Filing Taxes
Without the right resources and information, filing taxes in the United States can be confusing! Each year, the ISP office hosts a tax information workshop for those students who wish to receive individual filing help. Watch your mail and the notice board in the ISP office to learn the exact date and location of this recurring tax session. You will also find some helpful resources for tax questions below!
*ATTENTION*: All international students and scholars in F or J status must file Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8843. Click here to download Instructions for Filing IRS Form 8843.
- If you had income from a US source (including scholarships, fellowships, salaries, income on investments, as well as other types of income), you must file Form 8843 and a tax return on IRS Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ no later than April 15. You should receive Form 1042-S and/or Form W-2, which are used when filing your tax return, from the Controller's Office in January or February.
- To file Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ, a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required. To file Form 8843 only, an SSN or ITIN is not needed.
- Failure to comply with IRS regulations can have serious consequences. Even if you owe no taxes, you are required by law to comply with filing procedures. Penalties range from additional costs plus interest for any unpaid tax to incarceration if convicted of tax fraud or evasion.
- IRS International Tax Help Telephone Number
The IRS has a telephone number dedicated solely to international tax questions. The number is 215-516-2000. The number is operational for 20 hours a day from Monday through Friday (6am-2am) and will be staffed by approximately 40 employees of the Philadelphia Service Center.
- Instructions for Filing IRS Form 8843
- Foreign Student/Foreign Scholar 1040NR/1040NR-EZ filing requirements
- Instructions for filing Form 1040NR (2004)
- Instructions for filing Form 1040NR-EZ (2004)
- Address for sending tax returns:
IRS Center
Philadelphia, PA 19255-0002. - Toll-free IRS number: 1-800-829-1040
This is a general number. Be sure to mention that you will be filing as a nonresident. - Contact the IRS online
- To order IRS forms: 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676)
- Download IRS forms
We recommend you order or download Publication 519: U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, Publication 901: U.S. Tax Treaties, and instructions for Forms 1040NR and 1040NR-EZ. If you will be claiming business expenses, child care expenses, or charitable contributions, ask for the appropriate forms.
- Automated Refund Hotline: 1-800-829-1954.
- Call if 8 weeks have gone by since you mailed your return and you expect a refund. Have a copy of your tax return in hand. You will be asked to supply your Social Security Number or ITIN, filing status, as well as the exact amount of refund.
Websites
IRS Frequently Asked Tax Questions and Answers.
Guide for Preparing Federal Tax Return for International Students, Scholars, and Researchers. This University of Texas site is very helpful and contains clear instructions for how to file taxes.
Binghamton University Income Tax Page. This page gives information about the income tax system in the United States, requirements for international students, and Frequently Asked Questions.
www.istaxes.com. IS (International Student) Taxes is a fee-based website that will help you file your tax return.
Important Information for Those Without Social Security Numbers (SSN)
In order to file a 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ, you must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). To include your spouse and/or dependents on a tax return, they will also need an ITIN or SSN. If you do not have an SSN, you may get an ITIN by walking into the IRS office on the 1st floor of the Federal bldg. in downtown Spokane (920 W Riverside Ave.; (509) 353-0508). You can also print a Form W-7, complete it, and send it with your tax return.
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