· By TaxCurb Editorial Team
2027 Tax Prep: Questions F-1 Students Should Ask
IRS Tax Professional Awareness Week puts 2027 filing preparation in focus. Here are the questions F-1 students should ask before choosing tax help.
Editorial archive date: 2026-10-20. Researched and prepared November 3, 2026.
F-1 student tax preparation for 2027 starts with asking the right questions. The IRS announced Tax Professional Awareness Week for the week of October 19, 2026, emphasizing accurate returns and taxpayer information security. For students choosing help with 2026 income, that is a useful prompt to check expertise before sharing documents.
Ask how your residency will be determined
Ask the preparer which travel records and prior visa years they need. A useful conversation starts with your facts, including earlier visits, rather than a promise that every F-1 student gets the same return. Keep a written list of questions and ask for an explanation you can follow.
For example, tell the preparer if you studied in the United States before your current degree. Bring the earlier immigration documents to the meeting, even if you did not work during that visit. Leaving that history out makes the initial discussion less useful.
Confirm what the quoted price includes
Request an itemized scope covering the federal return, any required state returns, supporting forms, and help with corrections. Ask who will review the finished return and whether you will receive a full copy. A low starting price is difficult to compare when you cannot see the included work.
- Ask about experience with Form 1040-NR and Form 8843.
- Confirm how W-2 and 1042-S documents will be handled.
- Ask how you can contact the preparer after filing.
Check the document-sharing process
Use the initial appointment to ask where uploaded files are stored, who can access them, and how to request deletion under the provider’s policy. Save the provider’s answers with the service agreement. Avoid putting passport scans or tax identification numbers into a general inquiry message before a secure process is established.
Frequently asked question
Should I select a preparer only by the refund estimate? Compare the service scope and explanation of your tax position. A refund estimate alone does not show that the underlying return is accurate.
What to do next
Bring your travel history and income-document list to the first conversation. Use TaxCurb’s filing checklist to organize that meeting.
Related guides
Topics: 2027 filing season, F-1 students, Tax preparation
Official sources
General educational information. Tax rules depend on your facts and the tax year; check current IRS instructions before filing.