Form 8843 is not an income tax return. Form 8843 is merely an informational statement required by the U.S. government for certain nonresident aliens (including the spouses or dependents of nonresident aliens).
All nonresident aliens present in the U.S. under F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status must file Form 8843 “Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals With a Medical Condition”—even if they received NO income during the tax filing year.
Form 8843 must be filed if an individual is:
If an individual meets all three qualifications above, the individual must file Form 8843, regardless of the individual’s age, and even if the individual is not required to file a U.S. income tax return (Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ).
Form 8843 is typically attached to your 1040-NR income tax return. If you're filing form 1040-NR, you should mail form 8843 to the address shown in your tax return instructions. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215 by the due date (including extensions) for filing Form 1040-NR.
Although TurboTax doesn't support IRS Form 1040-NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return), we have partnered with Sprintax to offer both federal and state tax preparation for international students, scholars, and nonresident foreign professionals.
Please see this help article for more information about preparing Form 1040NR with Sprintax.