How much of your US tax can you get back?
Enter the numbers from your W-2. We apply IRS rules for residents and nonresidents, your country's tax treaty, the FICA exemption, credits and your state's tax, and show the math line by line.
Do I need to file a US tax return?
Four quick questions. You'll get a clear answer, the forms you need and what it costs.
Good to know
Students and J-1 visitors file Form 8843 even with no income. If tax was withheld, filing is the only way to get it back, for up to 3 past years.
Resident or nonresident for US tax?
Your tax status decides which return you file and whether you pay Social Security and Medicare tax. It doesn't depend on your immigration status. It depends on your visa and the days you spent in the US.
Tax treaty checker
The US has income tax treaties with over 60 countries. Some let students and trainees earn part of their wages tax-free. See what your country's treaty gives you.
FICA refund checker
Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) tax shouldn't be taken from most nonresident F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Employers often take it anyway. See if you can get it back.
US rental income: 30% of rent or tax on profit?
By default, a nonresident landlord pays a flat 30% on gross rent. You can choose instead to be taxed on net profit, after expenses and depreciation. Compare both.
Selling US property: FIRPTA calculator
When a foreign owner sells, the buyer usually holds back up to 15% of the price for the IRS. Your real tax is often much lower. See how much could come back.
Federal tax bracket calculator
Nonresidents use the same tax rates as US citizens, but most can't take the standard deduction. See which bracket you're in and how much each slice of income costs.
What do I need to file?
A checklist of documents for your visa. Tick them off as you collect them.
Free calculators for people who earn in the US from abroad
Built on IRS Publication 519, Publication 901 and the IRS tax treaty tables.
Ready to get it back?
File it yourself from $45, or let our CPA and Enrolled Agent do it from $80.
About these estimates
These tools give an estimate based on the numbers you enter. They are not tax advice. Your final refund depends on your full situation, which our tax experts check before filing.
Sources: IRS Publication 519 (U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens), Publication 901 (U.S. Tax Treaties), IRS Tax Treaty Tables 1 and 2, Rev. Proc. 2022-38, 2023-34, 2024-40, 2025-32 and the 2025 tax law (P.L. 119-21) for yearly amounts, state revenue departments and the Tax Foundation state tax tables for 2025 and 2026, Forms 1040-NR, 8843, 843, 8233, 8288 and 8288-B instructions.