u/_C1ZZL3_

I’m an F-1 student with approved CPT and I’m working as an independent contractor for the employer listed on my CPT authorization.

I’ll earn no more than about $375 total from the entire internship and I have not been paid yet.

The employer originally gave me a W-9, but I’m trying to make sure that is actually the correct form for me.

My main questions are:

* If I’m an F-1 student and a nonresident alien for tax purposes, what form should I give the employer instead of a W-9?
* Should I expect a 1099, 1042-S, or something else?
* Does the fact that I’m earning less than $375 change anything about withholding or filing taxes?
* If the employer switches me to W-2 employee status instead, would that generally make the tax paperwork simpler?

I’m already having the employer’s attorney review it, but I wanted to hear from anyone who has dealt with this exact F-1/CPT tax situation.

I’m an F-1 international student currently authorized to work through CPT. My DSO has confirmed that my CPT authorization allows me to work for the approved employer as an independent contractor/1099 worker.

My employer originally gave me a W-9, but I believe I’m still a nonresident alien for U.S. tax purposes, so I’m hesitant to sign a W-9 because it asks me to certify that I’m a U.S. person.

I have not been paid yet, so I’m trying to figure out the correct paperwork before payment is processed.

For an F-1 student who is a nonresident alien and is receiving U.S.-source compensation as an independent contractor:

• Should I be completing Form 8233?
• Is W-8BEN applicable, or is that generally not used for compensation for services performed in the U.S.?
• Should the employer be withholding tax and eventually issuing Form 1042-S instead of a 1099?
• Does the answer change if I am not claiming a tax treaty exemption?

I’m also asking the employer’s attorney/accountant, so I’m not treating Reddit as legal or tax advice. I mainly want to understand what other F-1/NRA students or tax professionals have seen in this situation.

Thanks!