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PhuPham
Returning Member

Form 8615 as an international student

Hi everyone. This is my 6th year in the U.S now so I can't use Sprintax to file 2025 tax return. For Form 8615, it's asking for my parent's SSN, which they don't have since they're NRA. But I can't type NRA directly into the SSN box. Should I just leave it blank?

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5 Replies
rjs
Level 15
Level 15

Form 8615 as an international student

Are you a U.S. citizen or resident alien? If you are a nonresident alien, you cannot use TurboTax to file your tax return. If you cannot use Sprintax you will have to find another way to file your U.S. tax return.


If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, does either of your parents file a U.S. tax return? If your parent has an ITIN, enter the ITIN in the space for the Social Security number.


If your parents are not required to file a U.S. tax return, the IRS apparently never considered the possibility of a U.S. citizen or resident alien who is required to file Form 8615, but whose parents are nonresident aliens. The IRS does not provide any instructions or guidance for this situation. I don't have a good answer for you. Several of the community Champions discussed this a few years ago. Here's the best solution we could come up with.


When TurboTax asks whether your parents are filing a joint tax return for 2025, answer Yes, even though they aren't. When it asks for your parents' taxable income, enter zero. Leave all the other income questions blank. Also leave your parent's Social Security number blank. When the error check tells you that the SSN must be entered, just click Continue. You will not be able to e-file. Print the tax return. In the space for the parent's Social Security number on Form 8615, write NRA. Sign the tax return and file it by mail.

 

PhuPham
Returning Member

Form 8615 as an international student

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When I tried to use Sprintax to file, this is what I got. That's how I ended up here. I've been studying in the US since 2020 up to now, so 6 years. I think that's why I got this. As for my citizenship, I have a Michigan driver's license and SSN, but not a green card.

rjs
Level 15
Level 15

Form 8615 as an international student

If you are a resident alien, skip the first paragraph of my reply above, and read the rest of the reply.

 

PhuPham
Returning Member

Form 8615 as an international student

So when I made the payment, it gives me the option to print out a physical copy of the tax file? And how do I mail it?

rjs
Level 15
Level 15

Form 8615 as an international student

Go to the following link for instructions.


How do I file my return by mail?


When you file by mail you have to attach copies of any W-2 forms, and copies of any 1099-R forms that have tax withheld. We recommend that you mail it by certified mail with a return receipt so that you have tracking and confirmation of delivery.

 

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