How do I file my taxes if I worked multiple jobs on CPT/OPT?

 If you worked multiple jobs while on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training), your tax filing process depends on your visa status, your residency status for tax purposes, and the types of income you earned.

Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for international students on F-1 visas working on CPT/OPT:

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🧾 1. Determine Your Tax Residency Status

Most international students on F-1 visas are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes during their first 5 calendar years in the U.S.

• If you're in your first 5 years: File Form 1040-NR

• If you're in your 6th year or later and pass the Substantial Presence Test: File Form 1040

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🛠 2. Gather Your Tax Documents

You should receive the following from each employer:

• W-2 Form: Reports your wage income and taxes withheld.

• Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC: If you did any contract work (usually rare and not allowed under F-1 unless authorized).

• Form 1042-S (if applicable): Reports scholarships or treaty-exempt income.

Make sure you collect all W-2s from each job—even if they were short-term.

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💻 3. Choose the Right Filing Software

If you're a nonresident alien, use software that supports Form 1040-NR (most common tax software like TurboTax and H&R Block do not support this).

Recommended for 1040-NR filers:

• Sprintax

• Glacier Tax Prep (often provided by universities)

If you qualify as a resident alien (Form 1040):

• You can use any regular tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, etc.)

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💡 4. File Federal and State Taxes

• Federal Taxes: File either Form 1040-NR or Form 1040, depending on residency.

• State Taxes: You must also file a state tax return for each state you worked in (unless that state has no income tax like Texas, Florida, etc.)

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🛂 5. Don't Forget Form 8843

If you're filing as a nonresident alien, you must file Form 8843, even if you had no income.

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✨ Bonus Tip:

You may be eligible for tax treaty benefits that reduce or eliminate federal tax on your wages. These are reported on Form 1042-S and claimed using Form 8833 (if required).

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✅ Final Checklist:

Document	Required?	Who it's for
W-2	✅	Anyone with wage income
1099-NEC / 1099-MISC	Maybe	Independent contractors (rare for F-1)
1042-S	Maybe	Scholarship or treaty-exempt wages
Form 8843	✅	All F-1 students filing 1040-NR
Form 1040-NR	✅	Nonresident aliens
Form 1040	✅	Resident aliens
State Tax Return(s)	✅	If applicable

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If you tell me:

• How many years you've been in the U.S.

• Your visa type

• Which states you worked in

• Whether you received W-2s, 1099s, or 1042-S

I can walk you through a more specific filing guide.