International Student Services

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the United States federal government agency that collects taxes and enforces the internal revenue laws. It is an agency within the U.S. Department of the Treasury and is responsible for interpretation and application of Federal tax law.

Quick Links

Are you looking for answers for your tax questions? Yes, you have found the right place.

Who needs to file tax?

If you were present in the US during 2009 with a F or J non-immigrant status (even 1 day), you are responsible to meet regulations established by Internal Revenue Services (IRS). To learn more, please refer to Publication 519: U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens. Back to top.

What documents do I need to file my tax?

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, 1010 122nd Street S., Tacoma, WA, 98447
You may receive one or some of the following document from your employer:
  • Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • Form W-2*: Wage and Tax Statement from PLU's Business Office and/or CPT/OPT employer if you received compensations 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 scholarship in excess of tuition and mandatory fees charged to their student accounts.
  • Form 1099 series reporting various types of your income other than wages, salaries, and tips- common case is your interest income report from your financial institution.

If you have questions about Form W-2 from PLU, please refer your questions to the Payroll Office. Ms. Linda Henry can assist you. If you have questions about 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 Purpose?  

Most of you are Non-Resident Alien for Tax Purpose 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 purpose. This status is for tax purpose only, please do NOT mix this with your immigration status. All international students are non-immigrant, non-resident alien for immigration purpose. Back to top.

What tax form should I use? 

Have W-2, 1042, or 1099 form(s)

Have NO W-2, 1042, or 10992 form
Non-Resident Alien

Form 8843
Resident Alien

None

 
Back to top.

How should I file my tax?

If you are considered as a non-resident alien without W-2, 1042, nor 1099 form, use the Form 8843 and pay attention to:

  • Fill out the top part of the form, sign and date at the bottom.
  • Part III - Item 9: Pacific Lutheran University, 1010 122nd St., Tacoma, WA, 98447, (253) 535- 6900.
  • Part III - Item 10: Akane Yamaguchi, Pacific Lutheran University, 1010 122nd St., Tacoma, WA, (253) 535-7195.
  • You should be able to answer the rest of items on your own.

If you are considered as a non-resident alien with W-2, 1042, or 1099 form(s), you will need to complete the Form 8843 and Form 1040NR-EZ or 1040-NR. The online resource that ISS recommend to use is called CINTAX, which usually costs $39. Turbotax has a free package available. Please do a research and find a best option for you.

CINTAX                            TurboTax

If you are considered as a resident alien with W-2, 1042-S, or 1099 form(s), complete Form 1040-EZ or 1040. Pierce Country Library System provides free tax advising online or in person. The free edition from Turbotax also provide great tool for your tax filling. Please do a research and find a best venue that fits your need. Back to top.

Deadlines

All Form 1040 series are due on April 15, 2010. 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, 2010.  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.    

What should I do if I have more questions?

If you need help with filling your tax or have general questions about policies, please call IRS at 1-800-829-1040. You should press 1, 2, and then 4 to select the right option. Please note that the wait time may be very long. If you are non-resident alien for tax purpose, you should mention this status and also mention that you may need to speak to Advance Tax Law Department. Back to top. 

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Disclaimer: Please note that International Student Services nor other PLU offices do not have the resources, training or legal authority to provide direct advise with the completion of tax return for individual students. All information are provided for courtesy and should be used for reference purpose only. Back to top.