# 2026 Tax Season: What to Expect

**Source**: https://iss.washington.edu/2025-tax-season-what-to-expect/
**Parent**: https://iss.washington.edu/

The 2026 tax season is here! Filing taxes in the United States can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re filing for the first time as an international student. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process, understand key dates, and access helpful resources.

## Who Needs to File Taxes?

As an international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are required to file certain tax forms even if you didn’t earn any income during the year. International Student Services provides a free-to-use program called **Glacier Tax Prep** to help you through this process. We anticipate the software being available in the coming days.

### Key Tax Forms to Know

- **Form 8843:** Required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders, regardless of income.
- **Form 1040NR:** For nonresidents who earned income in the U.S.
- **W-2:** Provided by your employer if you earned wages. It reflects your earned wages.
- **1042-S:** Issued for certain scholarships, fellowships, or treaty benefits.

### Important Dates for 2026

- **January 26:** Beginning of the tax season. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns.
- **Mid-February:** Glacier Tax Prep will become available (exact date to be confirmed).
- **April 15:** Federal and state tax return filing deadline.
- **June 15:** Form 8843 due (if filing this form only)

### Resources to Help You File

- **Glacier Tax Prep (GTP):** A tax preparation software specifically for nonresidents, provided free of charge to UW international students.
- **UW VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance):** [A local program](https://philquinnresearch.com/uw-vita) to help prepare both domestic and international student returns.
- **Federal Tax Clinic:** [UW Law program](https://www.law.uw.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/federal-tax) that helps resolve disputes with the Internal Revenue Service.

### Tips for a Smooth Tax Filing Experience

- **Start Early:** Don’t wait until the last minute. Gather your documents, learn about the process, and explore resources.
- **Double-Check for Benefits:** Certain treaty benefits may apply to you.
- **Meet the Deadlines**: Filing late could lead to penalties, so plan ahead.

## Need Help?

Attend the [U.S. Tax Workshop](https://washington.zoom.us/meeting/register/Gf3E_oEnR6iSxKeXOxnoVQ#/registration) sponsored by the Federal Tax Clinic and ISS later in February!