How to file taxes as an int'l freshman student studying remotely but enrolled at US college (I don't have a visa yet), and I get scholarship in excess of tuition?

[lindsayharley123]

Due to COVID, my school has allowed me to study remotely. I have been studying remotely my entire freshman year so I do not have a F-1 or J-1 visa and I do receive scholarship in excess of tuition and fees from my school.

[ThomasM125]

If you are not a US citizen or resident alien, you would complete form 1040NR to report your scholarship income. You cannot do that in TurboTax, you but you can use Sprintax to prepare form 1040NR, here is a link:

https://www.sprintax.com/

[lindsayharley123]

Thank you so much for responding! I began trying to file with Sprintax, however, I ran into some issues when the system started to ask for visa information. I do not have an F1 visa as I’ve never been to the US physically for study. The Sprintax agent said I would not be able to file with them without a visa. Do you have any more suggestions? @ThomasM125 

[ThomasM125]

You can complete form 1040-NR online by yourself and mail it to the IRS, here is a link to the form and instructions:

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-nr

[lindsayharley123]

Thank you so much!!!!!

and for the identifying number that the form needs, can I fill out a W-7 for an ITIN? (can you get an ITIN even though you’re not in the US?) 

I appreciate all your help so far! @ThomasM125 

[LinaJ2020]

For nonresident filing, please contact Sprintax. 

You should be able to apply for ITIN while not in the US.  To see details for W-7, click here: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7

[lindsayharley123]

Thank you Lina! @LinaJ2020