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Even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be required by the Internal Revenue Service to file U.S. federal income tax forms if you were present in the U.S. during 2007. The deadline for filing (except in certain circumstances) is April 15, 2008. Even if you have had no income in 2007, you must file IRS form 8843; the deadline to file is June 15, 2008. Dependents in F-2 and J-2 status must also file Form 8843. There are a number of things to be aware of as you prepare to file a tax return:
- It is a legal requirement that you submit a return. Not filing a return may have a negative impact on your future immigration and employment situation in the U.S.
- The tax laws and explanatory materials are quite complex, but most non-resident (non-immigrant) returns are fairly straightforward in nature.
- You should keep a permanent record of all materials and applications involved in a tax return.
- For legal reasons, the Center for International Education can only provide you general guidance and information. We CANNOT help you complete or verify the accuracy of your tax return.
For more information, download CIE's Tax Handout (PDF, 85k, opens in new window)
Are you a current CSUEB F-1 student? If so, the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program may be able to assist you in preparing your tax documents. Please see the Tax Handout (above) for details and limitations.
Are you a Nonresident Alien employee of CSU East Bay (excluding Aramark or Foundation) interested in filing your tax return for 2007? If so, Cintax Tax Preparation is designed to assist Nonresident Aliens in completing their income tax documents. It’s quick and easy and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Cintax is written in easy-to-understand language. Foreign Nationals don’t have to understand the U.S. tax system, they simply need to answer a few questions about their time spent in the U.S. and any payments they received, that’s all. Cintax does the rest by deciding which tax return to file and putting the right information on the right line. If you need more information about accessing Cintax or have any questions contact your Institution Administrator, Tony Tijero, by email at tony.tijero@csueastbay.edu.
All tax forms and instructions can be downloaded from the Internal Revenue Service website (link opens in new window). Sections of particular interest include (all links open in new window):
International Taxpayers
International Taxpayer - Who is a Student
Publications:
Publication 519–U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
Publication 901–U.S. Tax Treaties (If you are considered a non-resident for tax purposes, tax treaties between the U.S. and your home country may positively affect your tax liability.)
Other tax-related resources include (links open in new window):
U.S. Tax Solutions for Foreign Nationals
UT Austin Guide for Nonresident Aliens Preparing Federal Income Tax Returns
NOTE: Most student tax returns are basic in nature and can be completed using Form 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843. However, if you have a more complicated situation, you will need to obtain the services of a commercial tax preparation organization or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Please note that links to other sites are provided only as a service to F-1 students. These links do not constitute an endorsement of products, services or information provided by other sites.
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