Dreambridge – Taxes Guide for Moroccan Applicants
2. Taxes You Will Pay in the U.S.
As a Work & Travel participant on a J-1 Visa, you are considered a non-resident worker. This means:
You must pay:
✔ Federal income tax (about 10–15% depending on your income)
✔ State income tax (varies by state: about 3–10%)
You do not pay:
✘ Social Security (FICA)
✘ Medicare and Medicaid
3. Documents You Will Receive
✔ Paycheck / Paystub — shows hours worked and taxes deducted
✔ W-2 Form (issued by your U.S. employer in January) — shows total wages and taxes paid
👉 You’ll need your W-2 to apply for a tax refund.
4. How to Claim Your U.S. Tax Refund from Morocco
Wait until January–February after your program ends.
Your U.S. employer will send you your W-2 form by email or mail.
Complete a Non-Resident Tax Return (Form 1040NR). You can do this yourself or use tax refund companies.
Submit your forms to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).
Receive your refund (if you overpaid). Refunds are usually sent by check or direct deposit.
⚠️ Many Moroccan students use tax agencies (e.g., Sprintax, Taxback) to make the process easier.
5. Accessing Your U.S. Paycheck in Morocco
✔ Most U.S. employers pay you through a bank card or direct deposit
✔ If you receive a U.S. debit card (paycard), you can still use it in Morocco at ATMs (fees may apply)
✔ If you receive a check, cashing it in Morocco may be difficult — better to deposit into a U.S. account before leaving
✔ Some students open a U.S. bank account (e.g., Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase) during their program to make refunds and payments easier
6. Tips for Moroccan Students
✔ Keep copies of all your pay stubs
✔ Make sure your employer has your correct home address in Morocco for sending your W-2
✔ Don’t ignore your tax filing — it’s required even if you earned little money
✔ Be careful with agencies charging high fees; compare before choosing
