Am I eligible for a standard deduction as an international student?

 Whether you're eligible for the standard deduction as an international student depends on your tax residency status and your home country.

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✅ If you're a nonresident alien (most F-1 students are):

• ❌ You are generally not eligible for the standard deduction.

• Instead, you can only claim itemized deductions (which are usually very limited—things like state taxes paid, charitable contributions, etc.)

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✅ EXCEPTION: Indian students under the U.S.–India tax treaty

If you are an Indian citizen on an F-1 visa filing Form 1040-NR, then:

• ✅ You can claim the standard deduction ($13,850 for 2023) (indexed yearly)

• This is unique to Indian students due to Article 21(2) of the U.S.–India tax treaty

• You must be a student or business apprentice, and eligible to claim the benefits of the treaty

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❗ Summary Table:

Residency / Country	Eligible for Standard Deduction?
Nonresident alien (most F-1 students)	❌ No
Resident alien (passed SPT or green card)	✅ Yes
Indian F-1 student (1040-NR filer)	✅ Yes (treaty benefit)
Other countries (e.g., China, Korea, etc.)	❌ No standard deduction, but some may have limited treaty benefits

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Would you like me to confirm whether your country has a tax treaty that provides any special deductions or exemptions? Just tell me your nationality.