Free Tax Filing Options for International Students: Complete Comparison
Let's be honest: paying $100+ to file taxes when you're already dealing with international student tuition feels like robbery. Here's an honest comparison of every way F1 students can file taxes in 2026.
Let's be honest: paying $100+ to file taxes when you're already dealing with international student tuition feels like robbery.
We get it - we're international students too. That's why we built F1TaxReturn to be completely free for federal returns. But we also want you to know ALL your options, so here's an honest comparison of every way F1 students can file taxes in 2026.
Your Options at a Glance
| Option | Federal Cost | State Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1TaxReturn | Free | $30/state | Students wanting free filing with state support |
| Sprintax | $55.95 | $49.95/state | Students whose university provides free codes |
| Glacier Tax Prep | $49 | Not available | Students with university access (federal only) |
| DIY (Manual) | Free | Free | Very simple situations, high patience |
| VITA | Free | Free | If trained volunteers are available |
| CPA/Tax Pro | $200-500 | Included | Complex situations |
Let's break down each option.
Option 1: F1TaxReturn (That's Us)
Cost:
What's included:
Why we're different:
We built F1TaxReturn because we were frustrated paying Sprintax prices as students. Our platform is:
Who it's best for:
Students who want free federal filing and affordable state filing. Perfect if you work in Illinois, California, or New York.
Limitations:
Currently we support three states (CA, NY, IL) - if you work in Massachusetts or New Jersey, you'd need another option for state.
Option 2: Sprintax
Cost:
What's included:
The university discount angle:
Many universities partner with Sprintax to provide free or discounted access codes. Check with your international student office - you might get federal filing free.
If your university provides a Sprintax code, use it. Free is free.
Who it's best for:
Students whose university provides free access, or those with complex tax situations (multiple states, investments, etc.).
Limitations:
Expensive if you're paying out of pocket. At $106 for federal + one state, it's the priciest mainstream option.
Option 3: Glacier Tax Prep (GTP)
Cost:
What's included:
The catch:
Glacier Tax Prep doesn't handle state returns at all. If you need to file state taxes, you'll need to use a different service for that portion - often Sprintax, which charges $50 per state.
Some universities (like University of Michigan) provide free Glacier Tax Prep access for federal returns, then direct students to Sprintax for state filing.
Who it's best for:
Students with free university access who either don't need state filing or are okay paying Sprintax for state only.
Limitations:
No state tax support. If you work in California or New York, you still need another solution.
Option 4: File Manually (DIY)
Cost: Free
How it works:
Download forms directly from the IRS website:
Complete them by hand following the instructions, then mail them to the IRS.
Who it's best for:
Students with very simple situations:
Limitations:
Error-prone. The IRS instructions for Form 1040-NR are 47 pages long. Mistakes are common, and corrections require amended returns later. Not recommended unless you're very comfortable with tax forms.
Option 5: VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Cost: Free
How it works:
VITA sites are staffed by IRS-trained volunteers who help people file taxes for free. Some sites have volunteers trained in nonresident returns.
The challenge:
Most VITA volunteers are NOT trained on Form 1040-NR or international student taxes. Before going, call ahead and specifically ask: "Do you have volunteers trained on nonresident alien returns for F1 students?"
University-based VITA sites are more likely to have trained volunteers than community sites.
Who it's best for:
Students near a VITA site with trained nonresident volunteers.
Limitations:
Very few VITA sites can handle nonresident returns. If they're not trained, they'll either turn you away or file you incorrectly as a resident.
Option 6: Hire a CPA or Tax Professional
Cost: $200 - $500+
What you get:
A licensed professional handles everything:
Who it's best for:
Students with genuinely complex situations:
Limitations:
Cost. For a standard F1 student with a single W-2, paying $300+ is overkill. Software handles 90% of cases just fine.
How to Choose
Use F1TaxReturn if:
Use Sprintax if:
Use Glacier Tax Prep if:
File manually if:
Use VITA if:
Hire a professional if:
The Bottom Line
Tax filing shouldn't cost international students $100+ when we're already paying premium tuition. That's why we built F1TaxReturn - free federal filing, $30 state filing, created by students who understand exactly what you need.
Whatever you choose, the important thing is to file correctly and on time. Your future visa applications and green card prospects will thank you.
Ready to file your taxes?
F1TaxReturn makes it easy. Free federal filing, state returns just $25.
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