3) Taxes & Compliance
Working with a CPA (when it's worth it)
A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a professional tax expert. If you only have one W-2 and you are a student, use software like Sprintax (made for internationals). It costs about $60–$100. If you own a business, own property, have complicated investments, or are moving from Nonresident to Resident status, hire a pro (CPA). It may cost $300–$500, but they can save you thousands in mistakes and keep your immigration record clean.
A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a professional tax expert.
- If you only have one W-2 and you are a student, use software like Sprintax (made for internationals). It costs about $60–$100.
- If you own a business, own property, have complicated investments, or are moving from Nonresident to Resident status, hire a pro (CPA). It may cost $300–$500, but they can save you thousands in mistakes and keep your immigration record clean.
Free Resource: How to File Taxes For the First Time: Beginners Guide from a CPA
**[Do You Need To Get A CPA?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enyvTHmiMas)**
4) Investing & Asset Growth
In the U.S., you don't build wealth by just working hard, you build it by owning assets that grow while you sleep. For an international student or worker, investing can feel scary because of visa rules and taxes. But the truth is, the U.S. stock market is one of the most powerful wealth machines in the world, and you are allowed to use it.
Think of investing as planting an orchard. You plant the seeds today so that in 10 or 20 years, you can live off the fruit. Here is how you start safely.
Resources
Record your progress
Mark this subsection complete to track your progress.