters or deny the refund.

8. Form 1040NR — The Correct Tax Form for J-1 Visa Holders

The correct form for most J-1 visa holders is Form 1040NR (Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return).

🔗 See our detailed Form 1040NR guide.

Why not Form 1040?

Some online tax software mistakenly files the resident version (Form 1040) instead of 1040NR. This can cause refund freezes or even create immigration complications later.

Compare both here: 1040 vs 1040NR – Which One to File.

Pro tip

Always choose a preparer or software that specifically supports nonresident returns (Form 1040NR) — like J1 Go Tax. Sprintax and other platforms often default to this, but accuracy varies.

9. Bonus: Tax Return Guide for J-1 Visa Holders

If you want a step-by-step breakdown of how to file, including deadlines, state taxes, and refund timelines, check the full J-1 Visa Tax Return Guide.

It explains how all these documents fit together and what to expect at each stage — from collecting forms to checking your refund status.

Before filing your J-1 visa tax return, make sure you have all the key documents ready. Your Form W-2 reports your wages and taxes withheld, while Form 1042-S covers scholarships, stipends, or treaty income. The DS-2019 confirms your visa status and helps determine whether you must file Form 1040NR instead of Form 1040, as explained in our 1040 vs. 1040NR guide. If you received any independent or interest income, include your Form 1099 as well. Every J-1 holder must also file Form 8843 to explain their U.S. presence. Don’t forget your SSN or ITIN, since your return isn’t valid without one, and review your IRS transcript to make sure all records match. Having all these documents ensures your taxes on J-1 visa are accurate and fully compliant.

Related Resources

• Form W-2 Guide for J-1 Visa

• Form 1042-S Guide for J-1 Visa

• DS-2019 and Tax Residency

• Form 1099 for J-1 Holders

• Form 8843 Requirements

• SSN and ITIN Application Guide

• IRS Transcripts for J-1 Filers

• Form 1040NR Explained

• J-1 Visa Tax Return Step-by-Step Guide

Core Guides & Calculators

1. Learn everything about J1 visa taxes — our complete 2026 step-by-step guide for nonresident workers with W-2 income.

2. Estimate your refund instantly with our J1 visa tax calculator — no signup required.

3. Compare Form 1040 vs 1040NR for J1 visa holders and find out which one applies to you.

4. Understand the importance of your DS-2019 form — it defines your program, tax status, and eligibility.

Forms & Tax Documents

5. Did you receive a 1099 instead of a W-2? Here’s what to do — Form 1099 for J1 visa workers explained.

6. Learn how to apply for your SSN or ITIN as a J1 visa holder before filing your taxes.

7. Understand your IRS transcripts for J1 visa taxes — what they show and how to request them.

8. Received a Form 1042-S? Discover what it means and how to include it in your tax return.

9. Find your Form W-2 for J1 visa — and learn what each box means when you file.

10. File correctly using the official Form 1040NR for J1 visa holders — step-by-step.

11. Don’t forget your Form 8843 — it’s mandatory even if you had no income.

12. Check this J1 visa tax return example using Form 1040NR to understand how everything fits together.

Special Cases & IRS Resources

13. Missed the April deadline? Learn how to file J1 visa taxes after April and still get your refund.

14. Review official IRS guidance on Taxation of J-1 visa holders and resident status.

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