Additional Tax Resources for International Students and Faculty:

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is a member organization promoting international education and providing professional development opportunities to the field. Hundreds of NAFSA members volunteer to serve the Association and thousands advocate for international education. Download the free "Federal Tax Brochure" for more information on how to file your Federal Income Tax Return:

    Federal Tax Brochure * (download the publication here)

 

The Office of International Programs at the University of Pennsylvania has had a very good collection of handouts for international students and scholars on preparing taxes at http://www.upenn.edu/oip/iss/tax/index.html  Although they are prepared for UPenn students and scholars, the information on Federal taxes will be applicable to students at other schools.  Please bear in mind that the  information on Pennsylvania state taxes only applies if you live in Pennsylvania. For most UMBC students, you will need to pay Maryland state taxes.

 

University of Texas at Austin has prepared a "Guide for Preparing Your Federal Tax Return".  This will help you to determine if you are required to file a tax return, which form or forms you should file, understand the filing instructions, and prepare and submit you own U.S. tax  forms.

 

Instructional software on federal tax reporting can be purchased for individual use. This type of software is typically designed for use by those in non-resident tax status, such as F and J students and scholars.  No endorsement is intended by this link, but the below software does come highly recommended by international offices at other schools: Cintax (formerly known as NRAware)

    http://www.cintax.us/

 

Complex filings involving a change of status from a nonimmigrant category to a dual-intent category (i.e, F-1 to H-1B) may require careful analysis. Immigration classifications involving H-1B, O-1, or TN sponsorships could require Itemized Deductions rather than the Standard Deduction for Federal Income Tax reporting. Carefully consult Publication 519 before completing your Federal Tax Return. If you have questions pertaining to whether you should file as a Nonresident or Resident Alien, or if you are confused as to whether you should take the Standard Deduction or Itemize, we suggest hiring a specialist. The Specialist should be a tax expert trained in the filing of Nonresident Alien AND Resident Alien tax returns.

 

 

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last modified 3/19/2008