Is there someone at OISS I can speak with regarding my taxes?
Sorry, no.We do wish we could provide more tax services for our international Gauchos, but unfortunately OISS staff legally cannot provide tax advice.
We always encourage you to provide feedback to campus leadership about needs for more resources. While we do our best to convey this need, the messaging from students & scholars is always heard louder and stronger.
If you have additional questions regarding your specific situation, we recommend contacting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at (800) 829-1040. You may also contact the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) for questions about state taxes at (800) 852-5711.
When should I file my tax return? What forms should I have before filing?
Thedeadlinefor the IRS to receive your tax return can be found on the IRS website.You should have the following forms and information available when preparing to file:
• Visa/Immigration Status information
• Passport
• Form DS-2019, if J status
• Form I-20, if F status
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), if you have been assigned one
• Address information (Current U.S. and Foreign Address)
• U.S. Entry and Exit Dates for the current and past visits to the U.S.
• Forms W-2, 1042-S**, and/or 1099, if you received any
• Scholarship/fellowship grant letter, if you received any
• Copy of your 2012 federal income tax return, if you filed a federal income tax return last year
• Bank account number and routing number, or check, for direct deposit
I did not earn any income last year. Am I still required to file taxes?
While you are not required to file taxes, you are still required to file a Form 8843. All nonresident aliens who are present in the U.S. under F, J, M, or Q I-94 statuses at any point in the tax year are required to file this form.Form 8843is not an income tax return but an informational statement required by the U.S. government. More information can be found on page 3-4 of the form.
However, if you are a nonresident who has earned income, you will file the Form 8843 in addition to Form 1040NR-EZ or 1040NR.
How do I know if I am a resident or nonresident for tax purposes?
If you choose to use Sprintax, Step 1 of the online questionnaire will determine whether you are a resident or nonresident for tax purposes. If you do not use Sprintax, you will need to seek advice from a tax professional on your own. Sprintax is able to assist nonresidents while other services, like Tubo Tax only assist residents. OISS does not provide tax advice as we are not trained Certified Public Accountants (CPA).
If I’m a resident for tax purposes, I cannot use Sprintax. What other options do I have?
You could use an online tax preparation software, such asTurboTaxorTaxAct. You can also visit theUCSB VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)site for free assistance. Please make sure to bring your prior year’s tax return (if you have one) and ALL income tax forms.
