J-1 and H-1 Visa Tax Preparation
U.S. tax rules change when you’re on a visa.
Residency status, treaty benefits, and state filing all matter.
At Unifirst Financial & Tax Consultants, every return follows a secure, personalized tax process—so you don’t have to guess or rely on generic software.
Built for J-1 and H-1 Visa Holders
This service is for:
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J-1 Interns, Trainees, Teachers, Researchers, and Au Pairs
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H-1B employees and first-year arrivals
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Visa holders unsure whether they are residents or nonresidents for tax purposes
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Families with spouses or children who must be included on a U.S. tax return
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You only file once each year. Filing incorrectly creates problems that take longer than tax season to fix.
Dependent & Family Tax Support: ITIN Applications
Many J-1 and H-1 visa holders have spouses or children who do not qualify for a Social Security Number.
If a spouse or child is required to be listed on a U.S. tax return, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) may be needed.
We assist with:
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Determining whether a spouse or child requires an ITIN
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Preparing tax returns filed with a dependent ITIN application
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Coordinating required documentation for submission
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Ensuring the filing meets IRS requirements the first time
ITIN applications are handled only as part of a compliant tax return, not as a standalone service.
What We Handle
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Residency status determination
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Federal tax return preparation
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State tax filing when required
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Treaty eligibility review and application
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Proper handling of W-2, 1042-S, stipends, and scholarships
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Clear filing summary explaining what was filed and why
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No generic filing. No guessing which rules apply.
Common Filing Mistakes We Fix
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Filing under the wrong residency status
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Missing or misusing tax treaty benefits
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Filing the wrong state return—or none at all
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Reporting income under the wrong form
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Relying on advice that ignores visa-specific rules
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Your visa status changes the outcome. Generic software doesn’t warn you when you’re wrong.
Referral Options
Two simple ways to help others file correctly—kept separate and clear.
For J-1 & H-1 Visa Holders​​
Help Friends File with Confidence
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Share a personal referral link
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Your referral gets visa-specific tax support
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You receive a referral credit
For Sponsors & HR Teams​​
A Dedicated Tax Page for Your Participants
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Participants are sent to sponsor page
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Visa-aware tax support, start to finish
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Your team stays out of tax questions
How Our Tax Process Works
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Book and review
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Enjoy flat-rate pricing
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Complete secure intake and upload documents
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Visa-specific review and preparation
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Review, file, and receive confirmation
Our Filing Process is Structured. Secure. Transparent.
Why Our Clients Choose Us
Your tax return is not run through a template.
At Unifirst Financial & Tax Consultants:
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Flat-rate pricing
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Secure, encrypted client portal
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Visa-specific tax review
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Clear expectations before work begins
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Year-round support—not just tax season
Transparent Pricing
No work begins without your approval. There are no surprise charges or hourly billing.
You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for—before we file.
J-1 / H-1 Basic Filing
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Best for straightforward situations
Designed for visa holders with simple income and no special elections.
Typically includes:
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Residency status determination
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Federal tax return preparation
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State tax filing when required
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Single W-2 income
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Standard filing without treaty claims
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Clear filing summary and confirmation
This option is ideal if your situation is
clean and uncomplicated.
J-1 / H-1 Standard Filing
Best for most visa holders
Designed for situations that require additional review and coordination.
Typically includes:
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Residency status determination
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Federal tax return preparation
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State tax filing when required
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Tax treaty eligibility review
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Multiple income forms ​
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Filing summary explaining how rules were applied
Most J-1 and H-1 filers fall into this category.
Complex or Prior-Year Issues
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For situations that require deeper review
Designed for filings that go beyond a standard annual return.
This may include:
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Amended returns
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Prior-year corrections
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Change in residency status across years
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Unusual or mixed income types
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Compliance clean-up from past filings
Complex situations are reviewed first and quoted clearly before proceeding.
🧠Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common documents needed for tax filing?
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Passport, US Visa, and I-94 record
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DS-2019 (J-1) or I-797 (H-1)
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Social Security Number or ITIN
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W-2, 1042-S, or 1099 forms
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Prior-year return, if available
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Read in details about the tax and supporting documents needed for federal and state filing.
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Am I a resident or nonresident for U.S. tax purposes on a J-1 visa?
Residency depends on your visa type, days of presence, and filing history. Many J-1 holders file as nonresidents initially, but this can change. We determine your correct status before filing.
How are H-1B visa holders taxed in the U.S.?
Most H-1B holders eventually file as residents for tax purposes, but first-year rules can differ. Filing status is reviewed before your return is prepared.
Do J-1 visa holders qualify for tax treaty benefits?
Some do. Eligibility depends on your country, visa category, and timing.
What is the difference between Form 1042-S and Form W-2?
Visa holders may receive one or both depending on income type. Each is reported differently.
Do J-1 or H-1 visa holders need to file state taxes?
Often yes. State rules depend on where you lived and worked.
Do I have to pay Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes?
Many J-1 nonresidents are exempt for certain years. H-1B holders are typically subject to FICA.
If I earned no income, do I still need to file?
In many cases, yes. Certain forms may still be required.
Can you fix a return filed incorrectly in the past?
Yes. Prior filings can be reviewed and corrected. Any amendment work is quoted upfront.
Still unsure? We’ll review your situation before filing.