Navigating U.S. tax requirements can be challenging—especially if you're a nonresident alien such as an international student or scholar. One essential document you may need to file is IRS Form 8843. In this post, we break down what Form 8843 is, who needs to file it, and how our secure mailing services at MailMyTaxes.com can help ensure your documents reach the IRS safely and on time.

What Is IRS Form 8843?

IRS Form 8843, titled “Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition,” is not an income tax return. Instead, it’s an informational statement required by the IRS for nonresident aliens. It should be filed for every nonresident taxpayer who is present in the United States at any time during the tax year, regardless of whether they earned income or not. This includes international students and scholars, as well as their dependents.

Who Needs to File Form 8843?

You must file Form 8843 if:

You are an international student or scholar: This includes those in F, J, M, or Q visa statuses, as well as their dependents (F-2 and J-2).
You are a nonresident for tax purposes: Whether you earned income or not, if you’ve been in the U.S. even for a portion of the year, you need to submit this form.
You want to maintain your nonresident status: Filing Form 8843 helps clarify that you are exempt from the Substantial Presence Test, ensuring you’re not mistakenly treated as a U.S. resident for tax purposes.

How to Fill Out Form 8843

Form 8843 has multiple sections. Depending on your visa status, you only need to fill specific ones. While the form might seem daunting, here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. Fill out Part I – General Information:

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.
Provide your visa type (F-1, J-1, etc.) and the date of your most recent U.S. entry.
Include your current nonimmigrant status and the total number of days you were in the U.S. over the past three years.

2. Fill out the relevant additional sections:

Part II – Teachers/Trainees: If applicable, fill out the sections with information regarding your academic program or sponsoring institution. You fill this if you are a teacher or trainee.
Part III – Students: You fill this if you are a student. Include details about your academic institution, such as name, address, and telephone number.
Part IV – Professional Athletes: You fill this if you are a professional athlete.
Part V – Individuals with a Medical Condition: You fill this if you have a medical condition that requires treatment in the U.S.

3. Signature and Date:

Don’t forget to sign and date your form—this is essential to validate your submission.

Filing and Mailing Your Form 8843

Even though some tax software may help generate Form 8843, you still need to submit a physical copy by mail. The typical mailing address is:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215

Depending on your situation:

If you’re filing it with an income tax return: Attach Form 8843 to your Form 1040-NR and mail them together.
If you’re filing it separately (for those with no income): Mail the completed Form 8843 by the designated deadline if you are not filing an income tax return.

Timely and secure mailing is critical to ensure that your documents are received and processed by the IRS without issue.

How MailMyTaxes.com Can Help

MailMyTaxes.com can help you mail your Form 8843 to the IRS securely and at a cheaper rate than any mailing service. We offer:

Online Mailing: Simply upload a PDF of your Form 8843, and we’ll handle the printing, enveloping, and mailing process.
Reliability: We understand the importance of deadlines and how to properly prepare IRS mails. Our streamlined process ensures that your form 8843 is mailed promptly and correctly to avoid rejection.
Security: We take great care to protect your sensitive personal information throughout the mailing process.

Visit our mailing page to get started. Let us take the hassle out of mailing your tax documents, so you can focus on your studies and professional endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need an SSN or ITIN to file Form 8843?
A: No. If you haven’t been assigned an SSN or ITIN, you can leave that section blank unless you’re claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.

Q: What happens if I miss the deadline?
A: According to the IRS,

"If you don’t file Form 8843 on time, you may not exclude the days you were present in the United States as a professional athlete or because of a medical condition or medical problem that arose while you were in the United States. Failure to exclude days of presence in the United States could result in your being considered a U.S. resident under the substantial presence test. You won’t be penalized if you can show by clear and convincing evidence that you took reasonable actions to become aware of the filing requirements and significant steps to comply with those requirements"

Q: Can I file Form 8843 online?
A: No. Currently, Form 8843 must be printed, signed, and mailed. Our service ensures it is mailed securely to the IRS address. You can use our online mailing service to mail your Form 8843 online.

Conclusion

IRS Form 8843 is a crucial document for many international students and scholars, helping maintain your nonresident tax status in the United States. Understanding how to complete and file this form correctly is key to avoiding future complications with the IRS.

Need help mailing your tax documents?
Visit our mailing page today and let our expert team take care of the mailing process, so you can have peace of mind knowing your documents are in safe hands.

By staying informed and using the right services, you ensure that your tax filing process is smooth, secure, and compliant with IRS requirements. Happy filing!

References

Disclaimer: This guide and all the blogs on MailMyTaxes.com™ are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice. Please consult a tax professional for your specific tax situation. MailMyTaxes.com™ is not affiliated with the IRS or any other government agency.

Understanding IRS Form 8843