How to Avoid Scams When Filing Taxes with a J1 Visa in the USA (2026)

Every year, thousands of J1 visa holders in the United States face not only the challenge of adapting to a new culture and managing their work but also the responsibility of filing their taxes correctly. Unfortunately, this period becomes a target for scams, fake tax preparers, and fraudulent companies that take advantage of international students’ lack of knowledge about the U.S. tax system.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to detect scams, what the IRS says about fraud prevention, how to identify trustworthy tax companies, and the steps to take if you’ve been a victim.

The Tax Moves Blog

Aug 28, 2025 | J1 VISA, Learning IRS

U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., symbolizing federal legislation and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affecting international students and J-1 visa holders

IRS Never Calls You by Phone – Recognizing the Red Flags

One of the most common scams involves fake phone calls. Criminals pretend to be IRS agents, claiming that you owe taxes or that your visa may be canceled if you don’t pay immediately.

👉 The IRS never calls taxpayers by phone to demand payment. Instead, the agency communicates by official mail (letters sent to your U.S. address). If you receive a call threatening you with jail, deportation, or asking for money through gift cards, Zelle, or Western Union, it’s 100% a scam.

📖 Source: IRS – Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts

Fake Refunds and Hidden Fees

Another frequent problem for J1 visa holders is when companies promise “big refunds” without even reviewing your documents. Some charge high upfront fees or take a percentage of your refund, which is illegal under IRS regulations.

Example: A student in California reported being charged $300 by a preparer who promised a $2,000 refund. Later, the IRS denied the refund, and the preparer disappeared.

The IRS requires that every tax preparer include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on the return. If your preparer does not provide one, that’s a strong sign they may be fraudulent.

📖 Source: IRS – PTIN Requirements for Tax Preparers

How to Know If a Tax Company Is Legitimate for J1 Visa Holders

hoosing a tax preparer is a critical decision. To protect yourself:

Verify if the company has a registered PTIN.
Check if they specialize in nonresident returns (Form 1040NR), since many J1 visa holders are nonresidents.
Look for transparent pricing. Avoid companies that don’t tell you the cost before filing.
Search for reviews online, ideally from other international students.
Confirm that they do not guarantee refunds before reviewing your W-2 and tax situation.

Online Scams Targeting J1 Students

Fraud doesn’t just happen in person. Many websites appear professional but are only designed to steal personal information.

Some red flags online include:

Websites without HTTPS (no padlock in the browser).
Platforms asking for passport numbers or visa information before even reviewing your tax documents.
Pages that redirect you to payment links immediately after registration, without a clear explanation of the process.

Always make sure the company you choose has a legitimate business presence in the U.S., with a real address and customer service available.

young women reviewing J-1 visa tax documents on a laptop, using J1 Go Tax for accurate filing and guidance

Filing taxes as a J1 visa holder can be overwhelming, and unfortunately, scams make it even riskier. By staying informed and choosing the right tax preparer, you can protect both your money and your immigration status.

At J1 Go Tax, we specialize exclusively in J1 visa holders with W-2 income. Unlike other companies, we never charge upfront fees—if you don’t get a refund, you don’t pay us. Our mission is to provide a safe, reliable, and human approach, ensuring your taxes are filed correctly without the risk of fraud.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you realize you’ve been a victim of tax fraud, act quickly:

Report to the IRS using Form 14157 (Complaint: Tax Return Preparer).

If your personal information was stolen, file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit).

Notify your bank or credit card provider if you made payments.

Inform your sponsor or program coordinator, as they may guide you to local resources.

Filing Taxes Correctly as a J1 Visa Holder

Most J1 participants working in the U.S. receive a Form W-2 from their employer. With this form, you may need to file either:

Form 1040NR (nonresident return).
Form 1040 if you qualify as a resident under the substantial presence test.

Knowing which form to file is essential to avoid mistakes or penalties.

📖 Source: IRS – About Form 1040NR

J1 Go Tax focuses exclusively on J1 visa holders with W-2 income and follows IRS best practices for status determination and secure filing. We prepare the proper form for your situation — including 1040-NR when appropriate — and we never promise inflated refunds or use refund-based fees that create conflicts of interest. Our promise is simple and transparent: no refund, no fee. If you want a human-first, J1-specialist approach that provides a signed return, PTIN disclosure, and a clear explanation of every claim we make on your behalf, J1 Go Tax is designed to serve that need.

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