International Student Services
Are you looking for answers for your tax questions? Yes, you have found the right place.
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Am I considered a non-resident alien or resident alien for tax purposes?
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I have additional questions that are not answered on this page!
Who needs to file a US tax return?
If you were present in the US during 2011 with a F or J non-immigrant status (even 1 day), you are responsible for meeting regulations established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more detailed information, please refer to Publication 519: U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens Back to top.
What documents do I need to file my tax return?
You should have all the following documents:
- Visa/immigration Status Information
- Current and all previous passports
- Form I-20 (for F status individual) OR Form DS-2019 (for J status individual)
- Current US address and/or Foreign Permanent Address
- U.S. Entry and Exit Dates for current and past visits to the U.S. (should be noted on your passport(s))
- PLU contact:
- Name of the Director of Academic Program in Which You Participate: Akane Yamaguchi
- Program Director's Telephone Number: 253-535-7195
- Name of the Academic Institution or School that Sponsored your Current Immigration Status: Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Avenue S., Tacoma, WA, 98447
If you are filing a US tax return because of wages from an employer, you must have a Social Security Number which is issued by the Social Security Administration (you must have an active job at the time of application in order to qualify for one). If you are filing a US tax return because of money earned from a US source other than wages (such as interest), you must have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) which is issued by the IRS. To learn more about ITIN number, please click here
You may receive one or more of the following documents:
- Form W-2*: Wage and Tax Statement from PLU's Payroll Office and/or your CPT/OPT employer if you received compensation for your work.
- Form 1042-S: Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding from PLU's Business Office if you have received scholarships in excess of tuition and mandatory fees charged to your student account.
- Form 1099 series reporting various types of your income other than wages, salaries, and tips- a common case is your interest income report from your financial institution.
If you have questions about your Form W-2 from PLU, please refer your questions to the Payroll Office. Ms. Linda Henry can assist you. If you have questions about your Form 1042-S from PLU, please refer your questions to the Business Office. Ms. Gemma Dulay or Ms. Pat O'Donnell can assist you. Back to top.
Am I considered a Non-Resident Alien or Resident Alien for Tax Purposes?
Most of you are Non-Resident Aliens for Tax Purposes UNLESS you have been in F or J status during any part of more than 5 calendar years. Here is more information if you wish NOT to be treated as a Resident Alien for tax purposes.
This status is for tax purposes only. Please do NOT mix this with your immigration status. All international students are non-immigrant, non-resident aliens for immigration purposes. Back to top.
What tax form should I use?
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Have W-2, 1042s, or 1099 form(s) |
Have NO W-2, 1042, or 10992 form |
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| Non-Resident Alien |
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| Resident Alien |
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None |
How should I file my tax return?
If you are considered a non-resident alien with NO W-2, 1042s, or 1099 form(s), use Form 8843 and pay attention to the following:
- Fill out the top part of the form, sign and date at the bottom.
- Part III - Item 9: Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Ave S, Tacoma, WA, 98447, (253) 535- 6900.
- Part III - Item 10: Akane Yamaguchi, Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Avenue S., Tacoma, WA, 98447 (253) 535-7195.
- You should be able to answer the rest of the items on your own.
If you are considered a non-resident alien with W-2, 1042s, or 1099 form(s), you need to use Form 8843 and 1040NR-EZ or 1040-NR. An online resource that ISS recommends to use is called CINTAX. The cost is $39.
If you are considered a resident alien with W-2, 1042-S, or 1099 form(s), you must file 1040-EZ or 1040. The Pierce Country Library System provides free tax advising online or in person. Another free online service is Turbotax. Please do research and find a best venue that fits your need. Back to top.
Deadlines
All Form 1040 series are due on April 17, 2012. If you also need to submit Form 8843 along with Form 1040 series, it is due at the same time. If you are submitting only Form 8843, it is due on June 15, 2012. Back to top.
Where should I send my tax files to?
Electronic filing is encouraged for Form 1040 series. If you are sending Form 8843 only or with Form 1040 series, mail them to: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215 Back to top.
I have questions about 1098-T Form!
Please visit Business Office's Student Accounts Page. Find a link to a document called, "Student Account 1098 T FAQ's" on the right hand side of the page.
I have additional questions!
If you have additional questions, please call the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040. If you have a general question about your tax filing or regulations, you should be pressing 2, 2 and then 3. Please note that the wait time may be long. If you are a non-resident alien for tax purposes, please mention your status AND also mention that you may need to speak to the advanced tax law department.
More Resources
IRS Webpage on Tax Issues for Foreign Students and Scholars
US Dep. of Homeland Security, Custom and Immigration Enforcement, Student and Exchange Visitor Program's Webpage on F-1 and M-1 Students: Social Security and Tax Issues.