Where to Mail Form 8843? If you’re an international student, scholar, teacher, trainee, or other exempt individual in the United States on an F, J, M, or Q visa (or certain other statuses), you likely need to file Form 8843. This informational statement explains why you can exclude days of U.S. presence from the substantial presence test, helping you maintain nonresident alien tax status.
Many people search for “where to send Form 8843” or “Form 8843 mailing address” because the form cannot be e-filed on its own — it must be mailed. This guide provides the most current, official IRS instructions as of 2026, based directly on the 2025 Form 8843 and IRS where-to-file guidance.
Who Must File Form 8843?
You must file Form 8843 if you are a nonresident alien for tax purposes and:
- Were an exempt individual (F-1/J-1/M-1/Q-1 student, J-1/Q-1 teacher or trainee, professional athlete, or dependent) at any time during 2025, OR
- Were unable to leave the U.S. due to a medical condition or medical problem that began while you were in the country.
Important: Even if you had no U.S. income and are not required to file a tax return, you still need to submit Form 8843. Filing it correctly protects your future tax status and avoids potential issues with the substantial presence test.
Spouses and dependents in F-2 or J-2 status must each file their own separate Form 8843.
Form 8843 Deadlines for 2025 Tax Year (Filing in 2026)
The deadline depends on whether you are also filing a tax return:
- If you are filing Form 1040-NR (e.g., you had U.S. wages subject to withholding): Attach Form 8843 to your return and file by April 15, 2026.
- If you have no filing requirement (no U.S. source income or only income that does not trigger a return): Mail Form 8843 separately by the due date for Form 1040-NR, which is typically June 15, 2026 for most nonresident aliens without wages subject to withholding.
Tip: The postmark date on the envelope counts as the filing date. Always use certified mail with return receipt for proof of mailing.
Where to Send Form 8843 – Official IRS Mailing Addresses
Here are the exact addresses from the current IRS Form 8843 (2025) and the official “Where to File” guidance:
1. If you are NOT filing a U.S. tax return (most common for students/scholars with no income)
Mail your completed Form 8843 to:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215
This is the dedicated address for standalone Form 8843.
2. If you ARE filing Form 1040-NR
Attach Form 8843 to your Form 1040-NR and mail the entire package to the address listed in the Instructions for Form 1040-NR. (For most nonresident aliens filing without payment, this is also the Austin, TX service center.)
Do not send Form 8843 separately if you are attaching it to your tax return.
Key rules:
- Each person (including dependents) must mail their own Form 8843 in a separate envelope.
- Do not include any other forms, checks, or documents unless required.
- Use the exact address above — no P.O. Box variations or other service centers.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare and Mail Form 8843
- Download the latest form — Get the official 2025 Form 8843 directly from IRS.gov (search “Form 8843” or go to irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8843.pdf).
- Complete the form — Fill in your personal information, visa status, days of presence, and exempt individual details (Parts I–III). Sign and date it.
- Make a copy — Keep a photocopy or scan for your records.
- Mail it — Use a secure envelope with tracking. Certified mail with return receipt is strongly recommended.
- Deadline reminder — Postmark by April 15 or June 15, 2026, depending on your situation.
Pro tip: Free or low-cost software like Sprintax or Glacier Tax Prep can help generate Form 8843 accurately (and pair it with a 1040-NR if needed).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending to the wrong IRS address (e.g., an old Kansas City address).
- Including Form 8843 in the same envelope as someone else’s form.
- Forgetting to sign the form.
- Missing the deadline (penalties can apply in certain cases).
- Using an incorrect tax year form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I e-file Form 8843?
No. It must be mailed on paper. - What if I had U.S. income?
File Form 8843 attached to your Form 1040-NR. Use the address in your 1040-NR instructions. - Do dependents file separately?
Yes — each individual needs their own Form 8843 in a separate envelope. - Is there a penalty for not filing?
While there is no direct fine for Form 8843 alone, failing to file can affect your ability to claim the exempt-individual exception in future years and may complicate your tax status. - Where can I find the official form and instructions?
Always use IRS.gov. The current version is available at irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8843.
Final Advice
Mailing Form 8843 to the correct Austin, TX address on time is straightforward once you know the rules. Always rely on official IRS sources rather than general advice. If your situation involves U.S. income, consult a tax professional or use IRS-approved nonresident tax software.
For the most up-to-date information, visit:
Stay compliant and protect your nonresident tax status — file on time! If your tax situation is complex, consider professional help from a CPA familiar with nonresident alien taxes.
Last updated: April 2026. Always verify addresses and deadlines on IRS.gov before mailing.