I skipped 8843 filing for the last 2 years. This year I need to file a full tax return because I used to work a part-time job in the campus. I am F1 student who got many doubts of which form to file, and how to calculate the exact sums in my tax return.

My roommate told me that he has found some kind of self-preparation software and I'm intending to try it. It was something like spentax or spritax not sure anyway. What do you think about this kind of tax preparation?

I'm afraid I will do mistakes on my tax return like the last year and this could cost me money I don't know what to do. I have considered the idea for hiring tax expert but this sounds kind of expensive. It would be lovely if you could help me out. Thanks in advance.

Don,
I used Cintax back in the day when I was a non-resident alien. Some universities even provide access to it for their students, ask in your (international) student office.
If you use online preparation services, make sure they are legit (there was a new service that opened last year but I forgot the name).
Student tax returns are usually not all that complicated, so have a look at publication 519: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf‎


Just prepare the forms 8843 now and send them in. No harm done.

For sure, you need to file Form 8843. If you earned any income while working as a student, you probably need to file Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ.

CinTax is a good program and should work if you have a simple W-2 job. If you are paid under Form 1099-MISC, then you should get professional help.

I am available and can be contacted at the email address in my profile.